1. Ginger Tea. Ginger tea is easy to make. Measure 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger into a heat proof mug or glass and pour 1 cup of boiling water over it. Cover with a saucer and let sit until cool enough to drink before straining. (I line a fine mesh strainer with a coffee filter to do so.) Sweeten with honey or sugar as desired.
Vicks VapoRub is considered absolutely unsafe for children under 2. Consumption of small amounts of one of the ingredients (camphor) can be fatal for children, and getting Vicks in your eye (hard to avoid in little ones) can cause eye damage. So, I would highly recommend against using it in young children.
One of the most popular DIY cures involves rubbing Vicks VapoRub on the bottom of your child's feet and chest at night, covering with a warm towel for 30 seconds, and repeating a few times. Though it sounds odd, some parents swear that come morning, the nagging cough is a distant memory.