Home Remedies for Cold and Cough

Home Remedies for Cold and Cough

With the winters coming up, runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever and sore throat are inevitable. Cold is the most common illnesses known to man.The common cold and cough is often mild and usually last for 1 – 2 weeks.

What Are The Symptoms Of Common Cough And Cold

First signs of cold are a runny nose, scratchy throat, watery eyes, sneezing, headache, body aches, fatigue and nasal congestion. According to certain estimates, the common cold is a leading cause of missed days from work and school. Children usually have about 7 – 10 bout of colds and cough in a year and adults may have 2 – 4 bout of colds per year.
Indian household has always trusted home remedies for common cold and cough. These home remedies not only help in alleviating the symptoms but are also free from side effects.

Following are the Few Home Remedies Commonly used in the Cold.

1. Steam For Cough And Cold

We all have heard of the old folk method of inhaling the steam for cold. Inhaling Steam or humidified air helps in alleviating stuffy nose; it moisturizes dry nasal passage and liquefies mucous secretions.

You can boil a few cups of water, pour it into a bowl. Place this bowl on a flat surface; cover your head with a towel, forming a tent. Lean over the bowl and inhale the steam. Essential oils can be added to promote refreshment and revitalization.

Personal hand held vapor inhalers are also readily available, they are easy and portable.
Steam vaporizers are handy; they produce a steady flow of humidified and warm air.

• You may also inhale the steam by standing beside a hot shower.

2. Gargle with warm Salt Water Steam For Cough And Cold

Gargles with warm water help by moistening throat, it reduces inflammation and increases blood circulation in the area.
You can add ½ teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Honey and turmeric powder can be added for additional health benefits.

3. Ginger Steam For Cough And Cold

Ginger helps in treating cold and other respiratory illnesses, with a bonus of good taste. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in sweating out the toxins from the body. It also reduces swelling of sinuses.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over grated ginger and let it steep this for 3 – 4 minutes. Strain this ginger tea, add lemon juice and honey. Lemon strengthens the immune system and honey act as a natural cough suppressant; it soothes a sore throat.

4. Cinnamon Steam For Cough And Cold

Cinnamon is one of the ancient spices known to mankind. It was once considered precious than gold; Egyptians often used this as medicine.
You can mix ¼ teaspoon of powdered cinnamon in 1 teaspoon of honey. Consume this twice a day.
You can also make yourself a cup of warm tea, containing cinnamon, ginger, lemon, and honey.
Alternatively, Make syrup by adding few drops of lemon in ½ tablespoon of honey. Add a pinch of cinnamon powder. You can have this mixture 2 -3 times a day.

5. Drink Lukewarm water Steam For Cough And Cold

Lukewarm water helps in reducing inflammation in the throat, it relieves congestion and soothes the scratchy throat.

6. Turmeric Steam For Cough And Cold

Turmeric contains cur cumin, which helps in the healing of the wound, reduces inflammation, and decreases the risk of allergies. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
You can add a teaspoon of turmeric powder in your tea, consume this twice daily.
Alternatively, you can also consume turmeric by adding it to a tablespoon of honey. It soothes the infected throat and expels excess mucous.

7. Green Tea Steam For Cough And Cold

Green tea was originated in China, but it has gained popularity all over the world because of phytochemicals such as polyphenols. Polyphenols such as epicatechin gallate, flavanols, epigallocatechin, and epicatechins have anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant effects. Green tea is a type of tea, which has the leaf of Camelliasinensis. These leaves have not undergone oxidation and wilting.

You should brew the green tea properly for maximum benefits, try to use loose tea leaves for better quality tea, as opposed to tea bags. You can use one teaspoon (3 grams) of tea leaves for the 8-ounce cup of water. Pour the boiled water over the tea leaves and let them steep for 1 – 3 minutes. Strain out the tea leaves to avoid excessive steeping, which may bitter the taste. Avoid adding milk, sugar, or any other additives.

8. Apple cider vinegar Steam For Cough And Cold

Apple cider vinegar is loaded with antiviral and antibacterial properties. It loosens up the mucus and assists in expelling it. Organic or unpasteurized apple cider vinegar is more beneficial because it contains compounds like acetic acid, magnesium, potassium, and probiotic aid body in maintaining alkaline pH.

Mix two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of lukewarm water. Add a dash of cinnamon powder or few drops of lemon for taste and added benefits. Drink this 2 – 3 times a day.