Changing weather often precipitates cold and flu. The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract that is caused by different viruses. We have numbers of home remedies for cold and cough Running nose, cough, sore throat, sneezing, body ache, headache are the common symptoms of a common cold. You canβt cure cold and cough while you can relieve the cough and sore throat that are the main symptoms of cold and cough.
Many households trust home remedies to cure common cold and cough symptoms. Home remedies are also free from any side effects.
Here some of the home remedies for common cold and cough in adults & kids
Ginger tea
Ginger tea helps in treating cold and cough along with a good taste. The tea is helpful during the runny and dripping nose and speeds up the recovery process. There is an anti-inflammatory property in ginger that is why it is used in relieving sore throats. Ginger is also believed to have antimicrobial properties that help to fight bacterial and viral infections.
For making ginger tea, put some ginger in boiling water and let it steep for five minutes then strain the liquid. You can drink the ginger tear two to three times per day.
You can take raw ginger and chew on it two to three times per day.
Milk and turmeric for cold
You can find these ingredients in every kitchen. Turmeric has strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which help in treating many health problems. When turmeric is mixed with warm milk, it is very effective in treating cold and cough.
Gargle with saltwater for cough
This is an old therapy. Warm water helps in soothing sore throat. Saltwater reduces mucus. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and use it to gargle.
Honey – best home remedies for cough
One teaspoon honey before sleeping can be beneficial in relieving cough. It is also very helpful for nighttime coughing in children.
Mix 2 teaspoons with warm water and drink the mixture twice a day.
Probiotics – must try for common cough
Probiotics are the live bacteria that are good for your digestive system. They are good bacteria that help to keep your gut healthy. Although they do not help directly in relieving cold and cough, they are beneficial in boosting the immune system. E.g. Lactobacillus helps prevent the common cold.
Bromelain – recommended home remedies for common cough
Bromelain is an enzyme commonly found in the stem and fruit of pineapples. Pineapple can be used as a remedy for cold and cough as it can lose the mucus in your throat.
You can drink fresh pineapple juice or eat a slice of pineapple.
Steam – Don’t forget this
A wet cough, which produces mucus can be improved with the help of steam. Make a steam bowl and fill it with hot water. You can add herbs or essential oils to this water.
Lean over the bowl and place a towel over your head for trapping stress. Inhale the vapors for 5-6 minutes.
Jaggery with milk
Jaggery along with warm milk and black pepper can give you relief from chest congestion. Jiggery produces heat in the body that is why most people prefer jaggery in winters.
Sip warm liquids – helpful in cough
You can take warm liquids such as tea, chicken soups, etc. It will help in loosening of mucus and might be soothing.
Prevention is the best home remedies for cold and cough
The best remedy for cold is prevention. Although it is not always possible to prevent cold. Here are some of the precautions that you must take for decreasing the chances of having a cold.
Frequent hand-washing
Hand-washing can prevent the transfer of viruses living on hands. You can use soap and water for about 20 seconds. Alcohol containing hand sanitizers is also the best option when you don’t have soap and water.
Keeping your immune system strong
You cannot avoid all the germs around you. By keeping your immune system strong, the chances of fighting with the germs increases.
Getting proper sleep, exercises and taking a well-balanced diet are the ways to boost the immune system. Avoid smoking and keep the stress down also helps in strengthening of the immune system.
The common cold is a self-limited disease which is easily manageable at home. Although it has no cure and there is no available vaccine for the common cold. It is contagious during the initial days of illness. Trying these home remedies for cold and cough that can help you in managing this.
