Home Remedies for Cold and Cough
Unbelievably, the annoying sensations everyone experiences are signs of the immune system fighting against disease and are a necessary element of the natural healing process. For example, when a person catches a fever, the body temperature is raised due to white blood cells fighting against diseases. The common cold and flu have no better cure than leaving them in your body’s natural healing system.
Maybe you would have heard that there is no treatment for cold and cough but you can try some common home remedies that can give you relief in annoying sensations and pain. Many natural medicines, including honey, soups, ginger, and saltwater, might aid in the natural resolution of a cough.
Chicken soup, honey, ginger tea, salt water gargling, turmeric, and licorice are some of the most effective home remedies against cold and cough.
Honey
Honey is a famous and trusted home remedy for suppressing cough and cold. Numerous antibacterial and antimicrobial properties are present in honey. Sore throat discomfort can be relieved by consuming honey in tea with lemon. Do not give to infants younger than 12 months.
Ginger
Ginger is another source of comfort in cold and fever. Many researches show that ginger has some pure chemicals found in ginger root. These chemicals relax the muscles that constrict your airways. Ginger can be consumed raw or combined with honey and crushed ginger root to make a hot tea. The ginger tea is made by boiling water and adding a little crushed ginger.
Saltwater Gargling
Gargling with salt water is used as a preventive measure against fever and flu. Saltwater gives you a comfortable feeling as well. Gargling with saltwater dominates bacteria or allergens present in the mouth. To make saltwater for gargling you just need a glass of mild hot water and add 1 tablespoon of salt in it. It is a very effective remedy, I use it too when I catch the flu.
Chicken Soup
Chicken soups are really good as they are good in taste, improve your immune system, and give you strength. To make chicken soup you just have to boil the chicken with vegetables like onions, ginger, and garlic with salt and black pepper. Almost every doctor recommends chicken soup for colds and coughs.
Turmeric
Turmeric has a component called curcumin containing potential antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also be beneficial for many illnesses, such as dry cough. Curcumin’s absorption into the bloodstream is improved by black pepper. Mix a half teaspoon of hot milk and drink it. Turmeric has many benefits that’s why it is also used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat upper respiratory conditions including bronchitis and asthma. It was also used in the past for the treatment of wounds as it contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Licorice
One of the most ancient remedies in the book for treating cough is mulethi, or licorice. All you need is to make a tea with it. You can also chew on a licorice stick if you have a sore throat or have been experiencing persistent coughing. Your throat is soothed as you chew on it for a cold and cough, which gradually stops your coughing.
Steam
Steam is also one of the most effective home remedies against colds and coughs. Mucus is loosened and simpler to remove as a result of steam. Boil some water in a kettle and then take it off the heat to employ steam as a natural treatment. For five to ten minutes, lean over the pot, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in the steam. For extra advantages, you may also include essential oils in the water, such as peppermint or eucalyptus.
Drink Water
In addition to keeping you hydrated and relieving cough pain, drinking lots of water thins the mucus in your throat. It also reduces the body temperature and keeps your stomach cool. You would have observed that your stomach becomes unstable when you catch a fever. Drinking water can fix the stomach. I also drink more water for fever and flu.
Garlic
Strong natural antibiotics like garlic can help prevent infections that lead to coughs and colds. Additionally, it is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory that can aid in lowering respiratory system irritation. Crush a few cloves of garlic and combine them with honey to form a natural cough syrup before consuming. We also eat garlic in everyday meals so it is harmless too.
Menthol Rubs
Menthol is my favorite remedy against colds and coughs too. The naturally occurring ingredient in peppermint, menthol, expands your airways to facilitate easier breathing. It can therefore prevent coughing as well. Menthol is present in cough drops, tea with peppermint leaves, and chest massages. I also apply menthol-based rubs when I become ill. It also reduces pain and helps with sleep.
Vitamin C
Last but not least is Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and supports our immune system. Use Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables like oranges, lemons, and green vegetables. Drink tea with lemon as it contains Vitamin C.
These are some home remedies to overcome cold and cough. I hope you will find them useful and will be better soon. All the remedies mentioned above are natural things and are harmless in any way. If you have any questions feel free to ask. You can also read our article on a healthy diet.