WHO defines health as “Health is a state of complete mental, physical and social well-being and not merely the absence of any disease or infirmity.” This statement becomes a little challenging when we get some common illnesses like cough and the common cold.
With appropriate nutrition and healthy lifestyles, we can ward off infections. Simple home remedies for the common cold go a long way to help us recover from and fight common illnesses like cold and cough effectively and easily.
9 Home Remedies For The Common Cold
1. Honey
Honey is the wonder liquid that works better than medications in relieving the common cold. Honey has anti-bacterial properties that help fight the common cold. It fights the infections caused due to viruses and bacteria. Therefore, mix up to 2 tsp of organic honey with warm water and lemon. The lemon juice can help with congestion.
2. Thyme
Thyme is used for respiratory illnesses. The leaves of thyme contain flavonoids that relax the throat muscles, which lessen the inflammation. It has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that ward off any ailments. It also helps in boosting your immune system. You can have thyme tea at home by mixing 2 tsp of crushed leaves and 1 cup of boiling water. Then steep for 10 minutes; strain it and sip.
3. Oregano
Oregano has antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and flu-fighting properties. It can also be used to treat lung or respiratory conditions, according to Dr. Fratellone. You can pour eight ounces of boiling water over one teaspoon of dried oregano and let it stand for ten minutes at least. You can drink around 2 cups a day.
4. Magic Potion
Magic potion is a wonderful recipe that is excellent in healing cough and the common cold as it builds up immunity. The ingredients include common Indian household spices like ginger, garlic, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, peppercorns.
Take 1 piece of ginger mashed, 1 garlic, 2 cardamoms, 2 cloves, cinnamon sticks, and 3 black peppercorns. Boil the water and wait until it reduces to half. You can add lemon to it. After that strain, add 1 tsp of organic honey. Drink this magic potion twice a day at least.
5. Black Pepper
Black pepper is known for its expectorant properties that reduce cough and cold symptoms. Black pepper stimulates circulation and mucus flow. To make the tea, take one teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and two tablespoons of organic honey in a cup. Then fill with boiling water and let steep it and, covered for 10 minutes. Then strain it and sip.
6. Lime Pepper Honey Water Mix
Lime pepper honey water mix is another of effective home remedy for the common cold. It is best to sip it in the early morning on an empty stomach. Lime juice has vitamin C which strengthens your immunity. Honey has anti-microbial properties to fight cold. And cayenne pepper help relieve symptoms like sneezing, a stuffy nose, etc.
Add 2 tbsp of lime juice, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp of organic honey in a half cup of water (warm preferably). You can add ginger too. Take this wonderful liquid 3 times a day before breakfast, lunch, and dinner if you suffer from the common cold.
7. Herbal Tea
One of the effective home remedies for the common cold is drinking herbal tea. Add 2 tbsp of fresh ginger juice, 1 tbsp of fresh garlic juice, a pinch of turmeric powder, and cardamom in water. Then boil this solution and after then simmer it for 2 minutes. Strain the water and add 1 tsp of honey (organic) and drink it warm.
We can even brew ginger tea by adding fresh ginger slices to a hot water cup, then steeping it for a few minutes before drinking. After that, add 1 tsp of organic honey to soothe a cough. Ginger has anti-inflammatory compounds that relax membranes in the airways by preventing inflammation.
8. Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a vital role in reducing cough and cold as it has antioxidant properties. Vitamin C also helps builds immunity to fight infections. We can include rich sources of vitamin C like bell peppers, capsicums, Brussels, oranges, apples, lemons, guavas, etc. Include vitamin c rich foods in your diet and how it fights your cold.
9. Chicken And Vegetables
Sipping a bowl of chicken soup with vegetables helps protect our bodies from infection. Chicken is a source of protein, which is good for immunity. Vegetables contain essential vitamins and minerals, which fight the common cold as they have antioxidant properties. The study found that chicken soup was effective in reducing the symptoms of the upper respiratory tract.
Quick Remedies For The Common Cold
- Breathing helps in getting rid of viruses and germs as they cannot survive in highly oxygenated cells. So, take deep breaths and hold for some secs and exhale by mouth daily 10 times.
- Staying warm and resting when we get cold helps our body direct its energy toward the immune battle.
- A saltwater gargle with 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in a glass of warm water can temporarily relieve a sore throat.
- Sipping warm liquids, such as chicken soup, ginger tea, might ease congestion by increasing mucus flow.
- You can also try a tsp of honey as it’s a remedy for a sore throat that helps soothe coughs too.
- Add in ginger lemon water or a masala concoction.
- Avoid taking caffeinated drinks as it will dry out and will worsen the lining. But gargling with salt water reduces swelling in your throat by loosens germ-packed mucus.
Although usually minor, the common cold can make us feel miserable. It’s recommended to start the home remedies for the common cold first. But still, if it continues for a long time, we need to consult physicians positively. But don’t forget to take deeper breaths, rest, and drink lots of fluids.
After all, “Health is Wealth,” which we can’t ignore and shouldn’t.
