7 Home Remedies For Cough and Cold

 

India is all set to welcome the winter season as the temperature starts to drop. With very poor air quality accompanied with cold weather, the cases of cough and cold tend to rise in India. While over-the-counter medicines help in providing quick relief, treating colds and coughs with trusted, age-old home remedies can go a long way and also strengthen your immune system.

Here’s a list of effective home remedies to keep you warm and healthy this winter.

 

1. Ginger Tea (Adrak Chai)

Ginger is a popular ingredient in Indian households. Known for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is a powerhouse that can help soothe a sore throat and alleviate congestion in a natural way.

Make a soothing cup of ginger tea to relieve congestion and boost your immune system.

How to use

Grate an inch of fresh ginger, boil it in water, strain, and mix it with a spoon of honey. Drink this 2-3 times a day for best results.

Benefits

Ginger has immunity-boosting properties to help you stay safe during the winter season, and its antibacterial benefits fasten the recovery to alleviate cough or cold.

 

2. Turmeric Milk (Haldi Doodh)

Turmeric is widely used in India not only for cooking but many other purposes as well. It is best known for its anti-viral and healing properties, making it an ideal choice to fight the season of cough and cold.

Turmeric milk, famously known as ‘Haldi Dhoodh', is a very popular household beverage in India. This combination helps you to recover from illness quickly and naturally.

How to use

Take ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder in about a glass of milk and boil it. You can also add a pinch of black pepper for better absorption of curcumin. Consume it before bedtime for best results.

Why it works

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which are necessary to fight flu. Combining it with milk adds to the goodness and helps you in speedy recovery.

 

3. Ajwain Steam Inhalation

Another common kitchen spice of Indian homes, ajwain (carom seeds), works like magic in soothing congestion.

How to use

Boil a tablespoon of ajwain in water and inhale the steam. This will ease out nasal and chest congestion. Do it before bedtime for best results.

Why it works

Ajwain has thymol, which has antimicrobial properties that help in fighting allergies, relieve congestion, and clear out the nasal passage.

 

4. Honey and Black Pepper

Black pepper has expectorant properties, which help in easing chest congestion, while honey soothes the throat lining and suppresses cough.

How to use

Take a pinch of black pepper and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. Consume it once a day. 

Why it works

Black pepper is a rich source of Vitamin C, which helps in boosting the immune system along with stimulating mucus flow. Honey helps in reduction of mucus formation, and together these two ingredients act as an ultimate remedy to combat cough and cold.

 

5. Spiced Kadha

Kadha is a natural concoction made using various common spices like cloves, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, honey, etc. This drink not only helps in subsiding the symptoms of cold and cough but also acts as an immunity booster.

How to use

Boil 5-6 tulsi leaves, cinnamon, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1-inch ginger, and 2-3 cloves in water. Let it simmer until it reduces to half, strain, and drink this herbal tonic 1-2 times a day. You can also add some honey to the drink to enhance its effectiveness and taste.

Why it works

Kadha consists of spices that are rich in antioxidants, which help eliminate toxins from the body and relieve the symptoms of cold and cough. The efficacy of this drink has been long proven and is trusted by many for eliminating flu.

 

6. Salt Water Gargle

A simple yet effective remedy to keep bacteria at bay is doing warm salt water gargles. It helps in soothing the throat and eliminates infection-causing bacteria.

How to use

Warm a glass of water and put a teaspoon of salt in it. You can also add a pinch of turmeric to this. Gargle for about 1 minute and repeat 2-3 times a day for fast relief.

Why it works

Saltwater gargles help in easing out congestion and sore throats. It flushes out the bacteria and breaks down the mucus in the throat and keeps allergens and sinus infections under control.

 

7. Eucalyptus Oil Steam

Eucalyptus oil is well-known for its ability to clear nasal congestion and relieve cold symptoms. Inhaling eucalyptus steam instantly cleanses the airway passage and gives relief to a stuffy nose and chest.

How to use

Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes. Do this every alternate day to prevent chest and nasal congestions in the winter months.

Why it works

Eucalyptus oil helps in loosening the phlegm, reduces mucus production, and also speeds up the recovery process. It also helps in boosting overall respiratory health.

 

Additional Tips to Prevent Cough and Cold

• Stay hydrated:

  Drinking plenty of warm fluids like water, soups, and herbal teas helps in flushing out toxins, reduces mucus formation, and keeps your throat moist.

• Keep warm:

  Ensure you dress warmly and cover your head and chest properly to prevent chilling air from impacting directly.

• Eat immunity-boosting foods:

  Indulge in nutrient-rich diets that boost immunity, like oranges, guavas, and amla, which are powerhouses of vitamin C.

• Maintain hygiene:

  Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and wear a mask when stepping outdoors. Carry a hand sanitizer to reduce the chances of getting infected.

 

Conclusion:

As the winter season sets in, it is better to be prepared in advance. Indian home remedies are not just about healing; they’re about prevention too. These natural and accessible remedies help in treating cold and cough, strengthen your body, and are cost-effective as well. All the ingredients are readily available in every Indian kitchen. This winter, try these trusted home remedies to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the flu season. 

Also, consider securing yourself and your family with a health insurance policy to minimize the financial burden in case of unprecedented medical emergencies. You can also avail wellness benefits with health insurance plans that allow you to track and maintain a healthy routine.

 

Disclaimer: 

The information in this blog is for general purposes only. Kindly seek professional medical advice and be cautious of using any of the above-mentioned remedies, especially if you have any underlying health conditions, as individual results may vary.