By Kejal Sheth
Seasonal changes and environmental factors have a direct relation to people falling sick. Cough and cold are viral infections that are quite common throughout the year. But the winter months are known as the ‘cough and cold’ months many people tend to fall sick due to the cold, dry air. The cool weather triggers viral infections.
Most Indian households have various home remedies to treat cough and cold passed on over the years. The best aspect of these remedies is that they involve natural ingredients found easily in our homes and have no side effects.
Effective Home Remedies for Cough and Cold
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a staple in most Indian households during the winter. It not only tastes good but also helps to beat cold and cough. The tea helps in expelling phlegm from the respiratory tract and soothes a sore throat.
Honey
Honey is undoubtedly one of the best solutions to beat cough and cold! You can have a spoonful of honey directly or mix 2 teaspoons in a cup of warm water and drink it once or twice a day.
Mixture of Cinnamon, Honey and Lemon
Add a pinch of cinnamon powder to a spoon of honey. Add a few drops of lemon juice. Have this syrup twice a day to beat cough and cold.
Turmeric Milk
Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of milk and boil it. Add in some honey for taste and drink while hot/warm for relief from cough and cold. You can have a glass of turmeric milk every day before going to bed for better health.
Soups
Fluids not only keep you hydrated, but they also help the immune system to fight off the source of the infection or virus that causes cough. It also helps to soothe the sore throat that is common with a cough. So enjoy that hot bowl of vegetable/chicken soup with extra pepper!
Cumin Water
Boil 1 tablespoon cumin (jeera) in 3 cups of water. Drink this water in the morning with intervals. For best results, drink it while warm or lukewarm. This is great for cough and cold, especially during the winter season.
Ginger and Honey
Chew a small piece of ginger and have a spoonful of honey to take away the sharp taste. Or add some honey to a spoonful of squeezed ginger juice and have it twice a day.
Jaggery and Black Pepper
Add black pepper and cumin in water and boil it. Add some jaggery and stir well. Drink this solution when warm for relief from chest congestion.
Flaxseeds
Add flaxseeds in water and boil until it thickens. Strain the solution and add a few drops of lemon juice and honey to it. Drink the mixture for relief from cold and cough.
Gargle and Steam
Stir in one teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and gargle twice or thrice a day. The anti-inflammatory properties give a soothing effect to your throat.
Add a few drops of peppermint oil or a few tulsi leaves to boiling water and take steam. It helps to clear a blocked nose and gives relief to your throat.
Try these simple home remedies and stay healthy this winter. If your cough and cold persists for more than 10 days, visit a doctor to see if there are any underlying conditions or infections.
