Cough and cold are two of the most common diseases, mainly experienced during a change in season. Sometimes, they can be pretty pesky, leaving you feeling fatigued, congested, and just plain uncomfortable. The good news is that there are some simple natural remedies you can try at home to help alleviate symptoms and get you back on your feet in no time. Most of these remedies are pretty easy to follow, employ ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and are gentle on your body.
This article walks you through some of the best home remedies for cough and cold. Be it you are a student, busy professional, or just that someone who wishes to get better in no time; these tips can get you on your feet in no time!
1. Ginger Tea: Soothing and Warming
Ginger tea is one of the most powerful remedies that help fight off cough and cold. The natural anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties found in ginger ease your sore throat and give you the impression that there is no more need to cough. It also warms the body up if you happen to be cold and shivering.
How to Make it:
- Boil a few slices of fresh ginger in water for about 10 minutes.
- Strain water, add a spoonful of honey and squeeze of lemon to get some extra soothing benefits.
- Drink this two or three times a day to cure the symptoms.
Tip: This ginger tea will soothe your stomach and treat you with good digestion whenever you are ill.
Bonus Tip (Crime Levels Analogy): Just like how ginger might “fight off” the symptoms, you have to prepare your immune system by keeping watch for the coming of cold and flu season. Defense is your preventive measures.
2. Honey and Lemon: A Sweet Relief
Honey is one of the best natural remedies that can be used to calm a sore throat and reduce cough. Honey possesses antibacterial properties that might help kill infection, and lemon can add a dose of vitamin C to boost your immunity.
How to Use It:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in warm water.
- Drink this mixture 2-3 times a day so that your throat keeps moist and the coughing is eased.
Tip: For an added taste, you can also add in a pinch of cinnamon and/or turmeric, both for its healing properties.
3. Steam Inhalation: Clear Your Nasal Passages
Steam Inhalation is one of those methods that can instantly calm a stuffy nose condition. The warmth and water molecules from the steam begin to loosen up the sticky mucus, making way for easier breathing.
Doing it:
- Boil the pot of water and wait until it cools just enough.
- Lean over the pot with a towel covering your head to trap the steam and breathe in for 5-10 minutes.
- You can add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils to increase the soothing effect.
You can also add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint for an extra soothing effect.
Tip: Ensure the steam isn’t hot enough to cause burns. Do this 2-3 times a day to clear your nasal passages.
4. Saltwater Gargle: Fight Throat Infections
One of the simplest yet most effective remedies for a sore throat is a saltwater gargle if you have a cough or cold. The salt will kill bacteria and soothe irritation in your throat.
How to Use It:
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water
- Gargle the mixture for 30 seconds then spit it out. Repeat this 2-3 times a day for the best results.
Tip:
DO NOT SWALLOW THE WATER YOU’VE JUST SLABBED IN YOUR MOUTH: gargling reduces irritation of the sore throat and loosens the mucus, therefore reducing congestion and making you feel less stuffy
5. Stay Hydrated: Water, Soups, and Herbal Teas
One must hydrate during an attack of cough or a cold. Fluids make mucous membranes moist; prevent dehydration; and, most importantly, liquefy the mucus so that it can easily be coughed up.
Best Drinks to Have:
- Warm water with honey
- Clear soups like chicken broth
- Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint
- Fresh fruit juices, which contain vitamin C, such as orange juice
Tip: Stay away from coffee or soft drinks as that does not help since it acts like a dehydrator and dehydration is a not so good sign.
6. Rest and Sleep: The Body’s Natural Healing
Rest is the most important aspect of getting out of a cough and cold. Your body needs some time to fight off this infection. Furthermore, getting enough sleep helps your immune system work better for you.
How to Improve Rest:
- You can use extra pillows to prop up yourself, as lying flat can make your cough worse.
- Ensure that your bedroom is quiet, cool and dark for quality sleep to be enhanced.
- You could also use a humidifier to add moisture in the air that could ease your throat and nasal congestion.
Tip: Take small naps in the day when you feel very sleepy. Do not oversleep or you will get drowsy.
7. Build Your Immunity with a Healthy Diet
The right kind of food will help your body fight off the common cold faster. Try increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, and foods that are high in vitamins, such as vitamin C and zinc.
Top Immunity-Boosting Foods:
- Oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits
- Garlic and onions (great for fighting infections)
- Spinach and broccoli (are high in vitamins and minerals)
- Yogurt and fermented foods (are good for gut health and immunity)
Tip: Adding these foods to your daily diet will help you build a stronger immune system over time, making it easier to avoid getting sick in the future.
Conclusion
Cough and cold comes with life, but whenever you have these simple remedies at home, you get to treat your symptoms perfectly and comfortably. Just remember that you need to drink a lot of fluids, rest, and use gentle remedies like ginger tea, honey, and steam inhalation to relax your body and feel better. So take proper care of your body by boosting your immunity and it will all be fine very soon!
Stay warm, stay healthy, and always remember the following remedies the next time a cold appears to set in.
