Home Remedies for Common Cold

They say there’s no cure for the common cold. While it is true that it can’t always be prevented, there are cures for the symptoms that come with a cold.

A cold is a kind of infection that can be caused by different types of viruses. Some of the common symptoms of a cold are headache, runny nose, cough, high fever, itchy eyes, sore throat, body aches and so on.

It is important to treat a cold before it leads to other infections like strep throat, bronchitis and pneumonia.

Many natural treatments offer effective relief from the various symptoms of a common cold without any side effects.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for a common cold:

1. Garlic

Garlic’s antibacterial and antiviral properties can be very helpful in getting rid of cold symptoms. Garlic is good for the immune system and helps open up respiratory passages, and also helps flush toxins out of your body.

Mix together one crushed garlic clove, two teaspoons lemon juice, one teaspoon honey, and half a teaspoon cayenne pepper or red chilli powder. Consume it daily until the symptoms subside.

• Boil four to five chopped garlic cloves in a cup of water and add one teaspoon of honey. Drink it two to three times a day.
• You can also eat raw garlic or use a few drops of garlic oil in your food and drinks.

2. Honey

Honey can be of great help in soothing an irritated throat as well as shortening the lifespan of a cold. The high amount of nutrients and enzymes in honey help kill bacteria and viruses that cause colds.

• The simplest home remedy is to consume a mixture of one teaspoon of lemon juice and two teaspoons of honey. Take it every two hours to get immense relief from your cold and sore throat.
• If you prefer, you can simply swallow a spoonful of raw honey.

3. Spice Tea

Spice tea is a highly beneficial Ayurvedic remedy to get rid of common cold.

1. Dry roast and grind a quarter cup of coriander seeds, one a half tablespoons each of cumin and fennel seeds, and a quarter teaspoon of fenugreek seeds.
2. Now, boil a cup of water.
3. Add one and a half tablespoon of this spice powder and one and a half teaspoon of rock candy (misri).
4. Let it simmer for three to four minutes.
5. Add two tablespoons of milk.
6. Bring the solution to a boil and then strain it.
7. Sip it slowly while it is hot.
8. Drink this spice tea daily until the symptoms subside.

4. Ginger

Ginger can be helpful in treating common cold and its symptoms due to its antiviral, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Eat raw ginger or drink ginger tea several times a day. For enhance the effectiveness of ginger tea, add a lemon juice and honey to it.
• You can also make a paste of ginger, cloves and salt and eat one-half teaspoon of it two times a day.
• For a runny nose, mix equal amounts of dry ginger powder, clarified butter (ghee) and jaggery (gur), a natural sweetener. Consume this mixture daily in the morning on an empty stomach.

5. Chicken Soup

Chicken soup has many essential nutrients and vitamins that help treat common cold symptoms. The high antioxidant properties in chicken soup speed up the healing process.

In addition, it will boost immunity and restore strength in your weary body. For best results, make homemade chicken soup using organic vegetables and chicken.

6. Red Onion

Those suffering from a cold can get relief from homemade red onion syrup. To make the syrup, you will need red onions and honey or brown sugar.

1. Slice two to three red onions horizontally. Put one slice of onion in a bowl and add raw honey. Repeat the process until the bowl is full.
2. Cover the bowl and leave it for 12 to 15 hours. When you open the bowl, there will be thick liquid like syrup.
3. Drink a spoonful of the syrup several times a day to get relief from sore throats and other symptoms of a cold.

7. Pepper

Pepper is one of the most readily available natural treatments for various symptoms of a common cold. The capsaicin present in pepper helps thin the mucus and provide relief from congestion.

• If you are suffering from a runny nose, put pepper on your food when you eat a meal. You can also gargle with a teaspoon of black pepper mixed in a glass of warm water.
• If you cannot eat or drink pepper, you can still benefit from smelling pepper throughout the day.

8. Mullein Tea

You can help cure cold by drinking plenty of fluids and nothing can be better than a hot cup of mullein tea. Due to its expectorant properties, mullein tea can relieve chest congestion that often accompanies a cold.

• To make mullein tea, fill a strainer with dried mullein herb and place it in a cup of boiling water for five to 10 minutes.
• Add a little honey to it and drink it two or three times a day.

You can also drink green tea to treat symptoms of a cold.

9. Milk

Milk, when combined with turmeric and ginger powder, helps treat coughing as well as other symptoms of a cold, like body aches and a headache. Contrary to the popular misconception, milk does not increase mucus production.

1. Boil milk and add one-half teaspoon of turmeric power and one-half tablespoon of ginger powder (you can also use fresh ginger).
2. Allow the milk to cool to room temperature so that you can drink it without burning your mouth. Try to drink it two times a day and especially before going to sleep.

10. Cinnamon

Cinnamon can fight a common cold and help ease the pain of a dry or sore throat.

• Mix a tablespoon of powdered cinnamon and two cloves in a glass of boiling water water and allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain and drink it while it is still warm. For best results, you can add some honey as well. Drink this tea one to three times a day.
• If you prefer, you can simply consume a few drops of cinnamon bark oil with honey.

These home remedies should give you some relief from the symptoms of a common cold. But if the cold lasts longer than two weeks, you should consult a physician.

Source: top10homeremedies