To be very specific, cold is a virus or rather combination of over 200 vises. When you get infected with cold, virus gets attached to the mucous membrane of the nose and throat. They make a home in the membrane and lives there. Coughing, sneezing, a sore throat, mild fatigue or general congestion are the symptoms which pop up when your body starts fighting with the virus. Home remedies for cold are used to keep you comfortable while your immune system battles with the virus.
Home Remedies for Cold:
1.) Ginger to Cure Cold
This home remedy is one of the best remedies for cold. The warming nature of ginger helps to get rid of congestion. This warm nature comes from a compound present in ginger called gingerol. In addition, ginger also has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Also, it helps in strengthening the immune system to fight against the cold virus. This home remedy for a cold is much tastier than cold and flu medication.
You will need:
- A fresh ginger root of six inches
- Four cups of water
- Half teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
- One teaspoon of honey
- A pinch of cinnamon
- Jar
- Grater
- Mug
Method:
- Peel and grate the fresh ginger root. Put this grated ginger in a jar along with the measure of cinnamon.
- Now, boil four cups of water properly, and pour this into the jar. Cover the jar with a lid.
- Let the ginger settle and leave it to infuse for 30 minutes.
- Put a tea strainer over a mug and pour out the desired amount of ginger tea. Add the lemon juice and honey for flavor and stir it well.
- Leftover tea can be stored in the refrigerator. You can reheat it and drink thrice in a day.
2.) Garlic to Cure Cold Naturally
This is one those home remedies for cold, which contains powerful antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant properties. In addition, the pungent garlic acts as a natural decongestant and expectorant. Most importantly, garlic contains allicin which is the most powerful antibacterial compound. It is only present in a short amount of time, and that is when a garlic clove is crushed before it is heated. Thus, consuming raw garlic comes in the list of the good home remedies for cold.
You will need:
- Few fresh garlic cloves
- Organic honey or Organic olive oil
- A slice of toast
- A knife/ butter knife
- A chopping board
Method:
- Peel two- three fresh cloves of garlic.
- Place it on the chopping board and crush with the flat side of the knife or with a butter knife. You can also chop the garlic into small pieces, or simply crush it till it is a coarse paste.
- Allow the allicin compound to get activated by leaving this to stand for 15 minutes
- Add half a tablespoon of organic honey or organic olive oil.
- Mix this mixture and make a paste of it. Spread the paste over a toast and eat this straight away.
3.) Steam to Treat Cold
Inhaling hot steam can be considered as almost those of instant home remedies for cold. The hot steam helps to loosen up the mucus membrane and prevents the clogging of the nasal passages. This makes it easy to expel. Furthermore, you can also combine this method with some essential oils which can help you in dislodging the congestion. Tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil is advised to use for this method.
You will need:
- A glass bowl
- Hot boiling water
- A big towel
- Tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil
- A box of tissues
Method:
- Pour five to ten drops of your chosen essential oil into a bowl. You can adjust the amount according to the strength of steam you desire to have.
- Add three- four cups of hot boiling water. You can reduce the amount of water, depending upon the capacity of the bowl.
- Position your face in a comfortable position and at an appropriate distance from the bowl. Make sure you are not close enough from the bowl, or else you might turn to burn up your face.
- Now, take the towel and position it in a way that you cover your head and the bowl. This is to trap the escaping essential steam. Now inhale the steam as much as you can. Breathe in and out deeply through your nose.
- Once you feel your nose start dripping, get the box of tissues and blow your nose. Go back under the towel and repeat the process.
4.) Cinnamon to Treat a Cold at Home
Cinnamon is beneficial to cure a cold as it contains powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. In addition, cinnamon helps in strengthening and boosting the immune system to fight against the cold virus. Combining cinnamon with honey is one of those old aged home remedies for cold. You can find many ways to harness the power of these ingredients.
You will need:
- Two-three sticks of cinnamon
- Two-three cups of water
- A tea bag of green tea or herbal tea
- One teaspoon of organic honey
- Half teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
- A tea cup or mug
Method:
- First, take a saucepan, boil the cinnamon sticks with the 2 cups of water. Let this boil for 3-5 minutes and make sure it is boiled properly.
- Now, strain this cinnamon-infused hot boiled water into your mug. And add your chosen tea bag into the hot cinnamon water and let it steep for 2-3 minutes.
- Now, pour some honey and lemon juice into it and stir well to dissolve.
- Sip on the prepared tea slowly and enjoy. It is advised to inhale the steam wafting from the mug as an added measure against the cold.
5.) Honey-Onion Treatment for a Cold
Most of the times, cold is accompanied by a dry cough or a wet cough. This can lead you to have a sore or dry throat, and sometimes it can painful too. As honey contains soothing properties, it helps to heal a sore throat. And onions possess all antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, in much milder form as compared to garlic. These together make a few good home remedies for cold.
You will need:
- One red medium size onion
- One cup of organic honey
- An airtight glass container
Method:
- First, peel and wash the onion properly. Slice the onion into even slices.
- Now in the jar, layer the onion and honey. Lay down a slice of onion first in the jar. And then pour over a layer of honey.
- In this manner, repeat the process and build up the layers of honey and onion. Make sure you cover the jar with the airtight lid and leave it to infuse overnight.
- Open the next day and make sure that the jar as some liquid in it. Muddle this mixture slightly, and gulp 1-3 teaspoons as needed.
6.) Cure a Cold Overnight with Pepper
One of the natural home remedies for a cold is a combination of dark peppers and honey. Pepper contain a component known as piperine. This helps in clearing the congested nasal and open ups the passages. Honey, as we all know is rich in various antiviral and antibiotic properties.
You will need:
- One teaspoon of crushed black peppercorns
- One tablespoon of organic honey
- Hot boiling water
- A cup or a mug
Method:
- Put the crushed dark pepper in a cup and pour in one tablespoon honey into it.
- Pour half a cup of boiling water over this mix. Leave it to steep for fifteen to twenty minutes.
- Now, stir well to blend everything properly and slowly sip this warm solution which will be a treat to your sore throat.
7.) Fenugreek to Cure a Cold Fast
This herb makes wonderful home remedies for cold. You can use this remedy to clear out congestion and clogged nasal passages. Another important thing to remember when fighting off a cold is that you should always stay hydrated.
You will need:
- Four teaspoons of fenugreek seeds
- Four cups water
- A saucepan
- A glass jar
Method:
- Add the water and fenugreek seeds into the saucepan and put it on the flame. Let it come to a rolling boil.
- Strain this hot boiling solution into the glass jar.
- Drink one glass of this solution sip by sip and make sure that it is still warm. You can drink the solution throughout the day and do not reheat.
8.) Get Rid of a Cold with Peppermint
What makes peppermint so effective is the very important compound found in peppermint, known as menthol. This acts as an expectorant to dislodge congestion from the nasal passages and gives relief to the mucous membrane. The best way to harness the benefits of this herb to get over a cold is to make a tea and have it.
You will need:
- Some fresh peppermint leaves
- One cup of water
- A mug
Method:
- Crush the peppermint leaves and let it release the essence. Put the leaves into the mug.
- Boil the water at high flame. Pour in the hot boiling water in the mug and let it sit for 3-4 minutes to infuse.
- Strain the tea and add a teaspoon honey to give a flavor to the tea. Sip on this tea while it is still warm.
