Health & wellness

6 Natural Remedies For Cold And Cough

natural remedies for cold

The cold season has finally arrived with winter completely upon us, with coughing, sinus congestion, and the dullness which colds impart Thankfully, natural cold remedies will help you beat colds faster and reduce the severity of the symptom. Here are 6 natural remedies for cold and cough that are free of side effects.

Natural Remedies For Cold And Cough

Here are some natural remedies for cold and cough that are effective and free of side effects.

1. Honey tea

Honey may ease coughs, according to some research. A Trusted Source report on nighttime coughing treatments in children compared to dark honey with dextromethorphan cough-suppressing medicine and no treatment. The researchers reported that honey, followed by dextromethorphan, provided the most significant relief from coughing. Although the advantages of honey over dextromethorphan were low, of all three interventions parents rated honey most favorably.

Mix 2 teaspoons (tsp) with warm water or herbal tea to use honey to treat a cough. Drink it once or twice a day. Don’t give honey to children under the age of 1 year.

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2. Ginger

Ginger can ease a dry cough or asthma, as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It can also alleviate pain and nausea.

One study suggests that some ginger-based anti-inflammatory compounds that relax membranes in the airways, which may minimize coughing. The researchers have primarily researched ginger’s effects on human cells and animals, so more research is needed.

Apply 20–40 grams (g) of fresh ginger slices to a cup of hot water to make a calming ginger tea. Enable a couple of minutes to steep before you drink. To intensify the flavor, apply honey or lemon juice and further soothe a cough.

Be aware that ginger tea may cause stomach upset or heartburn in some cases.

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3. Fluids

It is vital for those with cough and cold to stay hydrated. Research shows that drinking fluids at room temperature can relieve a cough, runny nose, and sneezing.

People with potential cold or flu symptoms, however, can benefit from heating up their drinks. The same study reports that even more symptoms are alleviated by hot drinks, including sore throat, chills, and fatigue.

The relief of the symptoms was immediate and continued after the hot beverage was finished.

People with potential cold or flu symptoms, however, can benefit from heating up their drinks. The same study reports that even more symptoms are alleviated by hot drinks, including sore throat, chills, and fatigue.

The relief of the symptoms was immediate and continued after the hot beverage was finished.

Hot beverages that may be comforting include:

  • Clear broths
  • Herbal teas
  • Decaffeinated black tea
  • Warm water
  • Warm fruit juices
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4. Steam

A wet cough may help with steam, which is one which creates mucus and phlegm. Take a hot bath or shower and fill the bathroom with water. Stay in this steam until symptoms subside for a few minutes. Afterward, drink a glass of water to cool down and avoid dehydration.

Instead, make a bowl of water. Fill a big bowl with hot water to do this. Add herbs or essential oils, such as eucalyptus or rosemary, that can also relieve decongestion. Lean over the bowl and cover the head with a towel. This will trap the steam. Inhale 5 minutes of the vapors. If the steam on the skin feels warm, stop until the skin cools down.

Patients with wet cough or chest congestion may also want to follow the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) guidelines and use in their home a cool-mist humidifier or steam vaporizer.

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5. Marshmallow root

Marshmallow root is an herb with a long history of use as a cough or a sore throat remedy. Due to its high mucilage content, the herb can relieve discomfort resulting from coughing. Mucilage is a thick, gluey substance covering the throat.

A small study found that an herbal cough syrup containing marshmallow root, along with thyme and ivy, effectively relieved coughs caused by common colds and infections of the respiratory tract. 90% of the participants rated their effectiveness as good or very good after 12 days of taking the syrup.

Also available as a dried herb or bagged tea is Marshmallow root. In either case, add hot water and drink it immediately or allow it to cool first. The longer the marshmallow root steps in the water, the greater the amount of mucilage in the beverage.

Side effects may include stomach upset, but drinking extra fluids may be able to counteract this. Marshmallow root can be purchased online or in health stores.

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6. Salt-water gargle

This quick remedy is one of the most effective treatments for sore throat and wet cough. Saltwater in the back of the throat decreases phlegm and mucus, which can minimize the need to cough.

In a cup of warm water, add half a teaspoon of salt until it dissolves. Before using it to gargle, allow the solution to cool slightly. Let the mixture linger for a few moments at the back of the throat before you spit it out. Gargle several times a day with salt water until the cough improves.

Avoid giving younger kids salt-water because they may not be able to gargle properly, and it may be risky to drink saltwater.

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Tips to help prevent a cold

  • Avoid contact with sick people: keep a safe distance from people with a cold face, fever, or cough.

  • Daily washing of hands: use soap and warm water to kill skin bacteria and viruses. Teach kids how to properly wash their hands. Use a hand sanitizer based on alcohol outside the home if appropriate.

  • Use of disinfectant: Clean the kitchen and bathroom with a disinfectant on a regular basis when a family member is sick. Wash bedding on a hot wash, towels, and soft toys.

  • Staying hydrated: To prevent dehydration, drink enough water, herbal teas and other beverages.

  • Stress reduction: Stress impacts the immune system and increases the risk of becoming sick. A person can regularly exercise, meditate, do deep breathing, and try progressive techniques of muscle relaxation to alleviate stress.

  • Getting enough sleep: aim to stay fit and healthy for 7-9 hours each night.

  • Taking immune-strengthening supplements: Try taking calcium, vitamin C, and probiotics in the cold and flu season to keep infection at bay.

Symptoms of an allergy can sometimes resemble those of a cold. Reduce allergy flare-ups by avoiding pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and mold causes. See a specialist for allergy shots or medications.

Also Read:  Home Remedies For Dust Allergy

DISCLAIMER: These remedies may not show results to the people having medical conditions. Results may vary from person to person.

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