Cold and cough are very common, even though a cough is necessary for clearing irritants and infections from the body, continual coughing can be irritating. There are various causes of cough, including allergies, infections, changing weather, etc, and luckily there are some home remedies for cough and cold that may help provide relief from this condition.
If you suspect your cough is due to bronchitis or an infection, please set a medical doctor immediately. Here are a few effective home remedies for a common cough and cold:
1. Ginger
Ginger is one of the well-known home remedies for cough and cold. This root is enriched with 12 antiviral components, which help in fighting the viruses causing cold and cough. It is the best remedy to treat all the symptoms of cold such as sore throat, coughing, or swelling of the mucous membranes. You can add a drop of ginger oil or a few ginger slices in a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam of this solution. You can also add finely crushed ginger to a spoonful of honey. Heat the spoon a bit so that the extract of the ginger juice gets mixed with the honey and drink this solution. A study suggests that anti-inflammatory compounds with ginger can relax membranes in the airways, which can reduce coughing.
2. Honey tea
Research has concluded that honey provides the most significant relief from coughing. You can add 2 teaspoons of honey to warm water or an herbal tea and drink it once or twice a day. You can also mix 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon. Honey has a soothing effect whereas lemon juice can help relieve congestion.
3. Thyme
Thyme has both culinary and medicinal uses and is a common ingredient in home remedies for cough and cold, sore throat, and digestive issues. The antioxidants in this herb may be responsible for its benefits. You can make thyme tea by adding 2 tsp of dried thyme in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture before drinking.
4. Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme that is found in the core of pineapples. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may also have mucolytic properties, which means that it can break down mucus and eliminate it from the body. Many people drink pineapple juice daily to reduce mucus in the throat and suppress coughing.
5. Salt and water gargle
This is one of the simplest home remedies for cough and cold. A salt and water gargle can help alleviate a scratchy throat that causes you to cough. You need to mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Gargle with this solution to relieve throat irritation.
6. Cough and cold prevention
In addition to the above-mentioned remedies, you should follow other steps to prevent cough and cold. These include:
- Covering your nose and mouth whenever you cough or sneeze
- Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Washing your hands frequently, especially after coughing, eating.
