The common cold is a respiratory infection caused mainly by various viruses. Changes in the weather can impact our health in a number of ways. As we have entered into the winter season, the temperatures are also falling down day by day. Although the common cold is caused by viruses and not the weather – a recent study from Yale University found these viruses multiply more readily in chilly conditions.
Here, we have listed a few natural remedies for treating a common cold and a cough. You may try them out if you want to avoid chemicals
Honey:
Honey’s strong anti-microbial and anti-oxidant property makes it an effective remedy in relieving cold.
How to consume:
The ideal way of taking honey is by mixing it with warm milk. This mixture is also effective in relieving chest pain caused by incessant coughing.
Garlic:
Garlic has an anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-viral properties and an active agent known as “Allicin.” These properties make it an effective home remedy for cold.
How to consume:
Mixing up garlic with honey and clove oil and sipping two spoons of it helps in relieving cold.
Aloe Vera mixture:
Aloe Vera is rich in anti-inflammatory properties.
How to consume:
Preparing an Aloe Vera mixture is simple and affordable. It only needs adding some honey to your Aloe Vera juice and it will be ready.
The Onion remedy:
Onions are rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that inhibit bacteria growth in the body.
How to consume:
Combine 1 teaspoon of honey with a teaspoon of raw onion juice. Allow it to stand for 3-4 hours. Take this syrup three times a day.
Black Pepper Tea:
This home remedy has been used for ages in traditional Chinese medicine and New England folk medicine. The underlying principle is that black pepper fuels circulation and mucus flow.
How to consume:
To prepare the tea, place a teaspoonful of recently ground pepper and two tablespoonfuls of honey in a mug. Fill the cup with boiling water and cover for 15 minutes and sip it.
Turmeric:
Turmeric has an active agent known as curcumin which is rich in anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
How to consume:
To make turmeric mixture, take a teaspoonful of turmeric powder, mix it with a teaspoon of carom seeds. Add the mixture to boiling water. Allow it to boil for 20-30 minutes. Add a small amount of honey to the solution and take it three times a day.
Natural ways are always better. So next time you have a cold before you take the counter syrups, give one or two of these natural remedies a try. However, if symptoms persist, please do seek medical advice.