It's a familiar story that plays out every winter: sniffles, sneezes, and that general feeling of being unwell. The common cold, an invited guest during colder months, brings along an array of symptoms: runny noses, congestion, cough, and fatigue. You can, however, fend off these with a number of home remedies with ingredients available in your kitchen.
Causes and challenges of common cold:
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the common cold is caused predominantly by rhinoviruses. These viruses, adept at surviving and spreading in cold climates, thrive in chilly temperatures, hence their prevalence in winter. The impacts extend beyond discomfort, often disrupting daily life, particularly for vulnerable people like children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems. The good news is that its cure is within your reach: From ancient herbal concoctions passed down through generations to time-tested brews, the kitchen is a stronghold for combating these seasonal maladies.
Here are 10 home remedies that may help prevent and combat common cold:
Brew ginger tea: Ginger comes in various forms; fresh, dried, preserved, candied, and powdered or ground. Its taste is a mix of peppery and slightly sweet notes, accompanied by a robust and spicy aroma. For battling a cold, brewing fresh ginger in hot water creates a soothing tea packed with anti-inflammatory properties. Gingerol, the active ingredient, helps ease sore throats by reducing inflammation in the throat tissues. It also aids in clearing nasal congestion, making breathing easier.
Honey-lemon drink: Honey is known for its antimicrobial properties that can soothe sore throats, while lemon, rich in Vitamin C, supports the immune system. The vitamin acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralise free radicals that can damage cells. Combining honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice in warm water is a potent remedy for common cold.
Inhale some steam: Inhaling steam from hot water opens nasal passages, providing relief from congestion. The warm, moist air soothes irritated tissues, loosening mucus. This process helps reduce the symptoms by fighting congestion and promoting easier breathing.
Get some garlic: Raw garlic or its incorporation into meals introduces allicin, known for its antimicrobial properties. Allicin fights off cold viruses by interfering with their replication process. It also reduces the severity and duration of cold symptoms.
Drink turmeric milk: The popular ‘haldi wala doodh’ or turmeric milk is a go to remedy for several common illnesses. Warm milk infused with turmeric offers a blend of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory curcumin. Curcumin is useful in improving the immune system and reducing inflammation, thus fighting the symptoms associated with the common cold.
Inhale eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptol, the primary component in eucalyptus oil, helps break down mucus and ease breathing by opening up airways. Inhaling eucalyptus oil-infused steam serves as a natural decongestant.
Drink chicken soup: Soups are among the favourite and most preferred foods for winters. Beyond its comforting warmth, chicken soup contains nutrients like zinc and protein. These essential nutrients not only support the immune system but also provide necessary hydration, effectively dealing with the symptoms of the common cold.
Spiced tea with black pepper: Piperine, found in black pepper, possesses warming properties that aid in loosening mucus and reducing throat irritation. Regularly including black pepper into tea offers relief from congestion and a sore throat.
Saltwater gargle: Rinsing the throat with warm saltwater can ease throat discomfort. The solution helps reduce swelling by drawing out excess fluid from throat tissues and has mild antiseptic
Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is important, especially during a cold. Water, herbal teas, soups, and clear broths play a vital role in preserving moisture in the respiratory tract. This helps to thin mucus and aids in the proper functioning of the immune system.
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