Home Remedies for Cold

Can’t bear that headache which seems to go hand in hand with your runny nose and sore throat in conspiring against your health?

For you seem to have been served with one of the most common viral infections on earth, the dreaded common cold!

Common cold is categorized as a viral infection that affects the throat and nose.

It is said to manifest in the body of an individual who either inhales the virus particles spread by an infected person by coughing, sneezing, speaking or wiping the nose, or when the individual in question touches a contaminated surface like a towel, telephone or doorknob that the infected individual touched before.

Although quite a harmless infection, common cold can leave you with some very nasty and irritable symptoms that last anywhere from a few days to an entire week.

While children aged below six years are more susceptible to infection, healthy adults are not spared from it either.

The Various Causes of Common Cold

There are over 800 different kinds of virus that have the potential to cause common cold in human beings.

However, the most prominent of them happens to be the rhinovirus which can easily move from one person to another via the air or touch, and can easily enter your body via the eyes, mouth or nose to cause cold.

The Risk Factors Associated with Common Cold

While it is common for an adult to catch cold at least twice annually, there are some individuals who stand higher chances of getting affected by common repeatedly owing to these risk factors.

Exposure to infection: The first and foremost reason for a person to get common cold is to get exposed to the airborne virus which can pass from one body to another via touch or air.

Climate: While you can catch cold at any time of the year, the risks of being infected by the rhinovirus increase during winters.

Weak Immune System: If your immune system is compromised or is weak, you stand higher chances of being affected by bacterial and viral infections, including common cold.

Smoking: If you smoke on a constant basis, your risks of getting common cold increases manifold.

The Symptoms of Common Cold

The symptoms of a common cold are not immediate. Rather, they take one or two days after the initial exposure to manifest and worsen.

Some of the most common symptoms associated with a common cold include:

• Runny/Stuffed Nose
• Sore throat
• Constant cough
• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion/discharge
• Headache
• Body ache
• Flu
• Fatigue

The symptoms take anywhere between 3 days and a week to disappear. You may also notice a thick, yellow discharge from the nose when sneezing or from your mouth while coughing.

Possible Complications That Arise from Common Cold

A cold that starts to dissipate after a few days can be considered normal. However, if the symptoms of the cold do not reduce or worsen over a period of time, chances are you may run into the risk of contracting further complications. These include:

• Otitis media or acute ear infection
• Asthma
• Acute sinusitis
• Chest infection
• Strep Throat
• Bronchitis, and
• Pneumonia

Home Remedies for Cold That Really Works

You may consider it to be a harmless infection. And even though it harmless, there are always chances for a common cold to turn into something more serious.

Hence, it is considered wise to try and bring down the symptoms of the infection within the first two days.

While there are plenty of OTC medications for cold, nothing beats the effectiveness of a good old home remedy which will be spot on in curbing the symptoms of the infection instantly.

Accordingly, here are some age old remedies for cold that you can conjure up using simple ingredients found in your kitchen.

Try these out before heading out to buy medications or visiting a doctor to treat the cold.

1. Apple cider vinegar for cold

Apple cider vinegar is a miracle cure for common cold. Not only does it do a great job of flushing away the rhinovirus from your system, but also prevents the onset of common cold. Considering its effectiveness in handling the symptoms to get rid of flu naturally, let’s check out a few simple remedies using it as an active ingredient.

A few pointers to note beforehand:

• Although it is an effective remedy for cold, too much of apple cider vinegar is not good for your health as well.
• Drink only diluted apple cider vinegar as the raw version can irritate the throat and esophagus.
• Do not opt for a remedy using apple cider vinegar if you are pregnant, lactating or diabetic.
• Make sure you use a straw to drink any remedy that has apple cider vinegar in it as the ingredient can erode the tooth enamel.

Method I: Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar may be acidic in nature. However, it helps alkalinize the body and restore the system’s pH balance.

This, in turn, creates a non-favorable environment for the rhinovirus which chooses to leave your body the first chance it gets.

What you need:

• Apple Cider Vinegar (Food Grade) – 1 tsp.
• Warm Water – 1 glass

What you need to do:

• Mix the apple cider vinegar and warm water.
• Drink this concoction every morning and night until the symptoms of the cold dissipate.

Note: If the taste of the concoction gets to you (especially if you have an upset stomach on account of the flu), add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the mix to even out the taste.

Method II: Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing

If you do not prefer drinking apple cider vinegar solution, consider adding it as a dressing to your salads. Here is a really quick recipe for the same.

What you need:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tbsp.
• Olive Oil – 3 tbsp.
• Dijon Mustard – ¼ tsp.
• Balsamic Vinegar – 2 to 3 drops

What you need to do:

• Mix the apple cider vinegar and the olive oil.
• Add the Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar to the mix.
• Mix nicely until the ingredients have blended nicely. Store in an airtight container.
• Drizzle a small amount of this dressing atop your salads during meals for instant relief from common cold and its symptoms.

Method III: Apple Cider Vinegar for Nasal/Chest Congestion

Apple cider vinegar comes with multiple health benefits and used in many home remedies. This remedy can clear out nasal/chest congestion as well as a stuffy head instantly.

What you need:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – 1/8 cup
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Mix the ingredients and pour the resulting solution into a vaporizer.
• Place the vaporizer in the room overnight for relief from nasal/chest congestion as you sleep.

Alternate Remedy:

What you need:

• Paper Bag – The size of your chest
• Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 cup
• Black Pepper – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Soak the paper bag in the apple cider vinegar.
• Sprinkle the black pepper powder on one side of the bag and place the same across your chest.
• Wait for half an hour before removing the paper bag.
• Repeat once every night to get relief from chest congestion.

Method IV: Apple Cider Vinegar Brew

This brew can help boost your immune system and boost your energy levels while tackling the congestion and inflammation caused by the cold. ACV can also be used to get rid of sore throat naturally at home without any side effects.

What you need:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – ¼ cup
• Water – ¼ cup
• Honey – 1 tbsp.
• Cayenne Pepper – 1 tsp.
• Lemon – 3 to 4 drops

What you need to do:

• Boil the water and add the apple cider vinegar to it.
• Add the cayenne pepper and the honey as well. Stir nicely.
• Add the lemon juice to the mix and wait for it to cool down a bit.
• Inhale the fumes emanating from the mix while it cools down.
• Once it becomes warm enough, drink it. Do this once every morning to get relief from the symptoms of common cold.

Method V: Apple Cider Vinegar Tea

No you won’t be drinking actual apple cider vinegar tea. Rather, it would be a mint tea mixed with apple cider vinegar. Try it out!

What you need:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tbsp.
• Honey – 3 tbsp.
• Mint Leaves – A handful
• Water – 2 cups

What you need to do:

• Bring the water to a boil and add the mint leaves to it.
• Let the leaves simmer in the water for about 15 minutes.
• Add the honey and the apple cider vinegar to the tea and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
• Strain the tea and drink it while it is still hot. Have a cup of this apple cider vinegar – mint tea twice a day for desirable results.

Method VI: Apple Cider Vinegar with Garlic

Here’s yet another remedy for cold using apple cider vinegar and another powerhouse ingredient, garlic.

What you need:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 cup
• Raw Garlic – 8 cloves
• Honey – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend nicely for a few minutes.
• Store the resultant mixture in an airtight container and in the refrigerator.
• Make it a point to shake the container on a frequent basis.
• In order to get relief from the symptoms of cold, add about 3 teaspoons of the mixture to a glass of water.
• Stir nicely and drink the concoction on an empty stomach every morning.

{ Also Read: Reasons to Wash Your Face with Apple Cider Vinegar }

2. Chicken Soup for Cold

Bone broths have their own unique way of fighting off common cold and the virus causing it.

In addition to having restorative and therapeutic properties, they help boost the immune system thanks to the abundant levels of minerals like phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and silicon found in them.

Chicken soup in particular, has been lauded by many to be one of the most effective home remedies for common cold. So the next time you have cold, make your own chicken soup using these tried and tested recipes.

Method I: Plain Chicken Soup

What is so effective about chicken soup is that it comes with its share of garlic, onions and vegetables to add more strength to your tired system.

Better yet, it comes in a form that is easy to consume and digest, something that is a blessing when you have a stuffed nose and a sore throat.

What you need:

• Fresh Chicken – 1 (Small sized)
• Onions – 2
• Sage – ½ tbsp.
• Thyme – 1 tsp.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – ½ tbsp.
• Carrots – 3
• Celery Stalks – 3
• Garlic – 2 to 5 cloves
• Ginger – 1 tbsp.
• Turmeric – 1 tsp.
• Coriander – ½ cup
• Salt – For taste

What you need to do:

• Prepare the stock first. Place the chicken inside a large stock pot.
• Chop one carrot and celery stick each and add the same to the pot. Add the sage and thyme to the pot along with the chopped onions and vinegars.
• Cover the ingredients with cold water and allow them to cook in low flame for about 90 minutes.
• Remove the celery and carrot from the pot. Strain the liquid and keep it aside. This would act as the stock for your soup.
• Separate the chicken pieces from the bone and shred them into pieces.
• Start preparing the actual soup by adding chopped carrots and celery to a cooking pot along with some olive oil.
• Allow the vegetables to soften a bit and add the stock along with the shredded chicken. Cook on low flame for about 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables and the chicken to soften.
• Add the spices and garlic and simmer for an additional minute. Adding the salt before removing the cooking pot from the flame. You should add in the coriander and stir.
• Serve in a bowl and drink the soup while still hot. You will get instant relief for sure.

{ Also Read: Getting Rid of Acid Reflux using Home Remedies }

Method II: Chicken and Ginger Noodle Soup

Here is another easy to whip up recipe for chicken soup that you can try out when suffering from cold.

The effectiveness of the soup also helps reduce the irritation and inflammation caused by the rhinovirus.

What you need:

• Chicken Breasts – 4
• Onions – 1
• Carrots – 1
• Celery Stalks – 2
• Lemon Juice – ¾ cup
• Olive Oil – 2 tbsp.
• Garlic – 4 cloves
• Ginger Root – 1 tbsp.
• Bay Leaves – 3
• Peppercorns – 7
• Thyme – 2 tbsp.
• Chicken Bouillon – 4 cubes
• White Wine – 2 cups
• Egg Noodles – 8 ounces
• Salt – For taste
• Water – 12 cups

What you need to do:

• Add some olive oil to a cooking pot.
• Add the chopped onions, chicken breasts and minced garlic to the pot. Cook on low flame for 5 minutes.
• Add in the white wine, lemon juice and water to the mix. Allow it to boil and simmer again for 10 minutes.
• Add the peeled and grated ginger root along with the bay leaves and the chicken bouillon cubes and allow the mixture to simmer for another 45 minutes.
• Add the rest of the ingredients including the chopped carrots, celery and thyme to the mix.
• Reduce the heat and add the noodles to the broth. Cook on low flame until the noodles become soft.
• Add the salt for taste and remove the soup from the flame. Let it cool down for 5 minutes before eating it.
• Have this chicken ginger noodle soup twice a day to get rid of the cold within a week.

Method III: Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Your body starts its own fight against the rhinovirus the moment it detects it in your system. This requires a lot of energy and usually leaves your body strained.

This is where a bowl of steaming chicken soup comes to your rescue by helping fight off the virus and providing your body with the necessary calories it needs for energy.

What you need:

• Chicken Breast – 1
• Tomatoes – 2
• Zucchini – 1
• Shallots – 1
• Baby Spinach – 1 cup
• Chicken Broth – 2 cups
• White Wine – ¼ cup
• Olive Oil – 1 tbsp.
• Italian Seasoning – ½ tsp.
• Salt – For Taste

What you need to do:

• Add the olive oil to a cooking pot placed on low flame.
• Add the chicken breast (chopped) into the pot and cook until the pieces become brown in color. Remove the chicken and keep it aside in a plate.
• Chop the vegetables and add them to the pot. Cook on medium flame for 5 minutes until they become soft.
• Add the chicken broth and white wine, and allow the mixture to boil. Reduce the heat and allow the broth to simmer for another 5 minutes or so.
• Add in the cooked chicken and cook for 5 minutes before transferring the soup to a bowl.
• Drink the soup when it comes to a comfortable temperature. Follow this remedy twice a day for relief from cold and its symptoms.

Method IV: Chicken Soup for Toddlers

Chicken soup also contains loads of glucosamine and carnosine that help keep your stomach and digestive tract healthy during this period. This recipe in particular, can also be given to babies to relieve nasal congestion.

What you need:

• Chicken Pieces – 1 cup
• Carrot – 1
• Onion – 1
• Celery Stalk – 1
• Leeks – 1
• Turnip – 1
• Garlic – 2 cloves
• Vinegar – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Add the chicken and vegetables to a cooking pot. Add water until the vegetables and chicken are submerged. Allow the mix to boil.
• Add the vinegar to the boiling mix and allow the soup to simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
• Strain out the vegetables and chicken pieces from the soup.
• Feed the soup to toddlers when they have a cold. It will provide instant relief from nasal and chest congestion.

3. Onions for Cold

Ever tried onions to cure cold and its symptoms? Well, you will be surprised to note that onions, red ones in particular, contain sulfur compounds that act as antibacterial and detoxifying agents.

When consumed, they stimulate the body to release toxins which would also include the rhinovirus. Here are two ways in which you can use onions for the condition.

Method I: Onion and Honey Syrup

This syrup is easy to make and can act as the perfect expectorant to reduce persistent cough as well as the pain and inflammation caused by the same.

What you need:

• Onions – 2 to 3
• Honey – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Peel the onions and slice them horizontally.
• Place a piece of sliced onion in a bowl and pour honey on it.
• Place another onion slice on the honey and repeat the same process to fill up the bowl.
• Cover the bowl with a cloth and keep aside for about 15 hours. Upon removing the cloth, you will discover a thick syrup formed by the onions infusing with the honey.
• Store this syrup in an airtight container and drink a spoonful of the same multiple times during the day to curb the symptoms of cold to an extent until the infection passes away.

Alternate Method:

If you think 15 hours is too long a time, try this alternate method of preparing onion honey infusion for relief from cold and its symptoms.

What you need:

• Onion – 1
• Honey – 3 to 4 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Peel and dice the onion into small pieces.
• Place the pieces in a blender and grind nicely.
• Strain out the pulp to extract the juice.
• Add an equal amount of honey to this juice and store in an airtight container.
• Swallow a teaspoon of this syrup every time you get cough.

Method II: Onion Broth

How about brewing some onion broth to detoxify your body and flush out the rhinovirus behind the cold from your system? It is easy to make and involves only a few steps mentioned here.

What you need:

• Onion – 1
• Water – 2 cups

What you need to do:

• Peel and chop the onion into small pieces.
• Add the onions to the water and boil the mix nicely for about 5 minutes.
• Reduce the flame to medium and allow the onions to simmer in the water for 10 minutes or so.
• Remove the pot from the flame and allow it to cool down. Strain the resulting broth into a cup and drink it multiple times during the day to get relief from cough and congestion. Continue to follow this remedy until the symptoms of the cold disappear completely.

4. Steam for Cold

One of the simplest and most effective treatments for cold, steam therapy can have your sinuses cleared up in no time at all.

Whipping up a steam bath is not that hard a job as well. Take a look at what you need to do for the same.

What you need:

• Water – 4 to 5 cups
• Essential Oils (possibly tea tree, eucalyptus or a combination of both) – 10 drops

What you need to do:

• Boil the water and pour it into a heatproof bowl.
• Place the bowl on the floor and keep a towel handy.
• Pour the essential oils into the water and wait for about 5 seconds.
• Place your head over the bowl at a safe distance so as to allow the steam rising up from the water to hit your face while not damaging it in the process.
• Inhale the steam deeply for about 15 minutes, moving nearer and nearer to the bowl as the heat reduces.
• Do this thrice a day in the morning, afternoon and night for best results.

5. Salt for Cold

A salt water gargle may be just what the doctor ordered for your cold.

Gargling your throat with warm salt water solution can help loosen out thick mucus in the throat, thus relieving you of throat pain and cough while recovering from the cold.

But that isn’t the only way salt can help you during this period. Check out some other ways to use salt to treat cold.

Method I: Salt Water Gargle

This remedy needs to be followed first thing in the morning. You can choose to repeat it as many times as you want during the course of the day.

However, the early morning gargle provides the best results.

What you need:

• Powder Salt – 2 tsp.
• Warm Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Add the salt to the water and stir nicely until the salt dissolves completely.
• Gargle your throat with this salt solution for about 5 minutes to clear off congestion and reduce the soreness in the area.

Method II: Salt Water Bath

In addition to gargling your throat with salt water, you can choose to soak in a salt water bath.

In addition to relieving nasal and throat congestion, a salt water bath can provide immense relief to your aching joints and muscles.

What you need:

• Rock Salt – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Fill the bathtub with hot water.
• Add the salt to the water and mix gently.
• Soak in this water for about 30 minutes, filling the tub with more hot water as the remaining water starts to turn cold.
• Opt for this salt water bath twice a day in the morning and evening to enjoy a blissful day sans any cough, throat pain, headache or runny nose.

Note: You can also choose to add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil to the bathwater for more effective results.

6. Garlic for Cold

The powerful antimicrobial properties of garlic make it a potent home remedy for common cold.

Garlic is in fact, considered to have expectorant and decongestant effects that can help clear out a blocked nose and throat instantly.

Here are some popular home remedies using garlic as an active ingredient which you can try out at home in case you are bedridden with the flu.

Method I: Plain Garlic

Garlic is a very powerful antioxidant and does a great job at removing the rhinovirus from your system completely. If you find it literally hard to even get out of your bed due to the cold, try this remedy out.

What you need:

• Garlic – 3 to 4 cloves

What you need to do:

• Peel the cloves of garlic. Stash them between the teeth on the sides of your mouth and crush them gently.
• Chew on the cloves for about a minute or so, swallowing their juice slowly while doing so.
• Do this thrice every day for desirable results.

Method II: Garlic and Orange Juice

It has been found out that when consumed, garlic releases an antibacterial agent called allicin which can provide immense relief from the symptoms of cold while preventing the onset of flu itself.

What you need:

• Garlic – 3 to 4 cloves
• Orange Juice – 1 glass

What you need to do:

• Peel the garlic cloves, chop them into tiny pieces and set aside for a minute in order to activate the enzymes in them.
• Swallow the garlic with the help of the orange juice. Follow this remedy once every morning and night for relief.

Method III: Garlic and Honey Toast

If you still prefer to have your garlic in a more appetizing manner, consider this remedy which also combines the healthiness of honey to create a miracle cure for common cold.

What you need:

• Garlic – 3 to 4 cloves
• Honey – 2 to 3 tbsp.
• Bread – 2 to 3 slices

What you need to do:

• Peel the garlic cloves and mince them nicely.
• Place the bread slices on a flat pan over low flame and toast both sides until they turn light brown in color.
• Spread the honey over the toasted bread slices. Sprinkle the minced garlic cloves on them and eat away.
• Do this every morning to keep the symptoms of cold at bay while you recover from the viral infection.

Method IV: Garlic Tea

Ever tried garlic tea? You will be surprised at how amazing it is when it comes to providing relief from the nasal congestion, headache and fatigue caused by common cold.

What you need:

• Garlic – 2 cloves
• Ginger Root – 1
• Honey – 1 tbsp.
• Lemon Juice – 1/3 cup
• Water – 1 1/2 cups

What you need to do:

• Peel the garlic and ginger root. Mince them.
• Boil the water and add the minced garlic and ginger root (1 tsp.) to it.
• Allow the ingredients to simmer in the water for about 5 minutes.
• Let the ingredients steep in the water for another 10 minutes.
• At this juncture, add the honey and lemon juice to the mix. Stir nicely.
• Strain the tea and drink it every morning and evening for quick results.

{ Also Read: Clogged Ears- Home Remedies }

Method V: Garlic Soup

If you don’t prefer the tea, consider downing a bowl of garlic soup every day until the symptoms of the cold reduce.

This can be an equally effective solution if you happen to have severe throat pain.

What you need:

• Garlic – 1 head
• Chicken (or) Vegetable Broth – 8 cups
• Bay Leaves – 1
• Olive Oil – 2 tbsp.
• Thyme – 1 tsp.
• Sage – A pinch
• Salt – For Taste

What you need:

• Add the chicken/vegetable broth to a cooking pot and bring to a boil.
• Peel the garlic cloves and mince them. Add them to the broth. Add in the bay leaf, sage and thyme and boil the mix for about 30 minutes.
• Remove from the flame and add the salt to the mix. Stir nicely and strain.
• Drink this homemade garlic soup at least twice every day to get relief from cold and its symptoms.

7. Ginger for Cold

Got some fresh ginger root in your home? Then you need not worry about finding another home remedy for your cold.

Ginger is an active antimicrobial agent and does a swell job of flushing out the rhinovirus and all of its associated symptoms from your body.

Check out these really easy and simple to make home remedies for cold using ginger.

Method I: Garlic and Lemon

The antimicrobial properties of ginger come together with the anti-inflammatory properties of lemon to create a cold remedy that it quite effective in curbing sore throat, cough, and congestion caused by the viral infection. Ginger contains healing properties that also helps to cure Asthma Naturally as well.

What you need:

• Ginger Root – 1
• Lemon Juice – ½ cup
• Honey – 2 tbsp.
• Water – 2 cups

What you need to do:

• Boil the water and add the lemon juice and honey to it.
• Peel and chop the ginger root. Add the chopped pieces to the water and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes.
• Strain the mixture and drink the concoction every morning and night for relief from nasal/chest congestion.

Method II: Ginger with Garlic

Combine the goodness of garlic and ginger to create this miracle cure for common cold which guarantees immediate relief from the symptoms of the condition.

What you need:

• Ginger Root – 1
• Garlic – 3 to 4 cloves
• Lemon Juice – ½ cup
• Water – 2 cups

What you need to do:

• Boil the water and add the lemon juice to it.
• Peel the ginger as well as the garlic cloves.
• Chop both ingredients and add them to the boiling water. Remove the water from the flame and allow the ingredients to steep in the water for an additional 10 minutes.
• Strain the mixture and drink when warm. Repeat every morning and night for desirable results.

Method III: Ginger with Cinnamon

If you don’t prefer the taste of ginger and garlic, consider combining ginger with cinnamon instead.

Cinnamon contains antiseptic properties that aid in soothing a sore throat and stimulating perspiration in order to allow your body to sweat out the viral infection.

What you need:

• Ginger Root – 1
• Water – 1 cup
• Cinnamon Powder – ½ tsp.

What you need to do:

• Boil the water and add the peeled, chopped ginger pieces to it.
• Simmer on low flame for 5 minutes before adding the cinnamon powder and stirring nicely.
• Simmer for another 5 minutes and strain the mixture.
• Drink this concoction every morning to get relief from cough and chest congestion.

Method IV: Ginger with Cayenne

Cayenne can act as an effective decongestant. It can thin out the mucus in your nose and throat while also soothing your throat from the pain and soreness caused by common cold. Add cayenne with ginger in this simple cold remedy for quick and effective results.

What you need:

• Ginger Root – 1
• Cayenne – A pinch
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Boil the water. Add the peeled, chopped ginger to it and steep for 15 minutes.
• Add the cayenne to the mix and stir nicely before straining.
• Drink this mix twice every day for effective results.

{ Also Read: Health Benefits of Matcha Tea}

Method V: Ginger Tea

And then we have the quintessential ginger tea, your savior in case you don’t find the other ginger remedies very appetizing.

Here is a fuss-free, quick recipe for brewing ginger tea at home.

What you need:

• Ginger Root – 1
• Ginger Powder – ½ tsp.
• Water – 2 cups
• Honey – 2 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Bring the water to a boil and add the peeled, chopped ginger to it.
• Add the ginger powder to the boiling mix and stir nicely.
• Reduce the flame and allow the mix to simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Strain the tea and add the honey for taste.
• Drink when warm or hot to get relief from cold and its remedies.

8. Black Pepper

No house is devoid of pepper. This staple kitchen ingredient can come to your rescue in times of need, in this case as a potent home remedy to cure cold and curb its symptoms effectively. Find out how you can use pepper to get relief from cold.

Method I: Pepper and Water Gargle

You can start by gargling your throat with some pepper solution.

Black pepper has a substance called capsaicin which helps to relieve congestion by thinning the mucus blockage in the nose and throat.

What you need:

• Black Pepper: 1 tsp.
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Grind the pepper and add the resulting powdered pepper to the water.
• Stir nicely and gargle your throat with this solution to get rid of runny nose as well as sore throat.

Method II: Pepper and Ghee

This is another simple homemade remedy that can treat the dry cough which usually hits your system near the end of the infection.

In addition to curbing dry cough, it can soothe the throat immensely, allowing you to get good rest while waiting for the cold to pass out of your system.

What you need:

• Pepper Powder – A pinch
• Ghee – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Take a spoonful of ghee and add the pepper powder to it.
• Gently mix the ingredients and swallow the mix, allowing it some time to settle in your throat before swallowing it completely.
• Do this every morning and night until the dry cough reduces.

Method III: Black Pepper Soup

A common remedy used in many Indian households, black pepper soup is a mixture of tamarind and black pepper that helps clear out sinuses that have been blocked completely due to cold.

Drinking a few glasses of this soup every day can be extremely beneficial for your body.

What you need:

• Black Pepper Powder – 1 tsp.
• Tamarind – 50 mg
• Clarified Butter – 1 tsp.
• Water – 250 ml

What you need to do:

• Place the tamarind in the water and boil for about 5 minutes.
• Add the melted butter and pepper powder to the boiling mix and boil for an additional 5 minutes.
• Wait for the soup to cool down to when it is hot enough for you to handle. Drink three or more glasses of this soup at regular intervals throughout the day to get relief from congested sinuses.

9. Honey for Cold

Honey is known to work wonders on the body both inside and out. While it nourishes the skin and hair on the outside, it works well to boost your immune system on the inside.

Not only this; honey has been found out to be extremely effective in curing cold related symptoms as well as upper respiratory ailments in individuals.

Find out how you can use honey as an active home remedy to treat cold and flu.

Method I: Honey and Lemon Tea

Nothing is as soothing as drinking a cup of hot lemon and honey tea. This tea has soothing properties that can soothe an irritate nose and throat.

It also promotes good sleep, allowing you to relax peacefully as the lemon and honey combine forces to extract the rhinovirus from your system.

What you need:

• Honey – 2 tbsp.
• Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp.
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Heat the water and add the honey and lemon juice to it. Stir nicely.
• Drink this mix on an empty stomach every morning to chase away the flu and prevent recurrences.

{ Also Read: Home Remedies for Blackheads: (Lemon and Honey for Blackheads)}

Method II: Honey and Hot Water

This remedy is in fact a solution that can be used as a gargle. Gargling your throat with this solution can help clear out nasal and chest congestion easily.

What you need:

• Honey – 3 tbsp.
• Cinnamon Powder – ½ tsp.
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Heat the water. Add the honey and cinnamon powder to it. Stir nicely.
• Gargle your throat with this solution multiple times a day to get relief from sore throat and congestion.

Method III: Honey and Cinnamon

Get a better night sleep with this natural cough suppressant which utilizes the antimicrobial properties of honey to fight off the infection and the soothing properties of cinnamon to provide relief to your throat and nose as you take rest.

What you need:

• Honey – 2 tsp.
• Cinnamon Bark – 3 tsp.
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Boil the water and remove it from the flame.
• Steep the cinnamon bark in the hot water for about 5 minutes.
• Remove the bark from the solution. Add the honey to the mix and stir nicely.
• Drink this concoction before sleeping at night.

Method IV: Honey and Onions

Although a smelly remedy, this particular cold remedy makes good use of honey and onions to create a foolproof home cure for cold that will have the rhinovirus exiting your system within just a few days.

What you need:

• Honey – 2 tbsp.
• Sugar – 1 tsp.
• Onions – 1

What you need to do:

• Peel the onion and cut it into slices.
• Apply a generous amount of honey on both sides of the onion slices.
• Sprinkle some sugar on the slices and leave overnight.
• Eat 2 to 3 honey coated onion slices the next morning and at frequent intervals throughout the day for quick relief from cold and its symptoms.

Method V: Honey and Ginger

When combined with ginger, honey creates a great cold remedy that fights off the flu causing virus while soothing your body and allowing it to recover quickly from the infection.

What you need:

• Honey – 1 cup
• Ginger Root – 2 pieces
• Lemons – 2

What you need to do:

• Peel and grate the ginger. Slice the lemons.
• Place alternating layers of ginger and lemon pieces inside a mason jar.
• Pour the honey over the ginger and lemon. Fill the jar completely with the honey, adding more honey if required for the same purpose.
• Close the jar tightly and refrigerate.
• As a cold remedy, scoop 3 tablespoons of this mix and add the same to a glass of hot water as and when needed. In the case of cold, drink this mixture twice a day for desirable results.

{ Also Read:  Honey for Curing Diabetes Using Home Remedies}

10. Turmeric for Cold

Turmeric possess anti-septic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can be of great help to your system when the latter is suffering from cold.

You can use turmeric in the two ways mentioned below to get relief from cold and its symptoms.

Method I: Turmeric and Milk

Turmeric contains a substance called curcumin which is known to ease cough while also providing relief from the joint pain caused by the infection.

What you need:

• Milk – 1 glass
• Turmeric Powder – A pinch

What you need to do:

• Add the turmeric powder to the warm milk and stir gently.
• Drink this mix thrice a day to curb the cough and sore throat that accompany cold.

Method II: Turmeric, Honey and Ginger Juice

Combine turmeric with some ginger and honey to get immense relief from the symptoms of cold, including nasal blockage and sore throat.

What you need:

• Turmeric Powder – ¼ tsp.
• Ginger – ¼ tsp.
• Cayenne Powder -1/4 tsp.
• Honey – 1 tbsp.
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Boil the water and add all the ingredients except the honey to it.
• Let them simmer in the water for about 15 minutes.
• Strain the solution, add the honey to it and drink it to clear out throat congestion and curb cough.
• Follow this remedy once or twice a day depending on the severity of your cough.

11. Flaxseeds for Cold

Flaxseeds can also be used to treat one of the most irritable symptoms of cold, the non-stop cough.

A natural expectorant, flaxseeds can clear out thick and excess mucus from the nose and throat, allowing you to breathe properly.

Check out two ways in which you can use flaxseeds to cure cold.

Method I: Flax Seed Syrup

This easy DIY homemade syrup will have that incessant cough cleared out within minutes.

What you need:

• Flaxseeds – 1 cup
• Water – 1 ½ cups
• Honey – 3 to 4 drops
• Lemon Juice – 3 to 4 drops

What you need to do:

• Add the flaxseeds to the water and boil them nicely until you get a thick, syrup like consistency.
• Strain out the flaxseeds. Add the honey and lemon juice to the syrup and swallow it. You will feel better within minutes.

Method II: Flaxseed Tea

In addition to using flaxseeds as syrup, you can choose to use it as an ingredient to be added to the tea that you brew and drink on a regular basis.

What you need:

• Flaxseeds – ½ cup
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Grind the flaxseeds to get a coarse powder.
• Add this powder to the water and boil the mix for 5 minutes.
• Allow the powder to steep in the water for an additional 5 minutes before straining out the tea and drinking it.
• Follow this remedy twice or thrice a day for quick and effective results.

12. Cinnamon for Cold

Cinnamon is a great home remedy for common cold and can offer immense relief from the pain and discomfort caused by a sore throat.

There are two ways in which you can use cinnamon to treat cold and its symptoms. These include:

Method I: Cinnamon Tea

Get hold of some cloves and cinnamon to make this quick cough recipe that is guaranteed to give you a good night’s sleep by soothing your throat and clearing the congestion in your nose.

What you need:

• Cinnamon Powder – 1 tbsp.
• Cloves – 2
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Add the cloves and cinnamon powder to the water and stir nicely.
• Boil this mix for about 10 minutes.
• Allow it to cool down and strain the mix.
• Drink this tea twice a day for best results.

Method II: Cinnamon and Honey

Here’s another effective remedy for cold using cinnamon and another anti-fungal agent honey which can help remove the rhinovirus from your system quickly.

What you need:

• Cinnamon Powder – ½ tsp.
• Honey – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the cinnamon powder and the honey nicely.
• Swallow a spoonful of this mix thrice every day for desirable results.

More: Home Remedies for Dry Nostrils

13. Chamomile for Cold

What’s worse than a runny nose during cold? A blocked nose of course! Nasal congestion can be really hard to handle and can rob you of a good night’s sleep when you are suffering from cold.

Thankfully, you have help in the form of chamomile to treat this nasal congestion quickly and effectively. See how!

Method I: Chamomile Tea

Chamomile contains substances that help clear out nasal congestion immediately by thinning the mucus layer in the nasal passage.

Drinking chamomile tea can therefore, provide immense relief during cold.

What you need:

• Chamomile Tea Bag – 1
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Boil the water and steep the chamomile tea bag in it for about 5 minutes.
• Remove the tea bag and drink the tea twice a day for relief from sore throat and the other symptoms of cold.

Note: You can add a few drops of honey to the tea to sweeten it up a bit.

Method II: Chamomile Steam Inhalation

Another way to incorporate chamomile into your common cold remedy routine is to inhale its vapors. This is how you can do that.

What you need:

• Chamomile Leaves – A Handful
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Boil the water and pour it into the pot.
• Add the chamomile leaves to the water. Place your head over the pot to inhale the steam rising up from the pot. Do this for about 10 minutes twice or thrice a day until you are able to breathe properly through your nostrils.

General guidelines for individuals suffering from common cold

The effectiveness of a remedy, be it natural or artificial, is complete only if you complement it with certain guidelines that help your body fight off the infection faster.

Here are some guidelines that can help you get relief from common cold as well as its symptoms.

Drink lots of fluid: The more fluids you drink, the easier it will be for your body to flush out the rhinovirus.

You can intake fluids in the form of warm water, juice, broth or soup. Stay away from alcohol and coffee which can dehydrate you instead.

Take proper diet: A common cold can mess up your digestive system as well. So stay away from unhealthy junk foods during this period.

It also pays to stay away from dairy products which can contribute to an increase in mucus production.

Shower in warm water: This step can relax your muscles and provide from body ache during a common cold infection. Ensure that the water is warm enough to provide relief to your body.

Take rest: Sometimes the only thing you can do to chase away a viral infection is to take rest. Take time off from school or office and rest at home until the symptoms of the cold reduce to negligible levels.

By doing so, you will not only recover faster, but will also reduce the risks of infecting others at school or office.

Gargle with salt water: If you have an itchy, sore throat as a result of the cold, consider gargling with salt water.

Mix ½ teaspoon of powdered salt in warm-hot water and gargle your throat with the solution to get relief.

Try saline nasal drops: Nasal congestion is one of the most common symptoms of common cold.

Try OTC nasal drops to relieve the congestion in your home. You can also use saline nasal drops prepared at home to provide relief from a congested nose as you sleep peacefully.

Adjust the room temperature/humidity: You need to rest in a warm room during the period of recovery from common cold.

However, do not overheat the room. And ensure that the air is moist and not dry in order to ease coughing and nasal congestion.

Use a humidifier for the same purpose, ensuring you clean the humidifier at regular intervals to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.

Wash your hands and use tissues: Wash your hands regularly when suffering from common cold. Use soap or a mild hand wash for the same.

You can also choose to use a hand sanitizer (alcohol based) to clean your hands regularly in order to avoid infecting others.

Carry a handful of tissues wherever you go and sneeze/cough into one. Throw away used tissues immediately and wash your hands afterwards.

Disinfect your belongings: Wash your belongings with a disinfectant at regular intervals in order to avoid infecting others. Clean any surfaces you come in contact with using disinfectant as well.

Avoid sharing stuff: When suffering from cold, it is imperative that you avoid sharing your belongings with them.

This includes towels, pillows, plates, drinking glasses and other utensils, etc. If possible, try using disposable cups and plates until the symptoms wean off.

Visit the doctor: If the symptoms of cold persist or worsen after a few days, consider visiting the doctor for further course of action.

If you are unable to breathe or notice a wheezing sound while breathing, visit the doctor right away.