Home Remedies For Common Cold
Common cold is a very common problem which is caused by common cold viruses and affects the respiratory tract. The common symptoms of common cold are a sore throat or a runny nose.
Usually, common colds lasts for three days to ten days but the early days are the most severe and make the patient miserably affected. Sometimes common cold accompanies fever which occurs due to the fight back mechanism against the viruses which causes the cold. Although scientists claim that there is no cure for common cold, there are many home remedies available for the disease.
Using garlic
Garlic is one of the oldest remedies available for common cold. The soup prepared from garlic provides quick relief and decreases the severity of common cold. Take three to four cloves of chopped garlic in a cup of water and boil it. Alternately mix five drops of garlic oil with a teaspoonful of onion juice and dilute it by mixing a little water. This should be taken three times a day for getting quick relief.
Using lemon
Lemon can also be taken up as a very good home remedy for common cold. Apart from providing valuable support to the immune system the vitamin C rich fruit helps reduce the duration of illness. It also acts as a cleanser for toxins accumulated in the body. The juice of one lemon should be mixed with a glass of water and a teaspoonful of honey. This medication can be taken twice daily for getting quick relief from common cold.
Using ginger
Ginger is also a very good option for getting quick relief from common cold. Take about a cup of water and add 10 grams of chopped ginger in it. Boil this and then strain, then add a teaspoonful of sugar and take this decoction while it is still hot. Alternately one can also take ginger tea. This tea is prepared by adding ginger to boiling water before adding the tea leaves and should be taken twice daily. It helps bring down the fever and severity of cold.
Using tamarind and pepper
Tamarind and pepper mixed together is also one of the most useful home remedies for common cold. For preparing the remedy, add about 50 mg of tamarind to 250 ml of water and boil it. Add a teaspoonful of butter and half teaspoonful of black pepper while the solution is still in the boiling phase. This soup has antiviral properties and should be taken thrice daily. It is very effective in clearing the nasal passage by providing warmth to the body.
Using lady’s fingers
Lady’s fingers are rich in fibers and can be used as a remedy for common cold. About 100 gm of lady’s fingers should be cut into small pieces and boiled in half a liter of water to make a decoction. This can be taken twice daily. Moreover, the steam coming out of the decoction can also be inhaled to get relief from sore throat and runny nose. The vegetable being rich in mucilage offers quick help to get relief from irritation, pain and swelling.
Using turmeric
In 30 ml of warm milk, addition of half a teaspoonful of turmeric powder makes a very effective remedy for common cold. It is a very good solution for common cold, especially in removing the sore throat symptoms. Take turmeric powder in a pot and add warm milk to it to make the decoction. Alternately, one can inhale the steam coming out from burning turmeric in case of running cold. It helps in increasing the discharge from the nose and thereby provides quick relief from runny nose.
Using herbs
Echinacea and goldenseal are the two herbs that are especially useful in common cold. These herbs strengthen the immune system and helps in fight back mechanism of the body. This ultimately results in quick relief from fever that usually accompanies common cold.
Common cold is a very common problem and the dosages of herbs and natural medicines should be taken as early as possible. Some of the remedies can also be used when the individual expects a common cold. The natural remedies are completely secure and do not have any side effects; thus, providing complete relief without affecting the systems.
