tried-and-tested-home-remedies-for-cold-and-cough

IMMUNE SYSTEM / Tried and Tested Home Remedies for Cold and Cough

Tried and Tested Home Remedies for Cold and Cough

There is no cure for a cold or the flu, but a bowl of chicken soup or a cup of hot ginger tea with honey can help manage the symptoms. Vitamin C may also slightly reduce the length of time you are sick.
Some natural remedies for colds and the flu include:
1. Chicken soup
Its ingredients contain nutrients that support our immune system. It’s also a comforting food that provides hydration and may help us feel better overall. There is also some evidence that the nutrients in chicken soup may slow the movement of neutrophils in your body.
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that helps protect your body from infection. When they’re moving slowly, they stay more concentrated in the areas of your body that most need them. This may contribute to healing.
2. Ginger
Ginger has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Uses include reducing muscle pain and managing nausea.
Make tea by simmering a few slices of raw ginger root in boiling water.
In addition to providing hydration, it may soothe muscle pain, ease a sore throat, and reduce nausea if present.
3. Honey
Honey has a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Drinking honey in tea with lemon can ease sore throat pain. Research suggests it may also act as a cough suppressant.
We should never give honey to a child younger than 12 months, as it may contain botulinum spores. While they’re usually harmless to older children and adults, infants’ immune systems aren’t able to fight them off.
4. Garlic
Garlic contains the compound allicin, which has antimicrobial and possibly antiviral properties.
Adding garlic to our diet might reduce the severity of cold symptoms. It might even help us avoid getting sick in the first place.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that plays many important roles in your body, including supporting the immune system.
Good dietary sources of vitamin C include:
• citrus fruits
• red peppers
• green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli
Adding fresh lemon juice to hot tea with honey may reduce phlegm when we're sick. Drinking hot or cold lemonade may also help.
Vitamin C in the diet or as supplements is unlikely to prevent a cold, but some evidence suggests it may improve symptoms and may slightly shorten the time a cold lasts.
6. Probiotics
Probiotics are “friendly” bacteria and yeast that are present in our body, some foods, and supplements.
They can help keep our gut and immune system healthy and may reduce our chance of getting sick with an upper respiratory infection, as well as how long the infection lasts. Probiotic yogurt may benefit our immune system as well as providing protein and calcium.
7. Salt water gargle
Gargling with salt water may help prevent upper respiratory infections. It may also decrease the severity of cold symptoms, for instance, by easing sore throat pain and nasal congestion.
A saltwater gargle can reduce and loosen mucus, which contains bacteria and allergens.
To try this remedy at home:
• Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a full glass of water.
• Swish it around your mouth and throat.
• Spit it out.
8. Saline nasal irrigation
Using a saline spray may help relieve nasal congestion with a cold, and it might help with some symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection.
9. Topical ointments
Ointments containing camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol may reduce a nighttime cough.
One or two dabs before bed can help open air passages and help improve:
• congestion
• sleep
• coughing
10. Essential oils
Some essential oils can help manage the symptoms of a cold, flu, and other respiratory conditions. This is due to their microbial, pain-relieving, or anti-inflammatory properties.
Examples include:
• eucalyptus
• peppermint (menthol)
• Frankincense
• thyme
• tea tree
Use a diffuser or add a few drops of essential oil to a warm bath.
11. Humidity
Increased humidity may help reduce dryness and inflammation in the nose and throat.
A humidifier in our bedroom or elsewhere in our home may help you feel more comfortable. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil might also help relieve congestion.
For the same effect without a humidifier, take a long shower or linger in a steamy bathroom.
12. Warm baths
Sometimes, you can reduce a child’s fever by giving them a warm — but not hot — sponge bath. Warm baths may also help reduce cold and flu symptoms in adults.
13. Boosting our immune system
It won’t help probably if you already have the flu, but it can protect you from other bouts and more severe symptoms in the long term.
Tips include:
• getting at least 7 hours of sleep at night
• following a varied and nutritious diet
• getting regular exercise
• follow guidelines for flu vaccinations
Frequently asked questions
How do you cure the flu or a cold quickly?
It’s not possible to cure the flu or a cold, but rest, hydration, and home remedies — such as drinking ginger tea, using a humidifier, and diffusing essential oils — may help relieve symptoms.
What home remedy can I use for cold or flu?
Natural remedies that may help ease flu symptoms include honey, ginger, vitamin C, and probiotics.
What is the fastest way to cure a cold or flu?
There is currently no cure for the cold or flu. It usually passes in 3–7 days with rest and home or over-the-counter remedies.
Summary
There is currently no way to cure a cold or the flu, but various dietary choices, supplements, and other home remedies may help relieve symptoms.
Evidence suggests some remedies may shorten the duration of the illness, but more research is needed.
To reduce the risk of getting a cold or flu, take steps to strengthen your immune system, such as eating healthy, sleeping well, and exercising. Having all recommended vaccinations is also an essential step.