Common cold can cause a lot of discomfort to an individual. Further, it can spread very quickly if it is not cured in time. It is important for the individual suffering from common cold to cover his/her nose and mouth with a cloth/handkerchief in order to prevent infection to others. An individual suffering from common cold may experience running nose, sore throat and cough.
It is interesting to note that some of the symptoms associated with common cold may vanish with the passage of time while some may continue to persist for a longer period of time. Though there is no specific cure for common cold, an individual can try various home remedies to deal with this viral infection. These remedies may not give immediate relief from the problem of common cold. However, an individual can try these remedies before visiting a doctor.
14 Home Remedies For Common Cold
Drink Hot Water
Drinking hot water multiple times in a day can help the individual in treating the problem of running nose. Adding some salt to hot water can give better results.
In case it is not possible to drink hot water, consumption of normal water on a regular basis can also help the individual in dealing with common cold.
Use Turmeric
An individual can also mix turmeric powder (half to one tablespoon) in a glass of hot milk and consume (atleast twice in a day) to overcome the problem of common cold. It is generally advisable to drink this mixture before going to bed at night in order to obtain best results. Turmeric powder can also be taken with lukewarm water to treat cold.
Drink Ginger Tea
An individual suffering from common cold can drink ginger tea to deal with the problem of common cold. Ginger tea can be prepared very easily and is considered to be one of the most effective home remedies for common cold.
An individual can also take a mix of ginger juice and honey in order to cure common cold. Drinking this mix can give quick relief from the problem of sore throat (a common symptom of common cold).
Rest and Eat Properly
Common cold can also be cured by taking proper rest. An individual having common cold should not exert too much. Consumption of Vitamin C rich fruits (such as orange) can help the individual in dealing with the problem of common cold more effectively. In addition to fruits, an individual should also consume fresh and green leafy vegetables. Proper sleep and consumption of food on a timely basis can reduce the duration of common cold and give physical strength to the individual.
Gargle
Another effective home remedy to deal with the problem of common cold is to gargle with a mix of hot water and salt.
An individual should gargle (atleast) twice in a day in order to obtain best results.
Drink Lemon Juice
Another home remedy to deal with common cold is the consumption of lemon juice mixed with honey and water (hot). This mixture can be consumed three to four times in a day to obtain desired results.
Inhale Steam
An individual can boil water and add some salt to it. Thereafter, he/she can inhale the steam produced from the hot water. This remedy is widely practiced to deal with the problem of common cold.
It is generally advisable to cover the head with a towel (or some other cloth) at the time of inhaling the steam. Once the process has been completed, individual should continue to cover the head with cloth/towel for some time.
Use Garlic
An individual can also eat raw garlic to deal with the problem of common cold. It is not advisable to eat garlic in cooked form (as part of any food item) to treat common cold. Garlic can be eaten just like any other salad item. Individual can also consume a mix of garlic oil with onion juice as an alternative option to treat common cold. Consumption of garlic on a regular basis can help in improving the immune system of the body which is very important to counter problems like common cold.
Drink Chicken Soup
Hot chicken soup is also considered as another effective remedy to treat common cold. Some fresh vegetables can also be added to this soup in order to obtain better results.
Drink Vegetable Soup
An individual can also drink hot soup prepared with a mix of fresh vegetables to deal with the problem of common cold.
Use Pepper
An individual can also consume pepper (grinded) along with hot water to deal with the problem of common cold.
Another option is to gargle with hot water containing appropriate quantity of pepper.
Apply Castor Oil
In case it is not possible for the individual to consume various items mentioned above, application of castor oil on the head can also provide relief to the individual suffering from the problem of common cold. It is generally advisable to cover the head with a towel/cloth after applying castor oil for some time.
Consume Betel Leaves
An individual can also consume betel leaves to treat common cold. This remedy is considered highly effective to deal with the problem of cold and sore throat.
Drink Cranberry Soup
An individual can also prepare and consume cranberry soup as another home remedy to deal with common cold. In order to enhance the taste of this soup, individual can also add optimum quantity of honey (as per the taste).
Home remedies mentioned above are easy to prepare/use. An individual is not required to make any special effort to try these home remedies. Moreover, most of the components used in preparation of these home remedies are easily available in our kitchens. An important benefit of using these home remedies is that these remedies do not result in any side effect.
Common cold is not a serious problem. However, prolonged common cold can result in weakness. It is generally advisable to avoid medicines to treat common cold. However, proper treatment should be obtained in case home remedies mentioned above do not produce desired results.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.