Top 10 home remedies for cold and cough
We all know colds and flu can leave you feeling truly lousy, specially for those annoying common colds that come along with autumn. So here are some natural and home remedies for adults, but also for childs, to help fight off those sniffles!
Garlic
Yes! Garlic is a common food ingredient and studies have shown that regularly consuming garlic may help prevent the flu and the common cold. Eating it has also shown to speed up your recovery if flu does hit!
Garlic contains compounds that really help the immune system fight off germs and eating raw garlic is said to be more beneficial as it contains antimicrobial properties.
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that grows wild in parts of North America. It’s widely used as an herbal supplement to prevent colds and flu. Echinacea has a mix of active substances that are said to have antimicrobial and immunity boosting powers. You can buy echinacea supplements or drink echinacea tea, which is really delicious.
Honey
Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of cold or flu and while there are many medicines on the market to apparently help this, studies found that honey works better than the two leading cough medication! It works by shooting the irritated mucous membranes which removes that irritated feeling in your throat that fuels the cough reflex. Try mixing a teaspoon of honey in some warm water with a little lemon juice for a soothing drink.
Ginger
Ginger is known to be very anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial so it makes sense that it’s one of the favorites cold and flu remedies! Ginger can help with nausea, congestion and fever. Try adding it to your honey & lemon water drink, making a ginger shot or adding it to stews and curries along with garlic, if you dare ;).
Essential Oil
Here at 1001 Remedies we’re all about those essential oils! Eucalyptus oil is one of them, and it has antiviral and antimicrobial properties which have historically been used to treat the common cold. Peppermint oil is also widely used as a natural decongestant. Our PurAir aromatherapy room spray contains both eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil to help detoxify your air, protect against viruses and reduce any cold and flu symptoms you may be feeling as well.
Salt Water
A tickling, sore throat is one of the worst cold and flu symptoms. To help clear away bacteria and viruses from the back of the throat try gargling warm, salty water a few times a day. Just make sure you don’t swallow it!
Liquorice
Liquorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra which has a variety of health benefits. Glycyrrhizic acid has been shown to reduce inflammation, soothe coughs, thin mucus and it has antibacterial properties too. Of course you can eat liquorice, take supplements or try sipping on a liquorice and peppermint tea throughout the day.
Vitamin D and C
The beginning of autumn comes, (very much to our regret) to shorter days and longer nights, which is translated into less sunlight on your skin, which at the same time means you get less vitamin D. Therefore you need to boost your immunity with extra intake of that vitamin, found in oranges, or tuna, for example.
Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system so works wonders in preventing colds and flu. You can take supplements or eat foods such as tomatoes, broccoli, kiwi, lemons, strawberries, cauliflower and many other fruits and vegetables.
Steam
While steam won't kill off a cold or flu virus it is a great house remedy to unblock your airways! Simply fill a bowl or pan with steaming hot water (make sure you don’t burn yourself!) then place your head over the bowl. Breathe deeply through your nose to open up the sinuses and clear the airways. Do this for 10-15 minutes a day until you start to feel better.
But most important...
While all these remedies may reduce your symptoms of cold and flu and support your body in boosting its immune system, remember that the most important house remedies are resting, drinking plenty of fluids and eating whole, nutrient dense foods is the key to a healthy body, and will no doubt help you recover faster if the dreaded flu or common cold strikes.