Common cold is an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and is particularly caused by a virus. A person suffers from this problem three times a year on an average. Signs and symptoms of cold include soreness of throat, congestion of nasal passage, running nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, headache, chills and aches.

1. Honey- the real treasure

Honey is a time-honored remedy of sore throat. Various studies have proved honey (2.5 ml) to be more effective than over-the-counter drugs (such as dextromethorphan) for cough and cold. (Shadkam MN et al 2010).

Parents have felt honey to be more effective for their children who weren’t able to sleep at night due to persistent cough. (Paul I M et al 2007).

Simply eat a teaspoon honey or create your own home remedy by mixing two teaspoons honey with warm water and lemon. Lemon juice helps to get relief from congestion and honey soothes the respiratory tract. Honey is an effective cough suppressant. But honey should not be given to children under one year of age because of the risk of food poisoning.

2. Joshanda- the age old ‘Unani Medicine’

Joshanda is a herbal medicine of the Unani medicine system, an Islamic medical tradition. It is an effective remedy for cough, cold, nasal congestion, influenza, allergic reactions and fever. It is made from seven medicinal herbs; mulethi, fennel seed and rose petals being few of them. The high antioxidant content makes this herbal tea a better option instead of over-the-counter drugs. Consuming this 2-3 times a day is a beneficial aid to alleviate symptoms of cough and cold. (Soomro M T et al 2011).

3. Ginger- the gift of God

Freshly crushed ginger, boiled with water is a natural cure. Have it  3-4 times a day to get relief from sore throat, non-stop coughing and congestion. Lemon juice and honey can also be added. Even of and on chewing of raw fresh ginger can be practiced. Ginger tea is a good option too.

Ginger and tulsi make a great pair too! Crush about 10 leaves of tulsi and mix with ginger juice. Add equal quantities of milk and consume it three times a day to get relief from cough. (Sultana S et al 2016)

4. Lemon juice- the ‘Vitamin C’ booster

Lemon cures cough and cold. It reduces inflammation and boosts the body’s immunity by giving dose of Vitamin C. Make a simple cough syrup at home using two tablespoons lemon juice and one tablespoon honey. Have it several times a day.  (Sultana S et al 2016)

5. Vapour rub- the body relaxant

It basically consists of camphor, menthol and eucalyptus oil and is applied on neck and chest.

(Allan G M et al 2014: Paul I M et al 2010)

6. Rose petals- use ornamental flower as a therapy

Rose has been used as a therapeutic agent for variety of diseases. A gargle made from Petal infusion of rose is used for sore throats. (Ashokrao T P et al 2017)

7. The magic of spices-black pepper, turmeric and cinnamon

The herb turmeric has a therapeutic effect on cough, particularly dry cough. Mix one teaspoon turmeric with one teaspoon black pepper and boil in half cup water. You may add cinnamon sticks too. Mix one tablespoon honey in this ‘spicy’ solution. Drinking this daily heals the cough within a few days.

Drinking turmeric powder (made by grinding roasted turmeric root into smooth powder) with water and honey twice a day is an effective herbal preparation. A turmeric gargle is also a good alternative. (Sultana S et al 2016)

8. Dhooma paan

Inhaling the smoke of burning turmeric called dhooma paan is also considered to be an effective remedy for cough and cold. Take a dried turmeric root, burn it and inhale the smoke.

(Sultana S et al 2016)

9. Feel better with ‘steam therapy’

Steam therapy is basically inhalation of water vapour. It loosens the mucus in nasal passages. It doesn’t cure an infection, but makes you feel much better.

10. Salt water gargle-simple yet effective

While the remedy may sound too simple, a salt and water gargle can help soothe the scratchy throat that induces cough. Frequent episodes of gargling may reduce the episodes of upper respiratory tract infections. Mix ¼ -½ teaspoon to one glass water (250 ml).

Basically the salt water gargle or gargling with iodine solution does not let the bacteria to colonise, thereby preventing infection. (Nagatake T et al 2002)

The degree of gargling recommended is 20 ml for 15 seconds, repeated three times a day. (Satomura k et al 2005)

11. Kadha-a ‘dadi maa’s nuskha’

12. Bromelain- the pineapple enzyme

Pineapple contains bromelain which is a mixture of protein digesting enzymes. It suppresses cough and loosens the mucus. Eat a pineapple slice or have 100 ml of fresh pineapple juice three times a day. (Sultana S et al 2016)

13. Thyme-the healer

Thyme or ajwain is used to curb respiratory diseases. The leaves of thyme contain flavonoids that relax throat muscles involved in coughing. Consume strained solution of  two teaspoon crushed thyme leaves and a cup of boiling water. It leads to less coughing and increased comfort. (Sultana S et al 2016)

14.Probiotics- the latest trendsetter

Probiotics are basically useful microorganisms that can provide a variety of health benefits. They are helpful in preventing the upper respiratory tract infections. Also consuming them lowers the usage of antibiotics. The most effective strain is Lactobacillus. (Allan G M et al 2014)

When a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus casei was given to children of day care for 90 days, the incidence of cough and cold following respiratory tract infections. (Merenstein D et al 2010)

When children admitted to a hospital were given 100 ml of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus,incidence of respiratory infections decreased. (Hojsak I et al 2010)

15.Peppermint leaves- cure with menthol

Peppermint is long known for its healing properties. Menthol soothes the throat and acts as decongestant. Have peppermint tea or inhale peppermint vapours from steam bath. Add 3 or 4 drops of peppermint oil for every 150 ml of hot water. Drape a towel over your head and take deep breaths directly above the water. (Sultana S et al 2016)

The final word

Cold and cough, if untreated, can lead to serious disease. Treat it naturally and save yourself from the side effects of over-the-counter drugs. Utilise what the nature offers to you.