What are some Home Remedies for Cough and Cold?

Treatment Your Cold At Home

In this section, we have discussed some useful remedies for cold and cough that you can conjure up at home. However, before that, let us understand what are the causes of this infection.

What’s Causing My Cold?

A common cold is usually caused due to a viral infections.There are over 200 viruses that show cold-like symptoms, and rhinoviruses are responsible for most of these infections. In most cases, a cold is not a serious illness. You recover from it in 7-10 days. However, it could be a symptom of other diseases/afflictions that include:

• Pneumonia

• Acute bronchitis

• Croup

• Otitis media

• Strep throat

It is highly recommended to consult a doctor if your cold is accompanied by other extreme symptoms.

10 Home Remedies for Cold

Here are some instant home remedies for a cold that help relieve the discomfort caused due to the infection.

• Zinc Supplementation

This is among the foremost home remedies for running nose and sneezing. Zinc supplementation helps fight rhinoviruses and can help shorten the duration of its infection. You can try zinc nasal spray as it is also the best blocked nose home remedy. But do remember to take it in moderation as excessive zinc intake can result in other health ailments.

• Hot Chicken Soup

The second in our list of home remedies for cough and cold is hot chicken soup. Eating a bowl of hot chicken soup (at least twice a day) can allow the movement of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) to cure a cold. It will, thus, allow your body to heal faster. Chicken soup prepared with other vegetables is also among the best home remedies for cold and sneezing.

• Garlic

The next on our list of home remedies for a cold is garlic. The pungent herb contains Allicin, which is a compound known for fighting viruses. If you find yourself in the grip of the common cold, use garlic to ease the symptoms. Garlic is also among the frontrunners when it comes to selecting the best home remedies for a blocked nose.

• Honey

With its antimicrobial properties, honey can act as one of the best home remedies for a runny nose. Have honey-stirred hot water along with lime juice is one of the best home remedies for cough.

• Menthol

Found in various mint plants, menthol has pain-relieving and antibacterial properties. Adding menthol to hot water and inhaling the steam is among the best steam inhalation for cold home remedy

• Vitamin D Supplementation

You can also alleviate the symptoms of cold by taking Vitamin D supplements. This is especially important in the winter season when your body doesn’t get enough exposure to the sun. Lack of Vitamin D can result in an increased chance of a common cold infection.

• Probiotics

You can have probiotic foods as one of the viable home remedies for a runny nose. Probiotic foods such as yoghurt contain live bacteria that promote the health of your digestive tract. It can also fight infections and help shorten the duration of the common cold.

• Echinacea

Extract from this plant is among the best home remedies for a cold. You can buy echinacea tea or powder and consume it to benefit from its anti-viral properties.

• Oregano Oil

It is among the best home remedies for a cold, thanks to its antibacterial properties.

• Gargling with Salt Water

This is among the most common home remedies for cough and cold. It will also ease other symptoms like blocked nose and throat pain. Gargling with warm salt water loosens mucus, thus allowing your body to get rid of the bacteria.

How to Prevent a Cold?

Along with understanding the ways to treat a cold, it is imperative to prevent the infection in the first place. A few tips to do so are as follows:

• Maintain a safe distance if someone around you is sick or suffering from cough and cold

• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze

• Stay hydrated

• Follow good personal hygiene

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing/sneezing

Final Takeaway

A cold is usually one of the symptoms of a viral infection. If you have a cold with other worse symptoms, such as high fever, body ache, breathing issues, etc., get in touch with your doctor immediately.

Please avoid taking any chances on your health and get yourself checked as soon as possible. The consultation charges for the same are mostly covered under daycare expenses in your health insurance plan. If you have any doubts, get in touch with your insurance provider and get it resolved as soon as possible.

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