Do you love playing in the rain? Everyone does. But do you know about the aftermath of playing in the rain? Yes! The annoying cold and flu.
Cold and flu can affect you quickly if you stay in the rain for too long. Cold means having a temperature that is noticeably lower than body temperature. On the other hand, Flu means an infection of the nose, throat or lungs. When you suffer from cold and flu, you usually think of going to the doctor or taking some medications. But natural remedies in such cases are equally beneficial.
English medicines like cough syrups can make you sleepy, followed by some harmful side effects. Home remedies or natural remedies for colds and coughs are much better as they don’t have adverse side effects on the body.
So, let’s take a look at the top 10 natural remedies to fight cold and flu.
Top 10 Natural Remedies For Cold And Flu
Tulsi
In Ayurveda, Tulsi is called “The Queen of Herbs”. It is rich in vitamins A, D, iron, and fibre, thus helping to improve your immunity. It boosts the production of antibodies and prevents the onset of any infection. It also has cough-relieving properties and helps you cough out sticky mucus. Thereore, we recommend you to drink Tulsi tea to get rid of cold and cough.
Honey
Honey has lots of antimicrobial properties. It helps ease your sore throat and it is an effective cough suppressant. It helps loosen the thick mucus, which in turn helps relieve chest congestion. It also helps reduce wet cough. So, you should take honey before going to bed to reduce the severity of the cough.
Mulethi
Mulethi or Licorice, also known as “Sweet Wood”, is an effective Ayurvedic herb for cough. Mulethi powder helps manage sore throat, cough, and excessive mucus that blocks your airways. It thins and loosens the mucus which eases cough and reduces congestion. If you suffer from a sore throat, you can gargle with mulethi water in the morning for relief. You can also brew a cup of Mulethi tea and drink it 2-3 times a day to reduce your cough.
Sonth
Sonth is known as ‘dry ginger’ and is used to make herbal cough syrups. When taken with honey, it is a soothing remedy for cough and cold. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce sore throat.
Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon is a woody aromatic spice that gives relief from cold and cough. This spice has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. However, be cautious while using it. A specific type of Cinnamon called ‘Cassia’ causes blood thinning, therefore, people with clotting disorders should drink it carefully.
Also Read: Benefits Of Green Tea: Your Pathway To A Healthy Lifestyle
Cloves
Clove contains phenolic compounds such as eugenol and gallic acid, which are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. It not only relieves sore throat but also alleviates pain from persistent coughing. It helps reduce the itchy feeling in the throat due to the cough. The antiviral and antioxidant properties of cloves help you eliminate toxins in your body and boost your immunity.
Rasam
Rasam is a savoury broth made from a mix of spices and herbs. The broth includes coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, peppercorns and curry leaves. The tangy flavours of rasam help clean out the respiratory system. The curry leaves in the broth help you fight the flu-like symptoms. If you are down with flu, rasam can surely give you relief.
Garlic
Garlic is super hot, spicy, and pungent. It helps relieve congestion in your lungs or the sinuses. Since raw garlic is spicy, it stimulates the mucus flow, making it thin and expelling it from the body. Allicin is a powerful anti-bacterial compound found in garlic, which can help prevent and fight off cold and flu.
Also Read: Charge Your Day With These Foods That Boost Metabolism
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports our immune system. It is present in citrus fruits, red peppers, and green leafy vegetables. Adding fresh lemon juice to hot tea with honey may reduce phlegm. Vitamin C also helps in protecting cells from damage, absorbs iron, and helps in immune system functioning.
Saltwater Gargle
Gargling with salt water helps prevent upper respiratory infections. When you gargle with saline water, it coats your mouth and throat. It helps loosen mucus, lessen inflammation, and ease throat pain. Gargling can also help eliminate the bacteria or virus that causes a sore throat.
