Coronavirus, Adenovirus, Rhinovirus are the few names of viruses that can cause the common cold.

Did you know there are more than 200 types of viruses that cause a common cold?

That’s why “there is no cure for the common cold”

According to the Center For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), kids may suffer from colds 8-10 times a year & adults may experience 2-3 times a year.

Common Cold Symptoms

• Runny nose
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Chest congestion
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Fever

We suffer from the common cold mostly during monsoon season. Though there is no cure for the cold we can treat the Symptoms of a cold.

In this article, I have shared 9 very effective home remedies for cold which can help you to ease the symptoms of cold

9 Simple Home Remedies For Cold & Sneezing

#1. Probiotics

Probiotics are a long shot way to keep any ailments at bay. Probiotics are actually beneficial bacteria that can improve your digestive health.  A healthy gut gives you a healthy immune system, hence including probiotics in your diet will help to boost your immune system.

Food items such as yogurt, some types of cheese, sour pickles, fermented rice water, sauerkraut, etc. are some excellent probiotics to add to your diet.

#2. Honey

A study stated children older than 2 years of age were given 2 tables spoons before bedtime. It resulted in reduced coughing during the night and improved their sleep.

Another study concluded honey is as effective as dextromethorphan, which is an ingredient used in the OTC cough medicines

While giving to kids, avoid for infants below 2 years.

Note: You should never give honey to an infant, as honey often contains ‘botulinum spores’ which causes infant botulism.

#3. Gargle with warm water

Gargling irrespective of flu or not is helpful in boosting your immune system.

Gargling with warm salted water will help drain out all mucus from the nose and throat. The warm salt water will help kill the bacteria and clear the mucus too.

In a glass full of warm water add ¼ to ½ teaspoon salt, mix until dissolved, and gargle with it at least 1-2 times a day for a few days.

#4. Epsom salt detox bath

Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is a great addition to your bath. It is loaded with minerals which helps the toxins to flush out from your body.

When soaked for 15 -20 mins into warm water with Epsom salt in it can help relieve cold symptoms like headaches and muscle aches.

#5. Essential oils

Essential oils are packed with potent ingredients mostly from parts of plants such as roots, leaves, or flowers.

Aromatic oils like eucalyptus oil, neem oil, peppermint oil have properties to cure the symptoms of flu.

The antimicrobial and antibacterial properties will decongest, relieve muscle pain, and reduce fever and let you sleep.

You can add a few drops of essential to hot water and do steam inhalation to relieve the symptoms.

How to use essential oils for the flu: https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/essential-oils-for-flu

#6. Ginger shot

Ginger root is an essential ingredient in everyone’s kitchen. The earthy flavor comes from the herbaceous perennial plant that can naturally fight vomiting and nausea which makes it a great choice for flu treatment.

Ginger is available in different forms such as powder, capsule, or extract but the best way to get maximum benefits is from fresh ginger root.

Take a small chunk of ginger root, approximately. ½ inch and crush it.  Then add it to one glass of water & let it boil for 2-3 minutes. Strain it & drink at a warm temperature. You can add some honey to maximize the benefits.

#7. Hot liquids

Hot liquids such as water, soup, concoction help in easing the throat pain during eating.

They relieve nasal congestion, soothe the inflamed throat membrane, and prevent dehydration.

A cup of herbal tea or warm water with honey will help soothe the throat.

#8. Food items which can prevent & ease cold

Foods enriched with vitamin C such as lemons, and other citrus fruits, bell peppers, berries such as blueberries, cranberries are packed with antioxidants that boost the immune system.

Chili peppers can open sinus and break the mucus in the lungs.

Honey soothes the irritated throat and herbal tea such as green tea, chamomile, etc. have catechin, a phytochemical which has natural antibiotic and anti-diarrheal effects.

#9. Wash your hands

This isn’t anything new but personal hygiene should be a top priority for everyone. Washing hands before meals and after touching any questionable objects.

An antibacterial hand wash will help kill bacteria and clean your hands too.

So these are the effective home remedies one can easily follow to ease cold symptoms. If you find this article helpful please share it with someone you care.

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