Home Remedies for Common Cold & Flu

During winter months, very common respiratory illness are common cold & flu. These conditions affects the upper respiratory tract which includes lungs, throat and nose. Common cold and flu consider as a highly contagious disease that spread through cough, sneeze or touching an infected person.

Instead of using any medication common cold and flu can be easily treated at home. Home remedies are the best way to solve common cold and flu problems:

1. GINGER

Ginger is the most common ancient herb. This herb contains chemicals known as sesquiterpenes, which deal with upper respiratory tract infections. The antibacterial, antiviral properties, suppresses cold and clear nasal passage. It can be used in any form like fresh, dry, powder and tea.

Ways to Consume :

1. Ginger pieces: Take few pieces of fresh ginger. Chew these pieces twice daily.
2. Ginger juice: Prepare a mixture by adding one teaspoon of ginger juice and half teaspoon of honey. Consume this mixture once.
3. Ginger tea: In one and half cup of water, add one inch fresh ginger/ half teaspoon of ginger powder/ one inch of dry ginger. Allow it to steep for 5-10mins. Strain this mixture and consume this tea. You can also add lemon juice and honey to it, if required.
4. Ginger steam: Boil ginger pieces in a large bowl. Inhale the steam coming from this water for five minutes and relax yourself.

2. HOLY BASIL

 

Holy Basil is commonly known as tulsi. It is consider as antibiotic, fungicidal, antibacterial, germicidal and disinfectant agent. Tulsi hold antibiotic property that reduces symptoms of flu. Its antiviral property deals with common cold.

Ways to Consume :

1. Tulsi leaves: Chew two to three tulsi leaves.
2. Tulsi decoction: Prepare a decoction by adding 3-4 tulsi leaves, ginger and honey. Consume this daily.
3. Tulsi tea: Make an herbal tea by boiling two cups of water and few holy basil leaves. Boil this mixture until it remain one cup. Have this preparation.
4. Holy basil and milk: Take two to three holy basil leaves, break it into small parts. Put a glass of milk to it. Boil this mixture for five minutes. This preparation is given to babies to reduce common cold and flu naturally.

3. CINNAMON

Cinnamon contains a compound known as cinnamaldehyde that deals with common cold and flu. Its essential oils kill species of bacteria that causes common cold and flu.

Ways to Consume :

1. Cinnamon drink: Prepare a drink by adding one cup of hot water, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and one tablespoon of honey. Drink this mixture twice daily.
2. Herbal tea: Make an herbal tea by adding few chopped fresh ginger, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and one tablespoon of brown sugar. Put three cups of water and boil it for ten minutes. Simmer for 15-20 mins, strain it and drink this preparation.

4. HONEY

Honey is rich in antioxidants, sugars, acids, proteins, carbohydrates and minerals. The antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral properties in it, overcome common cold and flu conditions.

Ways to Consume :

1. Honey and turmeric: Prepare a mixture by adding one tbsp. of turmeric powder and 100gms of honey. Stir it well. Consume half tsp of this mixture every hour.
2. Honey syrup: Take one teaspoon of honey as a cough syrup.
3. Honey and garlic juice: Mix two tablespoon of garlic juice and add one teaspoon of honey to it. Consume this mixture.

5. GARLIC

Garlic act as a powerful antioxidant with antiviral, antimicrobial and antibiotic properties. It provides decongestant and expectorant effects that are good for cold and flu.

Ways to Consume :

1. Honey and Garlic: Consume six garlic cloves and a tablespoon of honey once in a day.
2. Water and garlic: Take two cloves of garlic and put it in a glass of water. Drink this mixture daily.

6. Turmeric

The presence of curcumin in turmeric contains anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer and anti-fungal properties. These properties help to reduce common cold and flu.

Ways to Consume :

1. Turmeric powder and milk: Mix ½ tsp of turmeric powder, water and little milk. Gargle with this preparation to reduce flu symptoms.
2. Honey and turmeric: Mix one tablespoon of turmeric powder with ginger. Have this mixture once a day.

7. Hot Soup

Hot soup act as a decongestant that help you breathe easier. It eases common cold and flu condition.

Ways to Consume :

1. Consume hot soup prepared from vegetables. Add ginger and garlic to the preparation.

8. Steam

Steam inhalation help to moisten the nasal passage. It help in opening up congested sinuses and clearing blocked nose. This cures common cold and flu easily.

Ways to Consume :

1. Inhale steam by using holy basil leaves, ginger and cloves etc.