Cold, cough, and fever are common illnesses that affect individuals throughout the year. These illnesses can be caused by various factors, such as viral or bacterial infections, allergies, and changes in weather.
The good news, however, is that you don’t always need to run to the pharmacy or physician for treatment.
A variety of home remedies exist that can help alleviate the symptoms of these illnesses and get you back to your normal routine. These straightforward remedies can often be found in your pantry or refrigerator.
In this article, we will discuss ten home remedies for cold, cough, and fever.
1. Ginger Tea
Drinking ginger tea is a fantastic way to fight cold and cough. Ginger is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making ginger tea an ideal addition to your flu-fighting arsenal.
Ginger has compounds called gingerols and shgaols, which help to alleviate a cough, sore throat, and cold symptoms.
Ingredients:.
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tbsp. honey
Preparation:.
- Peel and cut a fresh piece of ginger into slices.
- Boil a cup of water
- Add ginger to the boiling water and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea to remove the ginger pieces.
- Add honey as per your taste and drink the tea hot.
2. Garlic for Cold and Cough
In addition to being delicious, garlic has antiviral and antibacterial properties, which make it effective at fighting cold and cough symptoms.
The sulfur compounds in garlic help to loosen up the mucus from the respiratory tract and provide relief from a blocked nose and coughing.
Ingredients:.
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1 cup hot water
Preparation:.
- Crush 2-3 cloves of garlic in a bowl.
- Boil a cup of water in a small pan.
- Steep the garlic in the hot water for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain and drink.
3. Honey
Honey is a natural remedy for cough that has been used for centuries. Its soothing properties help to calm the throat and lessen the irritation that causes coughing.
Honey is also an excellent source of antioxidants and has anti-microbial properties that help to fight against bacteria and viruses.
Ingredients:.
- 1 tablespoon honey
Preparation:.
- Eat one tablespoon of raw honey directly to soothe a sore throat, suppress a cough, or calm a cold.
- You can also mix it into warm tea or water to make it more palatable.
4. Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is often called the “soul food” for ill individuals. It has been used to treat colds, coughs, and fever for decades. It contains antioxidants, which help to fight off the common cold and flu.
Additionally, chicken soup contains electrolytes, which your body needs to stay hydrated during illness, and it provides nutrients that help to boost your immune system.
Ingredients:.
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- 1 onion
- 2-3 carrots
- 1-2 stalks celery
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1-2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Preparation:.
- Chop the garlic, onion, carrots, and celery.
- In a pot, sauté the garlic, onion, carrots, and celery with some salt and pepper until the veggies are tender.
- Add the chicken broth and cooked chicken to the pot and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer and let the soup cook for 10-20 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Eucalyptus oil Steam
Eucalyptus oil has fantastic anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help to fight respiratory infections. It’s also an excellent natural way to decongest your nose and relieve a cough.
Inhalation of eucalyptus oil gives a cooling and soothing effect to the respiratory tract.
Ingredients:.
Related Article
Natural Cures for Cold, Cough, and Fever
- 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil
- 1 bowl of hot water
Preparation:.
- Boil a bowl of water.
- Add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil to the hot water.
- Cover your head with a towel and lean over the hot water bowl.
- Inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes.
6. Turmeric Milk
Turmeric has powerful antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent home remedy for cold and cough.
Turmeric milk or “golden milk” is an excellent beverage for cold and cough, and it’s also a warm and soothing drink before bedtime.
Ingredients:.
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder/li>
- 1 tsp honey
Preparation:.
- Pour one cup of whole milk in a pan and heat it on low flame.
- Add 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder and stir them well.
- Stir in honey as per your preference.
- Drink the milk hot before bedtime.
7. Saltwater Gargle
A saltwater gargle is a simple remedy that can help alleviate a sore throat and cough. It’s a natural disinfectant that kills bacteria and viruses while also reducing inflammation.
Gargling with saltwater several times a day can provide relief and speed up the healing process.
Ingredients:.
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 cup of warm water
Preparation:.
- Boil a cup of water in a pot and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Add a teaspoon of salt into the warm water and stir well.
- Gargle with the solution for 15 to 30 seconds.
- Spit the solution out and rinse your mouth with plain water.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties, which make it an excellent home remedy for colds and coughs. ACV also contains vitamins and minerals that are essential for the immune system.
Consuming apple cider vinegar may help to alleviate symptoms and speed up the recovery process.
Ingredients:.
- 1-2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tsp. honey (optional)
Preparation:.
- Mix 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with a cup of warm water.
- Add honey as per your preference.
- Drink the solution 2 to 3 times a day.
9. Lemon Tea
Lemon tea is an effective remedy for colds, coughs, and fever. The high vitamin C content in lemon helps to boost the immune system, and it also acts as an antioxidant that helps in fighting off illness.
Drinking warm lemon tea also reduces inflammation and soothes the throat.
Ingredients:.
- 1 Lemon
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tsp. honey (optional)
Preparation:.
- Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a cup.
- Add boiling water and honey to the cup and stir well.
- Drink the lemon tea while it’s still warm.
10. Rest and Hydration
Getting proper rest and hydration is one of the best things you can do to fight off cough, colds, and fever. When you’re sick, your body needs fluids to replace the ones you lose through fever, mucus, and sweat.
Getting adequate rest helps boost the immune system and allows the body to recover more quickly.
Conclusion.
Home remedies for cold, cough, and fever can be a lifesaver when you’re feeling under the weather. Using these natural remedies can often help to alleviate symptoms and speed up the recovery process.
So, whether it’s a cup of ginger tea, lemon tea or just getting rest, these remedies are fantastic to consider when you’re feeling ill.
