Common cold is as common as its names. Its attacks are so frequent that over the counter drugs always find a special place in everyone’s home. It is now time to change the way you combat this frequent attacker. Try your hands at these herbal remedies for common cold before opting for those drugs. They are natural, and thus helps in eliminating the mucus, cleaning the body, and pepping up your immunity.
- Turmeric
The golden yellow powder is well known for its antiseptic and antibiotic properties. Just mix a teaspoon full of turmeric powder in a glass of milk and drink this concoction twice a day to ease the congestion and ward off cold. You can even mix ½ tsp of this powder in 1 tsp honey with a little black pepper to ease cold.
- Licorice
A very popular herb in Ayurvedic anti-cold solutions, it is a powerful demulcent and expectorant. It soothes the inflamed mucus membranes, thus easing the pain experienced. Add 1 tsp dried, sliced licorice roots to 1 cup water and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and drink this concoction thrice daily.
- Ginger
A powerfully soothing anti-cold remedy, it is rich with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It improves the body temperature and promotes perspiration by eliminating toxins. Simmer 1 tbsp finely grated ginger in 250 ml water. Strain this concoction, mix in ½ tsp black pepper powder and 1 tbsp honey. Drink this twice daily when you have cold.
- Thyme
Add a few drops of thyme oil to your handkerchief and inhale it to open up your blocked nose. A well-admired expectorant, it is known to decongest the lungs. You can even drink thyme tea, prepared by simmer 2 tbsp fresh thyme in 200 ml water for 10 minutes.
- Holy Basil
The Holy Basil is one herb that Indians always rely on to get instant relief from cold. Add 10 leaves of this plant and 2 camphor to 2 tbsp coconut oil. Heat the mixture until it starts smoking. Inhale the fumes to decongest your nose. You can even drink tulsi infused water to obtain relief from common cold.
- Black Pepper
A spicy hot soup made from simmering tamarind and black pepper used to my grandma’s herbal solution for cold. It is known to improve your body warmth and thus alleviate the phlegm from the nose and lungs. You can even add a dash of black pepper to your favorite tomato or chicken soup to ward off cold.
- Eucalyptus
Just a few drops of the oil can do wonders in easing nose block and pain experienced in the chest. Add 5 to 6 drops of eucalyptus oil or fresh leaves to boiling water. Inhale the vapors to see immediate difference.
- Garlic
Garlic is very popular for its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antiseptic properties. Regular use of garlic is known to be beneficial in recovering from a cold attack faster.
- Sage
A classic herbal remedy for cold and cough, you can prepare sage tea by simmering 1 tsp dried sage in 200 ml water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink this concoction to flush out the phlegm and ease the headache.
- Cardamom
An aromatic spice found profusely in the Indian kitchens, it is known to improve the blood circulation within the lungs. A warm herb, it improves internal body heat, thus enhancing the eviction of phlegm.
What is your choice when it comes to healing cold with herbs? Share with us…