5 Home Remedies to Manage Cough and Cold this Winter

The season of Chilly weathers and warm sweaters is here!

But winters also brings a tale of illness with Cold & Cough.

Although mild cough and cold is not serious, it can still be frustrating to have a blocked nose or lous sneezes while working in the office or having a peaceful time at home.

While there are hundreds of medication available for cold and cough, India has many “Dadima ke Nuskhe” to fight these at home.

Cough is a general reflex action that occurs when a foreign particle enters inside your airways.

Seasonal (particularly winters) and respiratory allergies are one of the most common causes of cold and cough.

India is the land of Ayurveda and we have many natural remedies that fights off the cold and cough and boosts your immunity system.

Natural Home Remedies for cough and cold:

According to Ayurveda, cough and cold is the obstruction of Vata and Kapha dosha, leading to blockage in the repertory pathways.

Here are five all-natural Ayurvedic remedies you can try at your home.

1. Kadha with Tulsi & Ayurvedic Spices



Ayurvedic kadha is a traditional Indian drink that has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties.

In India, kadha is usually made at home using herbs and spices like tulsi (basil leaves), ginger (adrak), turmeric (Haldi), honey (shehed), cinnamon (dalchini), dry ginger powder (sonth), black pepper (kali mirch), and mulethi (lecorice).

Read more: Millet Marvels: 5 Ancient Supergrains to Stay Warm This Winter

Tulsi leaves are especially loaded with antioxidants that strengthen immunity.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water
• 1 pinch of peeled ginger
• 4-5 cloves
• 5-6 black pepper
• 5-6 fresh basil leaves
• ½ tsp honey
• 2-inch cinnamon stick
• 3-4 leaves of mulethi (licorice)

How to make Kadha:

1. Coarsely grind the ginger, black peppercorns, cloves, and cinnamon using a mortar and pestle.
2. In a saucepan, add 3 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
3. Once boiling, add the grated ginger, ground spices, turmeric, and tulsi leaves.
4. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the water reduces by half.
5. Add jaggery or honey to taste and stir until dissolved.

Strain the kadha into cups and serve hot.

2. Honey and Ginger



Honey and ginger paste is a well-known home remedy for alleviating cough and cold symptoms.

Both honey and ginger have been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine due to their numerous health benefits.

Ingredients:

• Organic raw honey: 1 tablespoon

Honey is recognized for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help fight infections better than many over-the-top medicines.

• Fresh ginger: 2-inch piece

Ginger contains compounds like gingerols and shogaols, which exhibit antibacterial effects against common pathogens responsible for respiratory infections.

How to make Ginger paste with Honey:

1. Grate ginger finely or use a mortar and pestle to crush it into a paste.
2. Squeeze the grated ginger through a sieve or a cotton cloth to extract about one tablespoon of juice.
3. Combine the ginger juice with one tablespoon of Pure Honey in a small bowl.
4. Store the paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Usage:

1. Take one teaspoons of this honey and ginger paste at least three times a day, especially before bedtime for a restful sleep.
2. Avoid drinking water immediately after consuming the ginger honey paste to get maximized relief from cough and cold.
3. Masala Tea with Tulsi, Cinnamon, and Dry Ginger



Masala Chai or Tea, particularly with tulsi (basil), cinnamon, and dry ginger serves as an effective natural home remedy for cough and cold.

Tulsi is called the “ Solution for Life ” in the 3000 years old Ayurvedic medicinal system, for its antimircobial, anti-bacterial, and therapeutic properties.

This aromatic Masala chai combines the health benefits of these powerful ingredients, making it a popular choice during the colder months.

Ingredients:

• Tea leaves: 2 teaspoons (or 1 tea bag)
• Water: 2 cups
• Tulsi leaves: A handful (fresh or dried)
• Cinnamon stick: 1 small piece (or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon)
• Dry ginger powder: ½ teaspoon (or a small piece of fresh ginger)
• Sugar or honey: To taste
• Milk: Optional, for creaminess

How to make Masala Tea with Tulsi, Cinnamon, and Dry Ginger:

1. Boil Water: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add Ingredients: Once boiling, add the tea leaves, tulsi leaves, cinnamon stick, and dry ginger powder. If using fresh ginger, add it at this stage.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
4. Sweeten: Add sugar or honey to taste, stirring until dissolved.
5. Strain and Serve: Strain the tea into cups. If desired, add milk for a creamier texture.
6. Enjoy Warm: Drink this masala tea while warm to maximize its soothing effects.
4. Roasted Garlic

Roasted garlic is a potent natural remedy for cough and cold, providing relief from irritation and discomfort while coughing.

Garlic contains compounds such as allicin, which have been shown to possess strong antibacterial and antiviral properties that boost your immune system.

How to make Roasted Garlic for cough and cold:

1. Take a garlib bulb and peel the outer layer to get 10-12 cloves of garlic.
2. You can either use a Griddle/flat-pan or Microwave open.

On a Pan

• - Put fresh cloves of garlic and roast them on a medium flame till you see brownish-black patches on the cloves.

In Microwave

• - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• - Place the wrapped bulbs on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
• - Allow the roasted garlic to cool slightly before squeezing out the soft cloves.

Usage:

• You can have roasted garlic alone or combine it with honey for additional cold relief.



5. Saltwater Gargle

Saltwater Gargling is a simple yet effective Indian home remedy for alleviataing cough and cold in winters.

The throat becomes inflamed due to infection or irrition from cough, which leads to swelling.

Salt water acts on the mucous lining of the throat, helping remove irritants, viruses, bacteria, and llergens that contribute to infections.

By killing these pathogens, salt water creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria, thereby providing a lubrication in the vocal tract.

How to Gargle with Salt Water:

• Mix: Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup (about 250 ml) of warm water.
• Gargle: Take a sip of the solution, gargle for 15-30 seconds, then spit it out.
• Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for best results.

However, avoid excessive use as too much salt can lead to dryness and irritation in the throat

You can also try this Turmeric Milk recipe for enhanced immune-support from cold and cough.

Conclusion:

As winter settles in, bringing with it the inevitable coughs and colds, it's essential to have effective remedies handy.

These remedies harness the power of natural ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties, making them excellent choices for alleviating symptoms.

Incorporating these simple yet powerful home remedies into your daily routine can provide significant relief from cold and cough symptoms while promoting overall health.

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