Natural ways to treat cold and cough
People often suffer from a cough and cold, and one of the best ways to cure it is by opting for home remedies. Home remedies are not only safe but also quite effective. Depending on the symptoms, you can choose any of the home remedies mentioned below. If the cold and cough are persistent, you must seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Marshmallow root
It is one of the herbs used to treat a sore throat and cough. It is available in the form of syrups, dried herbs, or tea bags. It helps in easing the irritation caused due to a common cold and also reduces coughing. If you take the syrup for 12 days, you can get rid of the symptoms of a cough and cold. While it is effective, it takes a long time to work. You can purchase marshmallow root from a health store or an online store.
Slippery elm
It is used to treat issues related to the digestive system and cough. Just like marshmallow root, slippery elm contains high levels of mucilage. You can add this ingredient to your tea. The primary benefit of slippery elm is that it provides a soothing effect on a sore throat. You can buy it in the capsule or powder form from medical stores and e-commerce websites.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the best and oldest remedies to cure a cold and cough. It helps in easing both a dry and asthmatic cough as it has anti-inflammatory properties. You can consume it by adding it to hot water and drinking it as a tea. Also, to enhance the taste, you can add lemon or honey.
Bromelain
It is present in pineapples as an enzyme. It helps in treating cough and cold as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It also has mucolytic properties which help in breaking down the mucus and removing it from the body. It is suggested to eat raw pineapple as pineapple juice does not contain enough bromelain. After consulting a doctor, you can also take bromelain supplements. However, people who are taking antibiotics or blood thinners should avoid this method.
Salt water gargle
It is a simple remedy to treat a cough and cold. It is also one of the most effective ways to treat a sore throat. Take a glass of water and add half a teaspoon of salt to it. Heat this mixture until it is warm. Gargle this solution. Repeat this process for 5-7 days to get relief from the symptoms of a common cold and cough. Parents shouldn’t ask children to try this method as they may not gargle well, and excessive salt consumption could be harmful.
Honey tea
It is one of the most popular home remedies for cold and cough. It provides significant relief from a cold. Mix two spoons of honey with lukewarm water or herbal tea. Consume it at least three times a day for better results. Do not provide this treatment to kids below one year of age.
While catching a cough and cold is quite common, you need not put up with its symptoms. You can use any of the home remedies mentioned above to get relief.