Cough and cold are among the most common ailments, particularly during seasonal changes. While they are usually harmless, these conditions can cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. In this article, we will discover effective home remedies for cough and cold.
Recovering quickly from a cold and cough requires a combination of preventive measures, home remedies, and, in some cases, over-the-counter treatments. Understanding how to ease symptoms, improve immunity, and take appropriate actions can help shorten the duration and severity of a cold and cough, allowing you to get back to feeling your best.
Safety and Precautions To Prevent Cough and Cold
Here are some of the precautions to beat the cold and cough:
1. Warm your nose
One theory why we catch colds and flu more in winter is that our nose is colder which lowers its resistance to infection. Hence it is advisable to place a scarf over the nose to keep it warm.
2. Don’t shake hands
Research has shown that shaking hands transmits ten to 20 times more infection between people as it involves contact over a larger surface area hence the risk of spreading infection is higher.
3. Wash clothes on a hot cycle
The flu virus can survive warm temperatures so if someone in the family is affected, it is advisable to wash their clothes and bedding on a hot wash.
4. Cut down on sugar
Studies have found a direct correlation with immune cells decreasing their potency when the body consumed sugar. Therefore, cutting back on sugar will give better immunity as the phagocytes in the immunity cells can work better.
5. Get eight hours’ sleep
Less than seven hours’ sleep a night makes a person three times more likely to catch a cold than someone who gets eight hours, research suggests. Disturbed sleep or lack of sleep interferes with the workings of an immunity gene called TLR-9. Hence, it is very important to get a good night’s sleep.
6. Observe the two-seat rule
The risk of catching flu dramatically increases if a person sits within two seats in any direction of someone infected. It is better to move seats if one sees anyone sniffing or coughing. If moving is not a possibility, the windows should be opened.
7. Ditch the sanitiser
Hand sanitiser is unlikely to be powerful enough to kill the viruses that cause colds and flu (unless it contains 60-70% alcohol) and it won’t work at all if hands are dirty. It is advisable to always wash hands with soap and water to prevent infections.
8. Wash out your nose with salt water
Salt can help reduce the number of colds by preventing germs from taking hold in the nasal cavity.
9. Exercise – but only moderately
Gentle or moderate exercise can stimulate the immune system which can be helpful in fighting against infections.
1o. Take vitamin D supplements
Low levels of vitamin D can interfere with bacteria-fighting molecules called hCAP-18 that stimulate immune cells and the risk of catching colds and flu is raised. Taking a vitamin supplement can help. Please consult your doctor before taking medicines.
11. Treat your cold and cough with turmeric
Turmeric is rich in curcumin and volatile oils that have a protective as well as therapeutic action in persons suffering from cough and cold. Haldi also has anti-viral and anti-bacterial activity that can help beat the infection.
12. Drink protective herbal tea
Drinking warm tea with honey also can soothe the throat. Herbal teas combine the beneficial effects of different ingredients such as pepper, ginger, tulsi and cinnamon to help relieve the symptoms of cold and cough and keep the condition at bay.
13. Stay Hydrated
An upper respiratory tract infection like a cold or flu causes post-nasal drip where extra secretions trickle down the back of the throat, irritating it and sometimes causing a cough. Drinking fluids helps to thin out the mucus in postnasal drip. Drinking liquids also helps to keep mucous membranes moist. This is particularly helpful in winter when houses tend to be dry.
14. Take Medications to Treat Coughs
If the home remedies do not work, it is better to take a cough syrup (Decongestants, cough suppressants or expectorants), depending upon the kind of cough.
Effective Home Remedies For Cough and Cold
There are more than two hundred subtly different types of cold virus variants around, so it is hardly surprising that we succumb to the cold. The virus is transmitted either by direct inhalation (when someone sneezes) or touch. Such infections may also lead to coughing. Flu is always on the rise in winter with cold, a runny nose, persistent cough and fever.
1. Boosting Your Immune System
Strengthening your immune system is key to preventing and recovering from cold and coughs faster. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and D, and adequate sleep are essential. Incorporate citrus fruits, leafy greens, and probiotic-rich foods into your diet to boost immunity.
2. Natural Remedies to Soothe Symptoms
- Honey and Lemon: A teaspoon of honey with a few drops of lemon can soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. Honey acts as a natural cough suppressant.
- Ginger Tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve nasal congestion and help fight infection. Steep ginger in hot water with lemon and honey for a soothing tea.
- Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam can ease nasal congestion and make breathing easier. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot water for added relief.
3. Importance of Hydration
When suffering from cough and cold, staying hydrated is crucial. Fluids help to thin mucus and relieve congestion. Opt for warm liquids like broths, herbal teas, and hot water with honey, which can soothe the throat and clear nasal passages. Avoid caffeinated drinks, as they can lead to dehydration.
4. Foods to Eat and Avoid During Cold and Cough
- Eat: Warm soups, honey, turmeric milk, garlic, and foods rich in vitamin C.
- Avoid: Dairy products (can increase mucus), fried foods, sugary snacks, and processed foods.
5. Rest and Recovery
The importance of rest cannot be overstated when dealing with cold and cough. Sleep helps your body recover and strengthens your immune system. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and try to take naps during the day to speed up the recovery process.
6. Humidifiers for a Comfortable Environment
Using a humidifier in your room can keep the air moist, which can prevent your throat and nasal passages from becoming dry. Humidifiers help in loosening mucus and alleviating coughing and congestion.
7. Over-the-counter (OTC) Medications
For persistent cold and cough symptoms, OTC medications like cough syrups, decongestants, or pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol) may offer temporary relief. However, consult a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or persist for more than a week.
8. When to See a Doctor
Cold and cough symptoms usually subside within 7 to 10 days, but if they persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical advice. Signs like high fever, shortness of breath, wheezing, or persistent sore throat might indicate a more serious infection like bronchitis or pneumonia.
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