Home Remedies For Cold: Procedure, Recovery, Risk & Complication

Common Cold is a viral infection that infects the upper respiratory tract. It is a contagious disease caused by different types of viruses.

1. Garlic:

   It is a great remedy for cold. Garlic has a rich content of Allicin, which has antimicrobial properties. Hence, adding garlic to your diet will be greatly beneficial if you are suffering from a cold.

2. Ginger:

   It has been used for medicinal purposes for a long time. A few slices of ginger boiled along with water helps to soothe a sore throat or a cough.

3. Honey:

   It is another remedy that can be used during cold. A hot cup of tea mixed with honey helps from a sore throat. Honey has lots of antioxidants which are also helpful for the body.

4. Citric fruits:

   Eat as many citric fruits as you can. Increase the intake of lemon, orange, and other such food. It’ll increase the level of vitamin C. It’ll also help reduce phlegm when you are suffering from a cold. If nothing else, take a lot of saltwater.

5. Salt water:

   It is greatly beneficial to the body when one is suffering from a cold. It prevents upper respiratory infections. Keep your body warm, especially your chest.

6. Mint:

   Mixing mint with drinking water will also help you at the time of cold.

7. Probiotics:

   They are the source of ""friendly bacteria"" that help to keep a healthy gut area and boost the immune system. It also prevents upper respiratory tract infections. Yoghurt is a rich source of probiotics.

8. Gargling:

   It helps to reduce the sore throat which is one of the most common symptoms of a cold. For gargling, you can either mix one teaspoon of salt or one teaspoon of lemon and honey in one cup of lukewarm water.

9. Stay hydrated:

   Drinking an adequate amount of water helps to flush out the foreign germs out from the body. Staying hydrated includes basic home remedies for cold.

10. Proper sleep:

    Proper sleep helps to boost immunity and to get rid of cold. If your immunity is strong your body can easily fight against viruses and bacteria. Basil leaves help in the recovery and prevention of cold.

11. Avoid stress:

    Try to avoid stress because stress has an adverse effect on the immune system of the body.

12. Turmeric milk:

    Turmeric has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Warm turmeric milk helps to fight against the infection related to cold. Drinking turmeric milk is one of the old and effective home remedies for cold.

13. Basil leaves:

    Basil leaves which are commonly known as tulsi fight against cold infection. You can take raw basil leaves or in tea form.

14. Eating:

    herbs, vegetables, and spices help you to recover fast from cough and cold.

15. Take steam:

    Taking steam can help to make the mucous thin, and thin mucous can be drained out easily. You can boil water in a bowl and you can take steam by covering with a towel.

Summary: Common cold can be treated by taking ginger, garlic, honey, citrus fruit, basil leaves, turmeric milk, probiotics. Take proper sleep. Stay hydrated and avoid any stress. Take steam and Eat herbs, vegetables, and spices. Avoid eating any cold item as it can increase the chances of having cold.

Too much garlic intake can cause diarrhea and unpleasant mouth odor. If you are suffering from acidity or have a gas problem, then it’s advisable not to take garlic.

In the case of ginger, some people might suffer from mild effects of diarrhea and general stomach trouble. It has also been found that taking ginger during the menstrual cycle can increase bleeding. It is also known to cause skin irritation for a short period.

Summary: Despite being effective, certain home remedies have some side effects which vary from person to person, so choose your home remedy only if you are not allergic or sensitive to the particular substance. Do not use any home remedies in excess as it may be harmful to health.

1. Avoid eating or drinking cold items.
2. Intake a lot of fluids don't take cold showers.
3. Have a regular cup of hot green tea.
4. Eat fruits and vegetables which boosts immunity.
5. add probiotics to your diet.
6. Take proper rest and avoid any kind of stress.

Summary: You need to keep your immunity strong so that your body can fight against the infection. Take a lot of fluids, avoid cold items, take green tea.

Usually, if the cold isn't too severe, it will take 3 to 5 days to recover. If it's severe it takes 7- 10 days to recover from a cold in an adult if it's a common cold. However, the time for recovery in children is up to 12- 14 days. The frequency of getting cold in children is more than the adult. If you are not feeling better within a week, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Summary: It usually takes 7-10 days in adults to recover and it takes up to 2 weeks in children to recover.

Common Cold is a viral infection, it doesn't have a permanent cure. It can occur again Post-infection. So, it's highly recommended to eat fruits and vegetables that boost immunity. Stay hydrated. Avoid eating cold items if you frequently suffer from cold.

Summary: No, the results of home remedies are not permanent because it's a viral infection. It can reoccur again if proper care is not taken.

Generally, no training is required to perform these natural remedies for cold. The ingredients are easily available in the market. However, If there is no improvement in the condition then it is advised to seek medical help.

Summary: No, there is no need for training or expert assistance since these home remedies are easy to perform.