Home Remedies for Cold

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With the temperatures dropping rapidly, it seems like the weather is in a hurry to go from summer to winter with no intention to stop for fall in between. We are already facing frost advisories and are bracing ourselves for a cold winter. Sudden changes in the temperature and colder weather also mean that the dreaded cold season is upon us.

Having a cold can be such a drag on our daily activities, sneezing, sore throat, stuffy nose and a heavy head are only some of the symptoms that we have to contend with while trying to go about our daily routine. Here are some home remedies that are simple and effective for some of the symptoms of cold using common items from around the home.




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For that lousy heavy head feeling that almost always arrives at the first sign of cold...

Heat a flat heavy dry clean pan to a medium heat, roll a fresh clean dry terry wash cloth or napkin and place one end of the towel on the pan for a second or two. Remove, feel with your palm to see if it is warm ( Caution it should NOT be hot just warm) then place the warm part of the towel on your forehead. Repeat this process and place the warm part of the towel from side to side on your forehead. Also place this warm part of the towel on your throat. This helps in soothing your throat and reduces the heavy headed feeling caused by cold.

For a heavy headed feeling that persists despite the above treatment...

Heat a flat heavy pan, dry roast 2 tbsp of rock salt. When the salt gets warm roll it in a dry terry wash cloth or napkin or even a muslin cloth. Place the rolled cloth or napkin from side to side on your forehead and on your throat ( Make sure the rolled cloth or terry towel is warm not hot before placing it on your forehead)

For a persistent cough,

Warm 1/4 cup water on the stove top or microwave, add a teaspoon of honey to it. Mix thoroughly and drink it up. Do this preferably at night before going to bed for a cough free sleep.
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For a sore throat,

Warm 1/2 cup or water on the stove top or microwave, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in it thoroughly. Pour a small amount of this mixture in your mouth and gargle for a few seconds. Spit out the water and continue until the rest of the water is used up. Do this 3 to 4 times a day for a quick relief from sore throat. A point to remember is that you should avoid doing this immediately after any meal. Wait at least 30 minutes after a meal to try this method.

For a stuffy nose,

Heat a large pot half filled with water and allow the water to come to a boil. When the water starts boiling, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of Vicks vaporub to it and remove from heat, Place the container on a flat, heat resistant surface and place your face as close as is bearable for you and cover your head and the vessel with a large sheet or towel completely, so the heat does not escape from it. Inhale this steam for about 2 to 3 minutes, slowly raise your head when done. Try this and see how much better that makes you feel, this is a great way to clear up stuffy nose.

And finally....

Warm a cup of milk, add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, a pinch of freshly ground pepper, half to one teaspoon of sugar and mix well. Drink this once or twice a day for soothing your throat and a quicker recovery from the cold. Turmeric is known for its anti infection properties and this turmeric milk is a great way to beat the cold and get well sooner.

Most of these home remedies are something that we have followed since childhood and they are surprisingly effective despite its simplicity. I am sure there are many more simple home remedies that are followed in different households, if you know any such remedies that you would like to share, please feel free to leave them in your comments, I am sure all of us will benefit from more such ideas this season.