It seems like every year that winter cough just won’t go away. Winter is when the common cold is most frequent, and it’s almost a guarantee that many people will become sick with it. A mild viral illness that affects the nose, throat, sinuses, and airways is the common cold. It may produce symptoms like as scratchy throat, coughing, tiredness, and runny or clogged nose. Although there’s no foolproof way to treat a common cold, we have compiled a list of popular foods, herbs, and home remedies that can help relieve the symptoms of your winter cough.
Garlic: Garlic has strong antioxidant qualities that make it a possible ally in preventing or reducing cold symptoms. Interestingly, research indicates that taking a supplement containing garlic on a daily basis may significantly lower your risk of getting colds by 63%. Garlic has health benefits that extend beyond its capacity to treat colds. These benefits include lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol, and reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Ginger: Another popular herbal component in ayurveda cough and cold remedies, ginger aids in the removal of mucus as well as the prevention of infections and the decrease of inflammation. The main ingredients in ginger, known as gingerols, are responsible for these anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. According to research, ginger and its extracts have the ability to relax the smooth muscle in the airways, acting as a bronchodilator and easing discomfort, coughing, and dyspnea. Ginger may be chewed on or used to make herbal teas with honey. You can also consume the juice that has just been extracted.
Tulsi: Known for its many health advantages, Tulsi is an Ayurvedic plant that has been used for generations in India. Tulsi is a useful treatment for dry cough because it is an expectorant, which means it aids in the removal of mucus from the respiratory system. Tulsi also functions as a natural antibiotic, warding off infections and hastening the healing process.
Fruits and Vegetables: Vitamin C may still be helpful when that unwanted sniffle is about to strike, even if it may not have the legendary ability to prevent colds. Savor the benefits of citrus fruits, such as limes, lemons, oranges, or grapefruits, to strengthen your immune system with this important vitamin.
Don’t worry if you’re not a big fan of citrus’s tart flavors. Various additional foods such as butternut, cantaloupe, cauliflower, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli, red bell pepper, Brussels sprouts, and kiwi fruit are also excellent sources of vitamin C.
Onion Juice: Another essential in every Indian kitchen, onions make this a highly practical cure. Most people are unaware that onions have medicinal properties in addition to adding flavor to meals. According to studies, onion extract relaxes the trachea and has an anti-inflammatory impact, which may lessen or eliminate coughing spasms. The sulfur components in onions may be responsible for these advantages. Ayurvedic medicine has long acknowledged the benefits of onions as a cure for dry coughs, so give them a try. Onion juice may be extracted by crushing it and combining it with the same amount of honey. A spoonful of the combination is consumed by most people twice or three times a day.
Honey: According to research, honey may be able to relieve a chronic cough. Scientists reviewed the effectiveness of honey in treating coughs associated with upper respiratory infections in 2021. According to the results, honey worked better than normal treatment to control coughs and lessen the need for antibiotics.
Another research indicated that both honey and the popular cough suppressant dextromethorphan were helpful at reducing coughing. In one experiment, the results even suggested that honey performed somewhat better than dextromethorphan, while in another, it was on par with it.
People who choose to use this cure may either take a teaspoon of honey straight away or mix it into a hot beverage, such herbal tea.
Warm Fluids: An earlier study from 2008 indicates that drinking liquids at room temperature may help reduce symptoms like runny nose, coughing, and sneezing, despite the paucity of research on the topic today. Warm drinks, on the other hand, could provide greater alleviation for those who are experiencing more cold or flu symptoms. The same research also found that hot beverages might instantly relieve symptoms including weariness, cold, and sore throat. It was observed that the beneficial benefits persisted long after the hot beverage was consumed.
Warm fruit juices, decaffeinated black tea, herbal teas, clear broths, and warm water are some examples of hot liquids that might provide comfort.
Pumpkin Seeds: Packed with zinc, which is necessary to improve white blood cell activity, pumpkin seeds are a great source of this mineral. These cells are essential in the fight against infections like the flu virus. You may add a pleasant crunch to your diet by adding pumpkin seeds to salads or enjoying them by the handful.
Turmeric: Known for its potency in curing coughs and sore throats, turmeric milk is a well-liked home treatment for a variety of diseases in India. Turmeric’s primary ingredient, curcumin, gives the spice its yellow color and has strong anti-inflammatory qualities. The immune system may be strengthened and antibody responses to infections can be stimulated by turmeric. Consider mixing in some black pepper to the turmeric combination for quicker relief. This blend maximizes the medicinal properties of turmeric, providing a safe and all-natural treatment for respiratory distress.
Pineapple: Because it contains the enzyme bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic qualities, pineapple is surprisingly helpful for relieving coughs. Pineapple is a great option for boosting cough alleviation since bromelain’s special mix of properties helps break down mucus and reduce inflammation. Because of its organic and advantageous effects on respiratory comfort, you may want to think about including this tropical fruit in your diet.
Smoothie with bananas and berries: Announcing the Banana Berry Smoothie – A nutrient-dense mixture that captures the deliciousness of mixed berries and ripe bananas. The immune system is greatly aided by bananas, which are well-known for being high in potassium, vitamin B6, and other important vitamins. This smoothie provides a potent dose of vitamin C and antioxidants when combined with berries that are high in antioxidants, particularly blueberries and strawberries. These ingredients help to improve general immune function and lessen cough symptoms, which makes the Banana Berry Smoothie a tasty and nutritious option to support your health.
It’s important to understand that everyone’s reaction to these natural cures for winter cough solutions may differ. It is essential to speak with a healthcare provider, particularly if symptoms intensify or continue.
