Top 20 Natural And Effective Home Remedies For Cold

Updated: 6/23/2019

One of the most common illnesses that affects most everyone is the common cold. More than 200 viruses cause the common cold but the most common is the rhinovirus, which is estimated to be responsible for about half of colds. Its symptoms include sore throat, runny nose, body aches, watery eyes, headache, low body temperature, and sneezing ^[1]. Children and infants are more prone to viruses due to their immature immunity that hasn’t learned to fight these illnesses yet. This condition often lasts for a week. Thus, you can opt for natural home remedies for cold because they are harmless, safe, and help prevent the condition and its symptoms well. They will also naturally strengthen the body without leaving any side effects. Continue reading this post on Beauty Talk to understand more.

Top 20 Natural And Effective Home Remedies For Cold That Work

1. Ginger

“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship – Buddha.”

Ginger has been used to cure different kinds of diseases for centuries. It helps to heal the respiratory tract, bronchitis, and persistent cough ^[2]. Ginger is also able to ward off nausea, which is often accompanied with cold and influenza ^[3]. Additionally, ginger is useful for dealing with muscle cramps as well as muscle ache. It acts as a great natural preventive measure for colon cancer ^[4] Here are the directions on how to treat a cold with ginger:

You need to prepare:

• 1-inch of fresh ginger
• 2 tbsp of lemon juice
• 1 tbsp of honey

Procedure:

Firstly, boil water in 1 pan and grate 1-inch of fresh ginger. Later, add the grated ginger to the water together with 1 tbsp of honey and 2 tbsp of lemon juice to make a delicious ginger tea. Afterward, enjoy this soothing drink.

2. Honey Remedy

For centuries, honey has been used to treat wounds and cuts thanks to its antibacterial activity ^[5]. Besides, its anti-microbial and antioxidant properties  honey helps to soothe a cold and promote undisturbed sleep ^[6]. However, honey isn’t suggested for children below one year because of the risk of botulism. Furthermore, honey may coat the throat, thereby reducing its sensitivity. Apart from that, it gives naturally glowing skin & hair as well.

You need to prepare:

• 1 tbsp of honey
• 1 tbsp of lemon juice

Procedure:

You mix the prepared ingredients in one cup of warm water. Mix them well and after that, sip the mixture slowly.

3. Garlic

The list of the natural and effective home remedies for cold is incomplete without mentioning garlic ^[7]. Being loaded with antifungal, antibacterial, antiprotozoal and anti-viral properties, garlic helps to relieve stubborn coughs ^[8] and clear mucus blocking the lungs. Also, garlic contains allicin, which has antimicrobial & antibacterial properties ^[9] and provides a hot and robust flavor. Also, garlic helps to lower cholesterol, high blood pressure ^{[10] [11]}, and reduce the risk of heart attack & stroke.

You need to prepare:

• 5-6 cloves of garlic
• A cup of yogurt

Procedure:

You can crush 5-6 cloves of garlic and later consume it raw. Alternatively, you can mix it with 1 cup of yogurt. After that, drink this mixture to treat colds soon.

4. Cinnamon

Generally speaking, cinnamon is used widely in Mediterranean and Asian cooking as a highly flavorful spice. Besides, cinnamon contains natural warming and anti-bacterial properties ^[12], which aid in curing sore throat, cough, and colds ^[13]. Just a cup of cinnamon tea helps to heal itching and throat irritation. Also, cinnamon serves as a natural treatment for gas and bloating, arthritis, and lowers the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

You need to prepare:

• 1 tbsp of honey
• ½ tbsp of freshly ground cinnamon

Procedure:

The best way to treat a cold and sore throat with the help of cinnamon is to mix the prepared ingredients well. After that, take the concoction 2-3 times per day for 3 days until the cold is cured completely.

5. Cayenne Pepper

Red hot cayenne pepper is the perfect dip of crackers and chips. Also, it’s a great way of treating respiratory passages, nasal congestion ^[14], and sinuses. Cayenne pepper has the compound called capsaicin, which may deal with the cold effectively ^[15]. Besides, it’s also an effective and natural ingredient for weight loss and helps to decrease high blood pressure and cholesterol in the blood. Here’s how to cure colds with hot cayenne pepper:

You need to prepare:

• 1 tbsp of honey
• 1 tea bag
• ½ tsp of dry hot cayenne pepper powder

Procedure:

First, pour boiling water into 1 cup and later dip 1 tea bag into it. Then, mix with honey and dry cayenne pepper powder. Afterward, sip the concoction slowly.

6. Lemon Juice

As you know, vitamin C is excellent for treatment of a cold ^[16], and the abundant natural source of this vitamin is citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons.  These fruits are full of this health benefiting nutrients, which improves the natural defense mechanisms of the body and combats viruses and bacteria. Lemon mainly helps to thin mucus ^[17], lower phlegm, and clear the respiratory system. Furthermore, lemon juice helps to improve digestion and works as an effective natural cure for brightening the skin. However, lemon juice contains constituents called furanocoumarins so topical use should be avoided if you plan to expose your skin to UV rays from the sun or a tanning bed within twelve hours of application.

You need to prepare:

• 2 tbsp of lemon juice
• 1 tbsp of honey

Procedure:

You mix the honey and lemon juice in 1 glass of warm water. Then, enjoy this sweet and warm drink to combat the cold.

7. Raisins

Raisins are healthy and delicious snacks. Besides, they are also considered one of the best natural remedies for colds and fevers. The phytonutrients found in raisins consist of powerful antioxidant together with antibiotic properties, which help to treat viral illnesses, soothe sore throat and cough ^[18]. Apart from that, raisins help to eliminate constipation, boost oral health ^[19], improve bone health, and are effective for reducing weight gain.

You need to prepare:

• 1 handful of raisins
• 2 tsp of sugar
• 2 tsp of water

Procedure:

The best way to treat colds with raisins is to grind up 1 handful of raisins and to it, add 2 tsp of sugar and water. Later heat the mixture until a thick paste is created. After that, consume 1 tbsp of this paste before going to bed.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular ingredient in multiple skin care products. It is also an excellent remedy for the common cold owing to its antibacterial ^[20], antifungal, and antiviral properties. Apple cider vinegar helps to build an alkaline environment in the body ^[21], making it very difficult for all the viruses to survive. Here's how to treat colds with apple cider vinegar:

You need to prepare:

• 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar
• ½ glass of water
• 1 tsp of raw honey

Procedure:

Mix the apple cider vinegar and raw honey with the water. Then, strain and drink 3 to 4 times per day to treat colds.

9. Honey Onion Syrup

One of the effective home remedies for cold is using a syrup made of honey and onion. Honey is packed with antiviral and antibacterial qualities, which may be used to combat colds and gives you instant relief from the sore throat. Onion, on the other hand, comprises specific components that aid in strengthening the immune system ^[22] and work as natural anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and expectorants ^[23].

You need to prepare:

• 1 red onion
• 1 cup of organic raw honey

Procedure:

Evenly, slice the onion and put its base in a jar. Next, pour honey into the jar to form a layer over onion slices. Continue to alternate layering this onion and honey. Cover the jar tightly by using a lid once completed. Keep the mixture overnight for around 8 to 12 hours. After that, consume 3 teaspoons of the liquid every hour to manage the common cold. You can store the syrup in your fridge for up a maximum of two days.

10. Steam Out Your Nose

Steaming out the nose is also useful to relieve cold symptoms ^[24]. You can use the essential oils like tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil for this purpose. These oils come with the antibacterial & antiviral properties, which assist in combating the severe symptoms.

You need to prepare:

• 1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil
• 1-2 drops tsp of tea tree oil
• 4 cups of water

Procedure:

In the bottom of a heatproof bowl, put 1-2 drops each of tea tree and eucalyptus oil. Later, pour in about 4 cups of water. Now, at a safe distance, you place the face over the bowl. After that, drape a towel over the head to capture the healing steam and now take deep breaths. Closing your eyes is strongly recommended to reduce irritation. It is recommended to do this procedure 2 to 3 times per day to reduce the cold symptoms.

11. Mullein Tea

Thanks to its soothing and mucus-expelling properties, mullein tea may provide you an immediate relief from common cold, cough, and sore throat ^[25]. Here’s how to treat a cold with the help of mullein tea:

You need to prepare:

• 2 tbsp of dried mullein
• 1 cup of water
• ½ tsp of honey

Procedure:

First, you fill a filter with 2 tablespoons of dried mullein. Next, put it in boiling water (1 cup) for a gap of 5 to 10 minutes. To it, add ½ teaspoon of honey. Afterward, enjoy this mullein tea twice to thrice per day to get immediate relief from the cold.

12. Chicken Soup 

One of the well-known remedies for cold is chicken soup because it possesses many vital vitamins and nutrients ^[26] that assist in treating a cold. Also, chicken soup helps to boost the healing process and eliminate the head cold thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties ^[27].

You need to prepare:

• ½ kg of chicken
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 1 finely chopped large carrot
• 2 finely chopped garlic cloves
• ½ tsp of black peppercorns
• 1 tsp of sea salt
• 8 cups of water

Procedure:

In a large saucepan, put chicken, carrot, onion, garlic cloves, black peppercorns, and water. Next, bring it to boil. Then, decrease to low heat and cook for around 40 minutes and cut the chicken meat from the bones. Remove the bones and tear the chicken meat. After that, add it to the soup and add 1 tsp of sea salt for taste. It is advised to consume this chicken soup frequently until the symptoms of cold go away.

13. Goldenseal

When seeking for effective and natural home remedies for cold, you should not neglect goldenseal. Goldenseal is an antibacterial, antimicrobial, and mild immune-stimulating herb that works on the mucous membranes wonderfully ^[28]. Plus, it has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potent and ideal remedy to combat the cold symptoms ^[29].

You need to prepare:

• 2 tsp of dried goldenseal
• ½ tsp of honey
• 1 cup of water

Procedure:

Firstly, put dried goldenseal (2 teaspoons) in boiling water (1 cup). Cover and let it steep for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then, stir this mixture and add ½ teaspoon of honey to this.  Lastly, drink solution 2 to 3 times a day. It is advisable to do this regularly for best results.

14. Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry has been used to treat anything associated with cold since ancient times. Elderberries lower inflammation caused by the mucous membranes, thereby making you breathe better. It also aids in relieving congestion. Elderberry may reduce the duration of the common cold ^[30] and keeps the immune system healthy. Try following this method below:

You need to prepare:

• 3 cups of water
• ½ cup of dried elderberries
• 1 cup of raw honey

Procedure:

In a saucepan, put dried elderberries (½ cup) and water (3 cups) and later bring it to boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 50 minutes. After that, use a filter to strain the liquid. Once it has cooled down, add raw honey (1 cup) to the liquid and stir until it’s mixed properly. Now bottle and keep the mixture in your refrigerator for up to three months. Consume 1 teaspoon of syrup every three to four hours to alleviate common cold symptoms.

15. Oregano Oil

Oregano oil may cope with a cold because it has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties ^[31]. Oregano oil provides a boost to your immunity, battles pathogens ^[32] and comes with many nutrients which are beneficial for treating a cold.

You need to prepare:

• ¼ tsp of oregano oil or 1 – 2 drops of oregano essential oil
• ½ cup of water

Procedure:

Mix oregano oil or essential oil with one cup of water. Afterward, consume this mixture twice to thrice a day to fight against cold. Continue to follow it regularly to battle this health problem.

16. Hot Tomato Soup

This sizzling and warm tomato soup is also one of the herbal remedies for cold. This is because tomatoes are enriched with antioxidants ^[33], providing a tremendous boost to the immune system, thus helping the body fight against a cold.

You need to prepare:

• 5 to 6 tomatoes
• 1 cup of water
• 3 cloves of garlic (crushed)
• ¼ tsp of salt
• 2 chopped fresh basil
• ½ tsp of chili powder

Procedure:

In a saucepan, add tomatoes, fresh basil, crushed garlic cloves, and water. Bring it to boil and then decrease it to low heat. Then, cook for around twenty minutes and add ½ tsp of chili powder and ¼ tsp of salt for taste. After that, enjoy this tomato soup frequently until the symptoms of a cold disappear.

17. Using Ajwain Seeds

The list of the natural home remedies for cold will be incomplete without Ajwain seeds. It has been used to fight severe cold symptoms for ages. Its disinfectant and antiseptic agents may be helpful to battle the symptoms of colds and sinuses ^[34]. Here's how to treat colds with Ajwain seeds:

You need to prepare:

• 2 tbsp of Ajwain seeds (crushed)
• 1 muslin cloth

Procedure:

Take a muslin cloth first and tie crushed ajwain seeds (2 tablespoons) in it. Then, inhale it regularly until your cold goes away.

18. Betel Leaves Juice

Betel leaves come with various health benefits and healing properties, which may keep your cold at bay. Besides, betel leaves contain a phytocompoment named chavicol ^{[35] [36]}, which comprises potential antiseptic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. So, it may effectively alleviate a common cold and fever.

You need to prepare:

• 2 tsp of betel leaf juice
• 1 tsp of honey

Procedure:

You crush 4-5 betel leaves to collect the juice. Take 2 teaspoons of this juice and combine it with 1 teaspoon of honey. After this, enjoy this juice twice a day for about 30 minutes after meals to heal cold symptoms.

20. Basil (Tulsi) 

Basil is also a natural remedy for dealing with various illnesses thanks to its incredible medical properties. Besides, basil has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties ^[37], so it can be the right choice for treating a cold.

You need to prepare:

• 8 to 10 basil leaves
• ¼ tsp of rock salt
• 1 glass of water

Procedure:

Boil 8 to 10 leaves of basil in water (1 glass) till this mixture becomes almost half. Add rock salt (1/4 teaspoon) to this mixture. Now consume this mixture twice to thrice a day to treat the cold.

20. Simple Homemade Syrup

This simple home syrup includes marshmallow root, cinnamon, licorice root, and ginger, which can be used to cure a cold effectively. Marshmallow and licorice root both clear racking coughs ^{[38] [39]} as well as sore throats while cinnamon and ginger relieve pain and congestion.

You need to prepare:

• 1 tbsp of licorice root
• 1 tbsp of marshmallow root
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tbsp of chopped ginger
• 1 cup of organic honey
• 4 cups of cold water

Procedure:

Firstly, mix Marshmallow root, licorice root, cinnamon sticks, and chopped ginger in a saucepan together with four cups of cold water. Later simmer the combination over low heat until it reduces by half. Strain it and add organic raw honey (1 cup) to the liquid. Let it settle for 10 minutes. After that, remove from the heat & bottle the liquid. You should consume 1 to 2 tablespoons of this syrup thrice a day to cure a cold.

Try out these natural and simple home remedies for cold and let us know which treatment works best for you. Also, remember to share your own cold remedies with us in the comment box below. If you have any questions related to the article, don’t hesitate to ask, we will respond as soon as possible.

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