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Writer's pictureDr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam

Cold - Natural Home Remedies


Colds are common viral infections that affect the nose, throat, and sinuses. They cause symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, headache, and fatigue. There are some natural remedies that can help you feel better and recover faster. Here are some of the most popular and effective natural home remedies for cold:

  • Chicken soup: Chicken soup is a classic comfort food that can hydrate you, soothe your throat, and support your immune system. It may also reduce inflammation and slow down the movement of white blood cells that fight infection. You can make your own chicken soup with chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and herbs, or use a low-sodium canned soup.

  • Ginger: Ginger is a spicy root that has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce muscle pain, nausea, and congestion. You can make ginger tea by simmering a few slices of fresh ginger in boiling water and adding honey and lemon. You can also add ginger to your food or take ginger supplements.

  • Honey: Honey is a sweet liquid that has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It can help soothe a sore throat and suppress a cough. You can add honey to your tea, warm water, or milk, or take a spoonful of honey before bedtime. However, do not give honey to children under 12 months of age, as it may contain harmful bacteria.

  • Garlic: Garlic is a pungent bulb that contains allicin, a compound that has antimicrobial and possibly antiviral effects. It may help reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms. You can eat raw garlic cloves, add garlic to your food, or take garlic supplements.

  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a role in immune function and wound healing. It may also help prevent or shorten the duration of colds by boosting your body’s resistance to infection. You can get vitamin C from fruits and vegetables such as oranges, grapefruits, kiwis, strawberries, broccoli, and peppers. You can also take vitamin C supplements or lozenges.

  • Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in your gut and help maintain your digestive health. They may also improve your immune system and prevent or treat colds by fighting off harmful germs. You can get probiotics from fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. You can also take probiotic supplements or capsules.

  • Salt water: Salt water is a simple and cheap remedy that can help clear your nasal passages and relieve sore throat pain. You can make your own salt water solution by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. You can gargle with salt water several times a day or use a nasal spray or neti pot to rinse your nose.

  • Ointments: Ointments are topical products that contain menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, or other ingredients that can help open up your airways and ease breathing. You can apply ointments to your chest, throat, or under your nose to inhale the vapors. You can also add ointments to hot water and breathe in the steam.

  • Essential oils: Essential oils are concentrated extracts from plants that have various health benefits. Some essential oils that may help with cold symptoms are peppermint oil (for congestion), lavender oil (for relaxation), tea tree oil (for infection), lemon oil (for detoxification), and eucalyptus oil (for inflammation). You can use essential oils in a diffuser, humidifier, inhaler, or bath.

  • Humidity: Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. Dry air can irritate your nose and throat and make your symptoms worse. Humidity can help moisten your mucous membranes and loosen the mucus in your chest and sinuses. You can increase the humidity in your home by using a humidifier, vaporizer, or steam shower.


These are some of the natural home remedies for cold that you can try at home to ease your discomfort and speed up your recovery. However, if you have severe symptoms such as high fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of dehydration, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.


Dr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam, MD, FRCP (London), FACP (USA)

Internal Medicine Specialist


Kify Hospital

Danavaipeta

Rajahmundry

Phone : 85000 23456


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