Cough and colds are infections of the upper respiratory tract, which is usually dealt at home prior to contacting a health care practitioner. Cough is usually caused by clearing the throat, viruses, smoking, asthma, certain medications like angiotensin-coverting enzyme inhibitors, and other conditions like heart failure and pulmonary embolism. Meanwhile, colds is caused by viruses, such as the rhinovirus, coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza virus.
Medications, both over-the-counter and prescribed, can help deal with cough and colds. But for being natural and economic, the following recipes can also be prepared at home as remedies for cough and colds.
Saline spray, also known as salt-water rinse, is one of the management of nasal congestion. According to Web MD, one would need three teaspoons of iodide-free salt, a teaspoon of baking soda, and eight ounces of either lukewarm boiled water or distilled water. To prepare, the iodide-free salt and baking soda are mixed and is placed in an air tight container. Then, a teaspoon of the resulting mixture is added to the water.
In applying the solution, a bulb syringe is filled with the mixture. The person leans his head over a basin and mildly squirts the salt water into the nose. A good practice is to apply pressure using your finger to close one nostril while spraying the solution to the other nostril. The same procedure is done with the other nostril. After that, it is allowed to drain. It is also vital to utilize sterile, distilled, or cooled boiled water in making the solution to prevent infection. The bulb syringe is also rinsed and is left open to air dry.
Ginger tea is another agent a person can prepare to combat cough and colds. According to India Times, the tea can help in dealing the symptoms by drying up runny nose and help expel secretions from the respiratory tract. In addition, ginger has the power to soothe a common cold, making the person bear with it and make the recovery process faster. In fact, ginger tea is not only a treatment for cough and colds, as it also helps deal with stomach aches and digestion problems.
According to Vegetarian, the ingredients in making ginger tea are four to six slices of raw ginger (or more, depending on one’s preference), one and a half to two cups of water, lime juice, and one to two tablespoon honey or agave nectar. To prepare, the ginger is peeled and sliced thinly to maximize its surface area and boost the ginger flavor of the team. Then, the slices are boiled for at least ten minutes to 20 minutes or more, if one prefers a stronger and tangier flavored tea. More more ginger-y taste, one can add more ginger. After the allocated time for boiling, the boiled ginger is removed from heat and lime juice and honey are added to taste.
Turmeric is one of the tropical preparation choices when it comes to fighting cough and colds. According to Shape, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and it also has the power to detoxify the liver. The ingredients for a turmeric smoothie include 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric, a tablespoon of fresh ginger, juice of 1/2 lemon, a cup of mango, two cups of pineapple, two cups of coconut milk, and two cups of kale, as per Simple Green Smoothies. To prepare, the coconut milk and kale are blended until smooth. Then, the remaining ingredients are added and blended until smooth.
Along with the aforementioned recipes as cough and cold remedies, one should not hesitate in seeking medical advice if the symptoms go unresolved for several days.
