Sore throats, relentless cough, runny noses, sinus headaches, and terrible body aches. They leave us in a zombie-like state, and that is when we know that the cough and flu season has hit us really bad.
Dragging yourself to work or school feeling all drained out from all the sneezing and cough at night can be a tough obstacle to overcome.
An unfortunate fact is that almost all of us will have this dreadful experience at least once in our lives. This just goes to show how common cough and cold actually are.
The frequent occurrences of these symptoms are often due to weak immunity and seasonal changes. While we can build upon our immune system by including more vitamins into our diet, escaping the clutches of the virus completely is almost inevitable.
While many prefer to pop the pills in their mouth when they see signs of impending cough and cold, we will give you the best natural home remedies that you can use to fight off the bug.
5 ways to get rid of cough fast
Coughing is absolutely normal. In fact, it helps to clear phlegm and other irritants from your throat. However, once dry cough becomes persistent and relentless, that’s when it gets annoying. Here are some effective cough remedies:
1. Manuka Honey
Known for its healing properties, Manuka Honey boosts numerous benefits, including curing cough and sore throats. It is highly effective in reducing the symptoms of acute cough caused by upper respiratory tract infections.
To get the most out of it, simply consume a teaspoon directly.
2. Salt Water Gargle
This is a simple yet very effective way of getting rid of an itchy throat caused by wet cough. Salt water reduces mucus and phlegm at the back of your throat, lessening the need to cough.
Mix half teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water until it dissolves. While gargling, allow the solution to sit at the back of the throat for a while before spitting it out.
3. Peppermint
Commonly found in flavoured sweets and oral care products, do you know that Peppermint leaves offer much more than refreshing properties? Given its versatility, it is known to be able to soothe your sore throat and break down the mucus.
Add 3 to 4 drops of peppermint essential oil to every 150ml of water. Drape a towel over your head and take deep breaths of the steam.
4. Bromelain
Much to many people’s surprise, pineapples provide relief to sore throat and cough. Bromelain, an enzyme found in the fruit, has anti-inflammatory properties that help to suppress cough and loosen mucus in the throat.
5. Thyme
Thyme leaves contain compounds called flavonoids that are responsible for relaxing the throat muscles involved in coughing. It also contains antioxidants that relieve cough.
There are many factors contributing to the common cold and flu. Apart from a virus, lack of or improper food and insufficient rest also give rise to flu. Here’s how you can relief flu fast:
1. Warm Salt Water
Treating your blocked nose with warm salt water breaks the nasal congestion, and removes virus and bacteria particles from your nose.
Mix ¼ teaspoon of salt and baking soda each with about 240ml of warm water. Using a nasal irrigation kit, squirt the solution into one nostril while applying light pressure on the other. Let the water drain and continue to do the same for the other nostril.
2. Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It is capable of improving nausea, congestion, colds and fevers. Make ginger juice and have a shot.
3. Hot liquids
Hot liquids help to soothe the inflamed membrane lining your nose and throat. It also prevents dehydration and relieves nasal congestion.
A hot herbal tea should do just the trick.
4. Apply a warm compress
This is one of the most common flu remedies for kids. A warm compress helps to open up the nasal passages from the outside and unclogs a stuffy nose. It also reduces the inflammation in nostrils and relieves discomfort or pain.
Soak a towel in warm water, squeeze to drain the water out, and place it over your forehead and nose.
5. Use an extra pillow under your head to sleep
An elevated position of your head will help to relieve congested nasal passages and allow for easier breathing during the night.
Bonus!
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