Have you woken up one morning just to find yourself down with a sore throat and runny nose? Or maybe enjoyed a cold drink on a hot summer’s day just to end up with a cough a few days later?
Well, ending up with the flu is the worst thing. It makes you feel down and under the weather.
But guess what? It doesn’t have to be that way for long! All you need to do, is step into your kitchen and find some simple ingredients from your pantry that can help you get rid of colds, coughs, sore throats, runny noses and everything pertaining to the flu, in no time, with just some simple home remedies!
Easy Remedies to get Rid of Colds, Coughs and Sore Throats
1. Probiotic Foods
Probiotics enhance gut health, by balancing gut bacteria, which is closely tied to immune function, helping the body fend off colds and flu. You can consume probiotics in the form of yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, miso, tempeh, kombucha etc.
2. Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is hydrating and can help reduce inflammation. It also helps loosen mucus, making it easier to expel.
3. Oregano
Oregano has antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Oregano oil or tea can help reduce respiratory symptoms.
4. Hot Water with Steam
Simply inhaling steam from boiling hot water or drinking fluids that are warm, can help open up nasal passages, soothes throat irritation, and promotes mucus drainage.
5. Black Pepper
Black pepper contains piperine. This compound can help enhance absorption of nutrients like curcumin (found in turmeric) and helps clear mucus. Thus, black pepper and turmeric are often consumed together.
6. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil helps loosen phlegm and has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling and widen the airways in the throat. It has natural antiviral properties and can open up congested airways when inhaled as steam.
7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains the compound lauric acid, which has antiviral and antibacterial properties that support the immune system and can thus help fights coughs, colds, sore throats, etc.
8. Sea Salt
Gargling with salt water reduces throat inflammation, kills bacteria, and flushes out mucus.
9. Peppermint
Peppermint contains a compound called menthol, which clears sinuses, soothes sore throats, and reduces cough.
10. Cloves
Cloves are antimicrobial and can help reduce throat pain and fight infections. They also have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties, that can help thin down mucus and this can make it easier for it to get expelled from the body.
11. Honey
Honey helps to soothe a sore throat, can reduce cough, and supports immune function. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
12. Ginger
Ginger contains compounds like gingerol that has natural anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Consuming ginger can help relieve nausea, reduce congestion, and support overall immunity.
13. Garlic
The compound allicin, in garlic, is rich in antimicrobial and immune-boosting effects. Garlic can also help the body fight off infections.
14. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can help balance the body’s pH and may help kill viruses and bacteria in the throat. It is very good for gut health and can boost bodily immunity.
15. Lemon
Lemons, being a citrus fruit, is very rich in its vitamin C content. Lemons can help boost immune system functioning, can help reduce inflammation and is also a natural detoxifier for the body.
16. Turmeric
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is an active compound that has strong anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that can reduce symptoms of colds and flu.
17. Star Anise
Star anise contains shikimic acid. This is a compound that is used in antiviral medications, and helps boost immunity.
18. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties and can help reduce throat irritation and congestion. It is rich in antioxidant polyphenols and proanthocyanidins which can help boost body immunity.
19. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in the compound called catechins, that are antioxidants, which can help support the immune system and may inhibit the replication of viruses.
20. Onion
Onions have sulphur compounds. These sulphur compounds are antimicrobial and help alleviate respiratory symptoms.
For detailed recipes, click here –