Dealing with common cough and cold is not an easy feat. The runny nose, sneezing, and persistent coughing often takes days to go away. Most people take a slew of over-the-counter medications and syrups to relieve their discomfort. However, there are other safer and more effective options for relieving the symptoms associated with cold and cough. Given below is a list of the most helpful home remedies for cough and cold that you can use to get back to your healthier self:

1. Gargle
Gargling with salt water is an age-old remedy to get relief from cough and the symptoms of a cold. It helps combat the soreness in the throat by eliminating the bacteria. By gargling, you can loosen the mucus accumulated in the throat, and it also helps you ease your discomfort from persistent cough by moistening the throat. For the perfect solution, add a pinch of salt to a glass of lukewarm water and gargle with it multiple times a day for better results.

2. Ginger tea
Ginger tea is among the most potent home remedies for cough and cold. The high nutritional value of ginger makes it a remarkably effective ingredient for curing cough. By drinking ginger tea, you will be able to remove the irritants from the upper respiratory system and significantly reduce coughing. Replete with antioxidants, ginger tea strengthens the immune system that further helps combat the symptoms associated with cold.

3. Honey
Studies have found honey to be a healthier and safer alternative to medications for treating common cold and cough. The antibacterial and antiviral properties of honey make it a potent natural remedy. It fights the bacteria that cause cough and the virus that leads to a common cold. In addition to that, honey acts as an effective cough suppressant. You can brew a fresh cup of tea with honey and drink it before going to bed for effective results.

4. Warm liquids
The symptoms of cold such as runny nose and sneezing can be reduced significantly by the consumption of warm fluids. It is prudent to have soup, warm water, or herbal tea, throughout the day to subdue the soreness in the throat and reduce the severity of the symptoms associated with cold. Consuming warm liquids throughout the day accelerates your chances of getting better quicker.

5. Echinacea
For ages, the extracts of echinacea have been used as a herbal remedy for treating common cold and cough. A lot of over-the-counter cough medicines contain echinacea as a key ingredient. The ability of echinacea to fight infections off makes it successful in combating cough and cold symptoms. Additionally, it also helps strengthen the body’s defense mechanism and prevent infections.

6. Steam
Lastly, inhaling steam is a proven method to get rid of cough. It also helps the symptoms associated with a cold subside by reducing congestion. Whether it’s the stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, or chest congestion, inhaling steam can help you get some comfort from a myriad of troubles.

Home remedies for cough and cold are not just easily available, but they’re also free of harsh chemicals. You can also use them to boost your body’s immune system and prevent infections that cause common cold and cough.