Top 12 Home Remedies for Cold and Cough

Table of Contents

• Honey and Lemon
• Ginger Tea
• Steam Inhalation
• Saltwater Gargle
• Peppermint Tea
• Garlic
• Turmeric Milk
• Throat Lozenges or Hard Candy
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Cinnamon
• Cold Cough Home Remedies with Herbs
• Rest and Hydration
• How to Reduce a Cough Naturally?
• How to Get Rid of a Cold Quickly?
• Conclusion
• FAQs About Cold and Cough

A cold and cough are common, especially during colder months, and they can cause a great deal of discomfort. From a runny nose to a sore throat, the symptoms can range from mild to severe, often disrupting daily activities. But rather than reaching for over-the-counter medications immediately, many people prefer natural remedies for cold and cough that offer quick relief without harsh chemicals.

This blog will share the best home remedies for cold and cough, including the fastest way to cure a cough and cold, and effective ways to soothe a sore throat and cough. Let’s dive into 12 natural solutions that can help you feel better in no time.

Top Home Remedies for Cold and Cough

1. Honey and Lemon

One of the most popular cold and cough home remedies, honey and lemon can provide soothing relief for a sore throat and help calm coughing. Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can help coat the throat, while lemon provides vitamin C to boost immunity.

How to use: Mix a teaspoon of honey with the juice of half a lemon in warm water. Drink this mixture twice a day to relieve cough symptoms.

2. Ginger Tea

Ginger is an excellent remedy for cold and cough, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can help reduce throat irritation, ease coughing, and improve your immune system's ability to fight infections.

How to use: Boil a few slices of fresh ginger in water for 5–10 minutes. Add honey or lemon for extra soothing effects, and drink it 2–3 times a day.

3. Steam Inhalation

Inhaling steam is one of the fastest ways to cure a cough and cold. It helps loosen mucus and clear nasal congestion, making it easier to breathe.

How to use: Boil water in a pot, and once it’s steaming, cover your head with a towel and lean over the pot to inhale the steam. Do this for 5–10 minutes. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil can further help open up nasal passages.

4. Saltwater Gargle

A saltwater gargle is a time-tested remedy for soothing a sore throat and cough. The salt helps reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and loosen mucus in the throat.

How to use: Mix 1 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and gargle several times a day to relieve throat irritation and reduce coughing.

5. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint contains menthol, which has natural decongestant and soothing properties. It can help relax the muscles of the throat and reduce coughing.

How to use: Drink peppermint tea made by steeping fresh peppermint leaves in hot water. For added relief, you can inhale the steam from peppermint tea as well.

6. Garlic

Garlic is not only a powerful flavouring agent but also a potent natural remedy for cold and cough. It contains allicin, an antimicrobial compound that can help fight the viruses causing your cold and cough.

How to use: Crush a couple of garlic cloves and add them to hot water or tea. You can also chew a raw clove of garlic to relieve throat irritation.

7. Turmeric Milk

Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric is a fantastic remedy for cold and cough. The compound curcumin in turmeric has natural healing properties that can help fight infections and soothe a sore throat.

How to use: Add a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of warm milk and drink it before bedtime to help relieve symptoms of a cold and cough.

8. Throat Lozenges or Hard Candy

If you're dealing with a persistent cough, throat lozenges or even hard candies can be a simple yet effective remedy for a cold and cough. These candies help soothe your throat and suppress coughing, especially in dry environments.

How to use: Suck on lozenges throughout the day to keep your throat moist and calm any irritation that leads to coughing.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an acidic liquid with potent antimicrobial properties that can help break down mucus and relieve throat soreness.

How to use: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink it 2–3 times a day. For an additional benefit, add a teaspoon of honey.

10. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a powerful natural remedy for cold and cough, especially when combined with honey. It has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that help fight off cold viruses and bacteria while soothing your throat.

How to use: Boil a cinnamon stick in water for 5–10 minutes and drink the tea. You can also sprinkle cinnamon on warm milk for a comforting drink.

11. Cold Cough Home Remedies with Herbs

Certain herbs can provide natural remedies for a cold and cough. Echinacea and elderberry have been shown to help reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms.

How to use: Echinacea can be taken as a tea, and elderberry can be consumed in syrup form or added to a warm drink.

12. Rest and Hydration

Sometimes, the best remedy for a cold and cough is simply getting plenty of rest and hydrating. This helps your body fight off infections more effectively and keeps your throat moist, reducing irritation.

How to use: Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, or soups throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can dehydrate your body.

How to Reduce a Cough Naturally?

To reduce a cough naturally, it’s essential to target both the cause and the irritation. Using remedies like steam inhalation, honey and lemon, and ginger tea can help soothe your throat and clear any mucus that may be causing the cough. Additionally, staying hydrated and resting are critical components of natural recovery.

How to Get Rid of a Cold Quickly?

The fastest way to cure a cough and cold naturally is to combine rest, hydration, and natural remedies. Steam inhalation and saltwater gargles can help with nasal congestion and sore throat, while honey and ginger provide soothing relief. The key is to stay consistent and address symptoms promptly, allowing your body to heal more efficiently.

Conclusion

Cold and cough symptoms can disrupt your daily routine, but with the right remedies, relief is possible without relying on over-the-counter medications. The cold and cough home remedies listed above provide effective ways to naturally soothe your symptoms and support your body’s healing process. If symptoms persist for more than a week or worsen, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.

For accurate diagnostics and expert guidance on managing cold and cough symptoms, visit Apollo Diagnostics, where we offer comprehensive blood tests and personalised health assessments to help you stay on track to recovery.

FAQs About Cold and Cough

1. What is the fastest way to cure a cough and cold?
The fastest way to cure a cough and cold naturally is by staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and using remedies like steam inhalation, honey and lemon, or ginger tea.

2. How to reduce a cough naturally?
You can reduce a cough naturally by drinking warm liquids, inhaling steam, and using honey or ginger to soothe your throat.

3. What is the best medicine for a runny nose and cough?
While over-the-counter medications can help, natural remedies like ginger tea, honey, and saltwater gargles are effective for treating a runny nose and cough.

4. How can I get rid of a cold quickly?
Drinking plenty of fluids, resting, using steam inhalation, and taking remedies like honey and lemon can help you get rid of a cold quickly.

5. What are the best cold and cough home remedies?
Ginger tea, honey and lemon, and saltwater gargles are among the best cold and cough home remedies to provide relief from symptoms.

6. Can I use natural remedies for a sore throat and cough?
Yes, natural remedies for sore throat and cough, such as honey, lemon, ginger, and saltwater gargles, are highly effective and soothing for throat pain and coughing.