3 Effective Home Remedies To Nurse A Cold

Not quite enjoying the monsoon? Have you caught a cold that's just refusing to go away? Monsoon is surely a beautiful season, but it's also the time when the body's immunity is weak and as such it's susceptible to a lot of infections, if one is not careful. Due to change in the weather, one of the most common problems that many people face is a cold. While there are many medicines and antibiotics that one can turn to for quick relief, looking at age-old home remedies can also help as they work like a charm in bringing respite.

Here are three popular home remedies that are known to nurse a common cold:

1. Black pepper tea

Black pepper contains an organic compound called piperine, which makes it a great antioxidant with antibacterial and immunity boosting properties. In most Indian households, it's a common practise to add a few sprinkling of pepper in curries and veggies to nurse a cold. The best way to reap its benefits is to make a simple pepper tea and keep sipping on it to clear congestion in the nose and throat. All you need to do is add half a spoon of black pepper in a cup of hot water, mix well and then drink. You can also add honey to it for better results.

(Also read: 5 Immunity Boosting Foods To Include In Your Diet This Monsoon)

^{Black pepper contains an organic compound called piperine}

2. Ginger, lemon and honey tonic

Active components found in ginger, such as gingerol and zingerone, have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a great ingredient to fight a common cold. A common remedy is ginger tonic, which can be made by boiling two tablespoons of roughly chopped ginger in water, and then straining into a cup. To it, add one tablespoon lemon juice and one tablespoon honey, mix well and drink. Or you can also enjoy a strong cup of adrak chai.

^{Ginger has excellent anti-inflammatory properties}

3. Cinnamon drink

The aromatic spice is not just for sprucing up flavours in your food, but also comes loaded with many health benefiting properties. It acts as a natural antibiotic and is a great source of antioxidants. Because of its antimicrobial properties, cinnamon is commonly used in ancient medicine to build immunity and cure common cold. Soak a piece of cinnamon in hot water and let the flavour infuse for a few minutes. Add a spoon of honey and drink it about two-three times a day. It will help clear the sinuses too.

^{Cinnamon helps in reducing throat irritation}

Sip on these ancient health tonics to get rid of cold and to boost your immunity.