What Are Cold Home Remedies Indian Families Use? - #11283

Traditional cold home remedies from Indian families often focus on natural ingredients that have soothing, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. One of the most trusted remedies is drinking warm water with turmeric and honey. Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help soothe a sore throat and reduce swelling, while honey is soothing and has antimicrobial benefits. This combination is highly effective for alleviating throat irritation and congestion. You can drink this mixture two to three times a day for optimal results. If you prefer a stronger effect, you can also add a pinch of black pepper, which aids in better absorption of turmeric and enhances its benefits. Steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil, or boiling tulsi and ajwain (carom seeds) in water, is another commonly used remedy, especially for congestion or a blocked nose. The steam helps loosen mucus in the respiratory tract, while eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial properties that help clear nasal passages. Tulsi is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, and ajwain helps with respiratory issues. You can do steam inhalation several times a day, especially before bed, to ease congestion and ensure better sleep. The warm steam will help clear the nasal passages and reduce irritation in the throat, making it a great remedy for both congestion and a scratchy throat. Ginger tea with black pepper is a staple cold remedy in many Indian households. Ginger is well-known for its ability to soothe sore throats, relieve congestion, and reduce inflammation, while black pepper stimulates circulation and helps in the effective absorption of ginger’s benefits. You can prepare this tea by boiling fresh ginger with water, adding black pepper, and sweetening it with honey. This remedy is highly effective for boosting immunity and reducing cold symptoms. For additional benefits, you can also add a few basil leaves (tulsi) or a dash of lemon juice, which further supports the immune system and provides relief for sore throats. Additionally, it’s best to avoid cold, heavy, and fried foods while you’re sick, as they can exacerbate mucus production and worsen congestion. Light, nutritious soups like rasam or clear vegetable soups are great choices during a cold as they are easy on the stomach, hydrate the body, and provide warmth, which helps clear nasal passages.