The persistent winter cough seems to come back every year. Colds are common in winter and it’s almost certain that many people experience symptoms of the cold. A cold is a mild viral infection that affects the sinuses, throat, airways, and nose. It can cause symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, cough, lethargy, and an itchy throat. While there is no surefire cure for a cold, we’ve compiled a list of common foods, herbs, and home remedies that may help ease your winter cough symptoms.
garlic: Garlic’s powerful antioxidant properties make it a potential ally in preventing or shortening the duration of colds. In particular, studies have shown that incorporating garlic supplements into your daily routine can reduce the frequency of colds by as much as 63%. In addition to its effectiveness against colds, garlic has other health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and helping to prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Ginger: Ginger is another herbal ingredient highly valued in Ayurvedic medicines for coughs and colds. It helps in reducing phlegm as well as preventing infections and reducing inflammation. These anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are associated with gingerol, the active ingredient in ginger. Studies have shown that ginger and ginger extracts act like bronchodilators, relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, reducing inflammation, coughing and shortness of breath. Ginger can be used to make an herbal tea with honey. You can also drink fresh ginger juice or chew ginger.
Tulsi: Tulsi is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries in India for its numerous health benefits. Tulsi is an expectorant, meaning it helps clear mucus from the airways, making it an effective remedy for dry coughs. Additionally, Tulsi is a natural antibacterial, helping to fight off infections and speed up healing.
Fruits and vegetables: Vitamin C may not be the cold-fighting power we once believed it would be, but it can still play a supporting role when that pesky runny nose starts to set in. Take advantage of the benefits of citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes to boost your immune system with this essential vitamin.
If you don’t like the acidity of citrus fruits, don’t worry: there are plenty of foods rich in vitamin C, including kiwifruit, strawberries, broccoli, red peppers, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, cantaloupe, cauliflower, and tomatoes.
Onion Juice: Onion is an essential ingredient in the Indian kitchen and a very useful remedy. Many people do not realize that onions do not just add flavor to dishes, but also have therapeutic properties. Studies have shown that onion extracts have anti-inflammatory properties and can relax the airways, reducing or stopping cough spasms. These effects may be related to the sulfur compounds present in onions. Onion’s value as a remedy for dry coughs has long been recognized in Ayurveda and is worth a try. Crush an onion to extract the juice and mix it with an equal amount of honey. Most people consume a tablespoon of the mixture at least two or three times a day.
Honey: Honey may be effective in relieving persistent coughs, according to research. In a 2021 review, scientists looked into the effectiveness of honey in treating coughs associated with upper respiratory tract infections. They found that honey was more effective than standard treatments, effectively suppressing coughs and reducing the need for antibiotics.
Another study comparing honey to the common cough suppressant dextromethorphan found that both were effective in suppressing coughs, with honey scoring slightly higher in some tests, but honey’s efficacy was equal to that of dextromethorphan in others.
To use this remedy, you can take a spoonful of honey directly or mix it into a warm drink such as herbal tea.
Hot liquids: While current research is limited, an older study from 2008 suggests that drinking room temperature liquids may help relieve symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, and sneezing. However, those with more cold or flu symptoms may find relief from opting for hot drinks. The same study found that hot drinks provide immediate relief from symptoms such as sore throat, chills, and fatigue. The positive effects of the hot drink were also seen to persist for a period of time after the person had finished drinking it.
Comforting hot drinks include clear soups, herbal teas, decaffeinated black teas, warm water, and warm fruit juices.
Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, a mineral essential for boosting the function of white blood cells, which play a key role in fighting off pathogens like the flu virus. Pumpkin seeds can be eaten handfuls or sprinkled on salads to add a pleasant crunch to your meals.
turmeric: In India, turmeric milk is a popular home remedy for a variety of ailments and is known to be effective for sore throats and coughs. Curcumin, the main component of turmeric, gives it its yellow color and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric strengthens the immune system and stimulates an antibody response to infection. For faster relief, consider adding black pepper to your turmeric mixture. This combination harnesses the therapeutic benefits of turmeric to provide a natural, gentle remedy for respiratory discomfort.
pineapple: Amazingly, pineapple has been proven to be effective in relieving coughs due to its content of bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties. The unique combination of bromelain’s properties makes pineapple perfect for promoting cough relief by helping break down mucus and reducing inflammation. Why not include this tropical fruit in your diet for natural, beneficial effects that will help you breathe easier?
Banana Berry Smoothie: Introducing the Banana Berry Smoothie – a nutritious blend of ripe bananas and mixed berries. Known for being rich in essential vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and potassium, bananas play a key role in supporting the immune system. Combined with antioxidant-rich berries, particularly strawberries and blueberries, this smoothie provides a powerful dose of Vitamin C and antioxidants. These elements help reduce cough symptoms and strengthen overall immune function, making the Banana Berry Smoothie a fun and healthy option for strengthening your health.
When adopting these natural remedies to combat winter coughs, it is important to realize that each individual may respond differently. It is best to consult with a medical professional, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.
(With IANS input)
See also: Superfood Camu Camu: 5 Benefits of this Hawaiian Herb
