Cold

Runny nose (or rhinorrhea), as the name itself saying, that there is a continuous discharge of a fluid from your nostrils. It is a common respiratory problem that occurs as a part of body’s mechanism to flush out the cold or flu viruses, allergens, and irritants in the form of increased mucus production.

It is caused due to cold, sinus infection, allergies or a sudden change in the weather. It has to be treated on time or else, it results in earaches, headaches, coughing and other health problems.

Usage of over the counter medicines may treat the problem but causes some side effects like drowsiness. So, go through the best home remedies to get relief from the problem naturally without any side effects.

Home Remedies for Runny Nose:

Here are some natural remedies that give relief from this uncomfortable condition by expelling the fluid comfortably.

Remedy – 1: (Salt Water Rinse)

Salt water helps to thin the mucus and expels it easily to clear all the irritants out of the nasal passage. This salt water rinse is safe to use for children also.

• Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 2 cups of distilled warm water.
• Pour few drops of this mix into one nostril by using a dropper.
• Make sure to tilt your head back while doing this process.
• Gently inhale the solution to reach into the nasal passages and blow your nose to clear excess mucus along with this solution.
• Repeat the same with the other nostril to get relief.
• Continue it for a couple of times daily till you get rid of the problem completely.

Note: Or go through nasal rinse using neti pot filled with this saline solution.

Remedy – 2: (Ginger)

Ginger is a well-known remedy for treating respiratory problems with its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It thins the mucus and clears it to get rid of a runny nose.

• Cut 1 – 2 inch piece of fresh ginger into slices and pour them in 1 cup of hot water.
• Steep it for about 10 minutes and strain it.
• Add a little honey and drink it to get rid of cold, cough, runny nose and other respiratory problems.

Note:

• Or simply chew few slices of fresh ginger root either directly or by sprinkling some salt or honey on it.
• Pour few ginger pieces in a hot water bowl before inhaling the steam.

Remedy – 3: (Steam Inhalation)

Steam loosen up the mucus and clears out the excess mucus causing runny nose, sneezing, and irritation. For additional benefits, add some herbs (mint, ginger or basil) or essential oils (camphor, pine, thymol or eucalyptus oil) to the hot water for steaming.

• Pour hot water over a large bowl and hold the face over this bowl of hot water.
• Be sure to cover your head with a towel to prevent the steam.
• Then breathe in the steam for few minutes and blow your nose.
• Continue this steam inhalation for twice daily (once in the morning and once at night before bedtime) till you get rid of the problem.

Note: Also, add few drops of eucalyptus oil to this hot water before breathing (or) take a hot bath or shower.

Remedy – 4: (Mustard Oil)

Mustard oil has antiviral, antihistamine and antimicrobial properties that fight against the microbes and drains out the mucus to treat the infection.

• Warm a small amount of mustard oil and pour 1 – 2 drops of this warm oil in each nostril with the help of a dropper.
• Tilt the head for a couple of minutes to make the oil reach the sinus cavities and nasal passages.
• After that, blow the nose to clear out dirt, virus, and allergens along with mucus.
• Continue the same for 2 – 3 times daily.

Note:

• Or pour 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds, 2 – 3 tablespoons of mustard oil in a pot of boiling water. Stir well and breathe the steam to clear the respiratory system and runny nose.
• Also, include mustard oil in your daily cooking.

Remedy – 5: (Turmeric)

Curcumin in turmeric possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that make turmeric as the best remedy for treating the respiratory problem.

• Add 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, 1 – 2 teaspoons of raw honey and a pinch of clove powder in 1 – 2 cups of water.
• Stir well and simmer for about 8 – 10 minutes.
• Strain it and drink it 1 – 2 times daily to get rid of a runny nose.

Note:

• Or mix 2 turmeric powder and 5 – 6 black pepper powder in 2 cups of milk. Bring it to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Let the milk cool down and drink it by adding 2 – 3 teaspoons of honey.
• Or soak 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric in 1 cup of linseed oil. Heat it till the mix starts smoking and then inhale the smoke slowly through 1 nostril and then the other to get relief.

Remedy – 6: (Garlic)

Garlic treats cold, stuffy nose or a runny nose with its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. It kills the virus and clears it from the nasal passages.

• Boil 3 – 4 cloves of chopped garlic in 1 cup of water for few minutes.
• Strain the mix and drink it by adding some sugar to it.
• Intake of this mix for twice daily will help to get relief from the problem.

Note: Or simply chew a garlic clove for 3 – 4 times daily to clear the infection (or) take its supplement after consulting your doctor.

Remedy – 7: (Horseradish)

Mucolytic properties in horseradish help to drain off the nose and sinuses. It has antimicrobial properties that prevent the infection and gives relief from the infection.

• Grate a small piece of horseradish and hold 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of this grated horseradish into your mouth.
• Hold it on for few seconds till it becomes flavorless.
• After that, swallow it to clear mucus from the nose and throat.
• Repeat it to get rid of your runny nose.

Note: Or mix 1/4 cup of chopped onions and 1/8 cup of grated horseradish in 1 cup of water. Simmer it for 5 minutes and strain it. Sip this warm tea 2 – 3 times daily to relieve the problem.

Tips and Precautions:

1. Chewing 3 – 4 fresh basil leaves once in the morning on an empty stomach and at night before bedtime will give relief from a runny nose and enhance proper sleep.
2. Also, consume a mix prepared by stirring a pinch of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice in 2 tablespoons of honey (or) simply consume honey (or) honey-lemon water.
3. Drink plenty of water, healthy fruits or vegetable juices, clear soups, herbal teas (like sage tea or stinging nettle), etc. to stay hydrated and to flush out the toxins from the body.
4. Avoid the intake of wheat foods, saturated fats, dairy products, dried fruits, tomatoes, processed meat, spinach, breast, etc. from your diet till you get cleared from this infection.
5. Include more of vitamin C and antioxidant rich foods to strengthen your immunity and to clear the mucus along with the infection.
6. Relax well which helps to body to gain more energy and fight against the problem and its damage to the body.
7. Always stay away from the nasal irritants like pollens, pets, certain foods, dust mites, latex, etc. and also consult your doctor if you’re suffering from a runny nose along with sinus pain or fever for proper diagnose and treatment.

Try these natural remedies for treating a runny nose. Do you know any other effective methods? Then share it with us in the below comments box.

Cold is a common respiratory problem that caused due to the virus, which penetrates into the mucous membrane and leads to this viral infection.

It happens mostly due to allergic disorders, virus attacks from an infected person through personal contact or sudden weather changes. It exhibits certain symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, headache, etc.

Instead of using those commercial cold medications which may result in side effects, why don’t we use a natural remedy that is safe, simple and effective like garlic?

Want to know a detail description at why and how it works? Then have a look at its properties and methods that used to cure a cold.

Why Garlic for treating Cold?

• Garlic exhibits a powerful antiviral, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that fight against the virus causing cold.
• It has antiseptic properties that strengthen your immune system to prevent the attack of your cold virus.
• It contains an enzyme called alliinase (or alliin), which converts into allicin that has sulfur-containing compounds. They are essential for boosting for disease-fighting white blood cells to counteract the virus causing cold or flu.
• Garlic contains some oils that act as a natural decongestant effect which breaks up the mucus and clears cold and congestion.
• It has vitamin C, enzymes, amino acids and minerals (like sulfur, selenium) which help to heal your body from common cold by reducing the viral load.

How to use Garlic for Treating Cold:

Scroll down to know some best ways of using garlic for treating cold effectively.

Method – 1: (Raw Garlic)

Consuming raw garlic is the best way to grab the maximum benefits from it.

• Crush a garlic clove and suck on it.
• Consume 1 – 2 garlic cloves for every 4 hours to get quick relief from the cold.

Note:

• Or include garlic in your daily diet like in cooking recipes, soups, etc.
• Or mix the 2 minced garlic cloves in 1 glass of water. Drink it daily to get rid of common cold.
• Also, mix some minced garlic and 1 – 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (or honey) in 6 – 8 ounces of water. Stir well and drink it to relieve your cold symptoms.

Method – 2: (Garlic with Honey)

Both garlic and honey have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that fight against the cold virus. They also boost up your immunity to reduce its severity.

• Take 7 cloves of garlic and mince them.
• Then mix the minced garlic with 1 tablespoon of organic honey.
• Consume 1 teaspoon of this mix once daily till you get relief from cold and its symptoms.

Note:

• Or pour few garlic cloves in a jar and add honey over it. Let it infuse for several days and refrigerate it. Consume 6 cloves along with 1 tablespoon of honey regularly.
• Also, spread some raw honey and minced garlic on the toast and consume it to treat cold.

Method – 3: (Garlic with Olive Oil)

Garlic leaves you with a feel of warmth and also helps to thin the mucus to clear this respiratory infection.

• Mix 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in 3 minced garlic cloves.
• Stir well and keep it aside for 30 minutes.
• After that, use this mix to rub on your soles of the feet thoroughly.
• Now wear socks and leave it for overnight.
• Repeat the same process, if needed to get relief from cold.

Method – 4: (Garlic Tea)

Intake of hot garlic tea will help with the decongestion and treat your cold very effectively.

• Pour 3 cloves of garlic and 3 cups of water in a pan.
• Boil it for few minutes and turn off the heat.
• Then add 1/2 cup each of honey and fresh lemon juice (with its seeds and rind, rich in vitamin C) to it.
• Stir well and drink this warm tea.
• Refrigerate the leftover tea and drink 1/2 cup of this warm garlic tea.
• Repeat it 2 – 3 times daily by reheating it.

Note: Or boil 1 cup of water and then add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger in it. Simmer for 5 minutes and turn off the heat. Steep it for 10 minutes and strain it to drink by adding some honey.

Do’s and Don’ts:

1. Use garlic infused oil (infuse raw garlic in cooking oils) in your cooking but be sure to prepare it freshly without preservation.
2. Regularly have some hot garlic soup (or pour garlic in your soups) to get rid of this upper respiratory problem.
3. The recommended dosage of garlic for cold is one clove of raw garlic for 2 – 3 times per day and its supplements range from 600 – 1200 mg per day. But consult your doctor before taking its supplements to know all about your health condition.
4. Garlic exhibits certain drawbacks if taken in excess amounts like bad breath, indigestion, body odor, mouth irritation or thins your blood, etc.
5. People who are allergic to onions or garlic family should avoid using garlic for preventing cold.
6. Never ever over cook the garlic, as this process destroys its medicinal properties. So, always use crushed or minced or raw garlic cloves.
7. Other than using garlic, drink plenty of water, consume a well-balanced diet and get plenty of rest to get quick relief from cold.
8. It may interact with certain medications like blood thinners or drugs that lower blood sugar, etc. so, consult doctor prefer using garlic.
9. Run a humidifier to add moisture to your air and thereby to get rid of cold, cough and nasal congestion.
10. Always keep yourself warm by drinking hot healthy liquids but be sure to avoid dairy products (increase mucus).

Try these garlic methods to cure your cold. Do you know any other successful garlic methods for a cold? Then share it with us in the below comments box.

Cold is a common upper respiratory infection that caused by various types of viruses. The virus penetrates into the mucous membrane and thus results as cold.

Everyone faces this common problem due to sudden weather changes, virus attacks (rhinovirus and coronavirus), allergic disorders, stress, etc. which makes us unable to concentrate on anything.

Sneezing, sore throat, cough, headache, runny nose, body pains, itchy eyes, congestion, fever, fatigue, etc. are some of the symptoms experienced while suffering from common cold.

Cold, if not treated on time then it results in various complications like pneumonia, acute bronchitis, acute bacterial sinusitis, flu and strep throat.

Although there are many natural home remedies used for treating cold and its symptoms, the best and most widely used among them is apple cider vinegar. So, in this article, we are learning how this apple cider vinegar works in treating the cold.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar treat Cold?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps to ease several ailments, including cold with its amazing properties. Have a look at its properties to know how it treats cold.

• ACV alkalizes (neutralizes) the body that makes it difficult for the virus to sustain.
• Its acidic nature will help to inhibit the bacterial growth and prevent its spreading.
• It has potassium that helps to thin the mucus and thus breaks up the congestion to clear cold.
• It has all essential nutrients and enzymes that strengthen your immune system to fight against the virus causing cold infection.
• The smell of ACV will calm down your nose and throat.

How to use Apple Cider Vinegar for Cold:

There are many ways of using ACV for treating the cold. All you need is to choose the one that suits best for you and try it to treat your cold and its symptoms faster.

Method – 1: (Apple Cider Vinegar)

Drinking ACV at the moment when you first notice the symptoms of cold will help you to get rid of cold and also lessen its symptoms.

• Drink 1 – 2 tablespoons of organic ACV directly to get rid of this infection.
• If you’re unable to drink it due to its acidic taste, then mix 1 tablespoon of ACV in 1 glass of water and drink it.
• Repeat it once or twice daily till you get complete relief from the problem.

Note:

• Or mix 1 tablespoon of ACV and 1 teaspoon of raw honey in 1 glass of lukewarm water and drink it as a tonic to get relief from the cold.
• Also, mix equal quantities of ACV and honey and consume 1 tablespoon of this mix for every 4 hours till you get rid of cold and its symptoms.
• Or blend 2 tablespoons of ACV and 4 tablespoons of honey in 1 large cup of Echinacea tea. Drink it 2 – 3 times daily to boost up your immune system and to get relief from cold.

Method – 2: (Apple Cider Vinegar Brew)

This spicy brew or concoction will soothe the symptoms and boost up the immunity and your energy levels to get quick relief from the problem.

• Combine 1/4 cup each of hot water and ACV in a mug.
• Then add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, fresh juice of 1 lemon wedge and 1 tablespoon of honey in it.
• Stir well and drink it by taking a deep breath of this mix.

Method – 3: (Apple Cider Vinegar with Garlic)

Garlic has an antiseptic property that strengthens your immune system and allicin in garlic helps to stimulate white blood cells.

• Add 8 crushed garlic cloves in 1 cup each of raw apple cider vinegar and organic honey.
• Combine all the ingredients and store it in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate it and shake it occasionally.
• Now add 2 teaspoons of this mix in 1 glass of water and drink it.
• For best results, drink it once daily on an empty stomach till you healed cold and its symptoms.

Tips and Precautions:

1. Mix 1 part of ACV, 3 parts of olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard in a bowl to make an ACV salad dressing and drizzle it on your salads before consuming.
2. You can also add 1/8 cup of organic ACV to the water in a vaporizer at night before bedtime will help to give relief from cold, cough and congestion.
3. Also, mix 1 tablespoon of ACV and 1 teaspoon of honey in your herbal teas like cinnamon tea and mint tea. Drink it 2 – 3 times daily for getting faster relief.
4. Try some natural decongestants to thin the mucus and to get clear the cold and congestion.
5. Drink plenty of water and other healthy drinks to prevent dehydration and to thin the mucus. Consume a healthy nutritional food to boost up the immunity. Avoid the intake of dairy products, as it increases the mucus production and worsens the infection.
6. Always use a straw while drinking ACV and also rinse your mouth after drinking it to prevent the erosion of teeth enamel.
7. Consume your food or drinks when it is hot to thin the mucus and treats congestion.
8. Never ever consume more quantities of ACV, as it irritates your esophagus and also leads to a sore throat.
9. Consult your doctor before using ACV for cold, as it may interact with certain medications.

Try these Apple Cider Vinegar methods for treating your cold and share your experience with us in the below comments box.