There is no doubt that we tend to fall sick easily under a hot and humid climate. Apart from over-the-counter medications to treat common symptoms such as cough, headaches and flu, what else can we do? What are the natural remedies that can ease these symptoms and are also free from any side-effects?
You have a choice to use natural remedies to treat cold and cough and do not have to rely medicine at first instinct when you fall sick.
1. Drink plenty of fluids
Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your respiratory system hydrated and help turn that nasty, thick mucus into a thin liquid which you can cough them out easily. While any type of drink works, doctors often encourage patients to consume warm water as it reduces inflammation in the throat, helps in replenishing the fluids and clearing the infection out of the body.
2. Warm baths & steam inhalation
If you are still having blocked nose, another option is to take a warm shower and let the room fill up with hot steam. Soak yourself into the warm steam to soothe the nasal passage. The warm and moist air helps to loosen the mucus in the nasal passages, throat, and lungs. This can ease breathing which may make you feel better.
3. Salt Water
Gargling with salt water may also help with respiratory infections as it loosens mucus which contains bacteria and allergens. It soothes sore throat pain and ease nasal congestion.
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a full glass of water. Store the salt water at the back of your throat and gargle it for about 10 to 30 seconds before splitting the water away. This is to rinse your mouth and throat. Repeat this for 3 to 6 times. Please do not swallow the water.
4. Honey tea
A sweet treat for your kids and loved ones. A study finding shows that honey provides the most significant relief from coughing, followed by dextromethorphan. Parents rated honey as the most favorable alternatives.
While honey does the soothing, adding a squeeze of the lemon can help with congestion. You can mix 2 teaspoons (tsp) of honey and 2 slices of lemon in a glass of warm water. Mix it well and drink this mixture daily.
5. Ginger Tea
This is definitely not for everyone. While ginger is known for its health benefits and its anti-bacterial qualities, many avoided ginger options due to its intense after-taste.
Scientific research shows that ginger has medicinal properties that could help ease the symptoms of asthmatic cough, a cold or sore throat. It may also relieve nausea and pain.
Brew a soothing ginger tea by adding 20–40 grams (g) of fresh ginger slices to a cup of hot water. Allow it to seep for a few minutes and to improve the taste, an optional step is to add honey or lemon juice as mentioned above, which can further soothe a cough.
Nevertheless, ginger are also versatile in many other recipes. You can include thinly sliced ginger in your juices, smoothies, salads as well as cooked menu options.
Tags: #relief, #flu, #cough, #congestion, #natural, #remedies, #antioxidant, #antibacterial, #antifungal, #noserelief, #nasalrelief, #antiinflammation, #gargle
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