Common ailments like colds and coughs are often the result of viral infections. From coughing to nasal congestion, there are plenty of symptoms associated with these illnesses. While over-the-counter medications are known to offer temporary relief from the discomfort, it is always safer to rely on home remedies for cold and cough. Give these remedies a try to fight the infection and help yourself get rid of the irritation and soreness.

Effective home remedies for cold and cough include the following:

1. Honey
Honey is antimicrobial, antibacterial, and packed with powerful antioxidants. It is cited among the most effective home remedies for cold and cough. A study involving young children found that consuming honey before going to bed led to relief from coughing during the night. Its ability to suppress cough and treat common cold makes it a highly effective remedy. The consumption of honey can also ease the symptoms of cold like runny nose and sneezing.

There are various ways to consume honey. You can either eat 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey, consume it with warm water, or add it to lemon tea.

2. Ginger tea
Ginger is a powerful remedy for treating a common cold. It also helps in soothing the nasal blockage in the upper respiratory tract. Ginger root is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe a sore throat and combat the cold-causing rhinoviruses. Additionally, ginger helps strengthen the immune system, keeping viral infections at bay.

Use ginger root to brew a fresh cup of ginger tea. Try to drink 2 cups of ginger tea in a day to get relief from cold and cough.

3. Gargling
The many benefits of gargling with salt water include its ability to help assuage the discomfort caused during common ailments such as cold and cough. If you have a sore throat or are experiencing an obstruction in the upper respiratory tract, gargling with salt water can provide instant comfort. Furthermore, it is believed that gargling with salt water can help prevent sore throat as it effectively drains out the bacteria and impurities.

Add a pinch of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with the resulting solution. It is advisable to gargle multiple times throughout the day for quicker results.

4. Steam
Steam inhalation, which is also called steam therapy, is advertised as one of the most effective home remedies for cold and cough. Whether you are troubled with a stuffy nose or persistent coughing, inhaling steam at home can work wonders for your condition as it helps alleviate inflammation in the nasal passages.

Take a big bowl, fill it up with hot water, and lower your head towards the bowl and cover up with a towel. Inhale steam for a few minutes. Use this age-old remedy to get effective relief.