Monsoon brings much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat. Monsoon helps rejuvenate the environment, making everything look lush and green. However, the season also brings its share of health issues, with colds being one of the most common problems. The fluctuating temperatures and increased humidity during monsoon create an ideal environment for viruses to thrive. While over-the-counter medications are available, monsoon home remedies offer a gentler, holistic approach to combating colds. Here are some effective natural remedies to beat monsoon.

Natural remedies to beat monsoon

1. Ginger Tea

Ginger has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help relieve cold symptoms. Ginger also helps in soothing a sore throat and reducing congestion, making it a go-to remedy during the monsoon.

How to make ginger tea:

1. Take a fresh ginger root and slice it into thin pieces.

2. Boil a cup of water and add the ginger slices.

3. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Strain the tea and add honey for sweetness and an extra boost of antibacterial properties.

5. Drink this tea 2-3 times a day for best results.

To make the tea more effective during monsoon, you can add other beneficial ingredients like lemon juice and a pinch of black pepper. Lemon adds vitamin C, which boosts immunity, and black pepper helps in enhancing the absorption of other nutrients.

2. Honey and Lemon

Honey and lemon make a powerful combination for soothing a sore throat and boosting the immune system during monsoon. Honey has antimicrobial properties, while lemon is rich in vitamin C. This simple remedy can help alleviate cold symptoms and improve overall health during monsoon.

How to use:

1. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a cup of warm water.

2. Add a tablespoon of honey and mix well.

3. Drink this mixture twice a day.

For added benefits, you can incorporate a pinch of cinnamon. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help in relieving pain and discomfort associated with colds. This combination not only soothes the throat but also provides a comforting effect, especially when consumed warm during monsoon.

3. Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalation helps clear nasal congestion and soothe the respiratory tract. Adding essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can enhance the benefits. The steam helps in loosening mucus, making it easier to expel, and the essential oils provide additional relief by opening up the nasal passages during monsoon.

How to do steam inhalation:

1. Boil water and pour it into a bowl.

2. Add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil.

3. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl, inhaling the steam deeply.

4. Do this for 10 minutes, twice a day.

For a more effective steam session, you can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the boiling water. These herbs have antimicrobial properties and can help in further reducing symptoms of a cold during monsoon. Make sure to take deep breaths during the steam inhalation to get the maximum benefit.

4. Turmeric Milk

Turmeric is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric milk, also known as golden milk, is a traditional remedy for colds and sore throats during monsoon. This warm, comforting drink can help in reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system.

How to make turmeric milk:

1. Warm a cup of milk (dairy or plant-based).

2. Add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and mix well.

3. Sweeten with honey if desired.

4. Drink this before bedtime for best results.

To enhance the effectiveness of turmeric milk, you can add a pinch of black pepper and a small piece of ginger. Black pepper increases the absorption of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, and ginger adds additional anti-inflammatory benefits. This combination makes for a powerful remedy against colds during monsoon.

5. Garlic

Garlic has antiviral and antibacterial properties, making it an effective remedy for colds. It can boost the immune system and help fight off infections during monsoon. Raw garlic is especially potent and can provide quick relief from cold symptoms.

How to use garlic:

1. Crush a couple of garlic cloves and mix them with a teaspoon of honey.

2. Consume this mixture once a day.

3. You can also add garlic to your meals to benefit from its medicinal properties.

For those who find raw garlic too strong, you can roast the garlic cloves slightly to mellow the flavor while retaining most of its benefits. Adding garlic to soups and broths can also make it more palatable and easier to consume regularly.

6. Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Tulsi is an herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in treating colds and respiratory infections during monsoon. Tulsi can help in reducing fever, relieving cough, and expelling mucus.

How to use Tulsi:

1. Boil a few Tulsi leaves in a cup of water.

2. Strain the tea and add honey for taste.

3. Drink this tea twice a day.

For an enhanced remedy, you can add a few cloves and a small piece of ginger to the boiling water. Cloves have antiseptic properties and can help in reducing throat pain, while ginger adds additional anti-inflammatory benefits. This combination makes for a robust remedy against colds during monsoon.

7. Saltwater Gargle

Gargling with salt water can provide relief from a sore throat and help clear mucus. This simple remedy helps in reducing swelling and discomfort in the throat during monsoon.

How to gargle with salt water:

1. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.

2. Gargle with this solution for 30 seconds and spit it out.

3. Repeat 2-3 times a day.

To make the gargle more effective, you can add a pinch of turmeric to the solution. Turmeric has antiseptic properties that can further help in reducing throat inflammation and fighting infection during monsoon. Gargling with this solution can provide quick relief from a sore throat.

8. Warm Soup

Warm soups, especially chicken soup, can provide relief from cold symptoms during monsoon. They help keep you hydrated and soothe a sore throat. The warmth of the soup can also help in relieving nasal congestion.

Simple chicken soup recipe:

1. Boil chicken pieces with garlic, ginger, and vegetables like carrots and celery.

2. Let it simmer for an hour.

3. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Drink this warm soup to feel better.

For a vegetarian alternative, you can make a vegetable broth with ingredients like onions, garlic, ginger, carrots, and celery. Adding herbs like thyme and rosemary can enhance the flavor and provide additional health benefits. Warm soup not only provides nourishment but also helps in keeping the body hydrated during monsoon

9. Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial when you have a cold. Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus and keeps your throat moist. Proper hydration also supports overall immune function and helps the body fight off infections.

Best fluids to drink:

• Water

• Herbal teas

• Warm broths

• Fresh fruit juices (without added sugar)

For an added boost, you can drink coconut water. Coconut water is rich in electrolytes and can help in maintaining hydration levels. Herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint can provide additional relief from cold symptoms and promote relaxation during monsoon

10. Rest

Rest is one of the most important factors in recovering from a cold. Giving your body time to heal and conserve energy helps boost the immune system. Lack of rest can prolong the duration of the illness and worsen symptoms during monsoon

Tips for better rest:

• Take short naps during the day if needed.

• Keep your sleeping area clean and comfortable.

• Avoid screens before bedtime to ensure better sleep quality.

Creating a calming bedtime routine can also help in improving sleep quality. This can include activities like reading a book, listening to soothing music, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

Tips for fighting cold in monsoon

While these remedies can help you recover from a cold, it's always better to take preventive measures to avoid falling sick in the first place during monsoon. Maintaining good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of colds and other infections.

1. Maintain Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer when soap is unavailable. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, to prevent the spread of germs.

2. Avoid Crowded Places: During the monsoon, try to avoid crowded places where the risk of infection is higher. If you must go to crowded places, consider wearing a mask to reduce the risk of catching a cold.

3. Balanced Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to boost your immune system. Include foods high in vitamin C, like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, to enhance immune function.

4. Stay Dry: Wet clothes and shoes can make you more susceptible to colds. Change out of wet clothes immediately and keep your feet dry. Use waterproof shoes and carry an umbrella to stay dry during the rains.

5. Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise can help boost your immune system and improve your overall health. Activities like walking, jogging, and yoga can help in maintaining fitness and reducing stress.

Monsoon is a beautiful season, but it comes with its set of challenges, especially regarding health. Colds can be particularly troublesome, but with these natural remedies, you can find relief and support your body’s healing process. Choose for organic cold remedies to avoid falling sick and keep your immune system strong. Stay healthy and enjoy the rains!

By incorporating these monsoon home remedies into your routine, you can effectively manage and prevent colds during the monsoon season. Not only are these tips for cold in monsoon are gentle on your body, but they also harness the power of natural ingredients to promote healing and well-being. Embrace these holistic approaches and make them a part of your monsoon health regimen for a happier, healthier you.

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