Catching a cold can be quite infuriating! Especially if it is during the summertime. You are deprived of the pleasure of ice cream and chilled beer. Isn’t that frustrating? If you have successfully managed to catch a cold, there are all natural ways to beat the cold.  is always best to start early and not let those nasty sniffles and sneezes develop into a full-fledged cold.
Catching a cold during summers!
How exactly do you catch a cold during summers is a fairly legitimate question, considering it is not cold at all! Not only is it highly annoying, it is also highly inconvenient as you are forced to be stuck indoors and restricted from the pleasure summer brings. The cold you catch during winter and summer is caused by the same virus.Â
Oh! The common cold
The difference lies in our reaction the cold and how our body responds to it. In the winter months, you are more likely to stay under the covers and drink hot beverages and in general stay warm. But during the summertime, it gets difficult to resist the inviting freshness of iced water or a chilled drink. So that influences the way you cope with a cold.
Home remedies to beat up that cold!
So let us be straightforward with you. These remedies have been passed down through the generations in Indian families. These remedies have been family secrets that should be common knowledge for the greater good. These hacks will help you in keeping your symptoms under check and possibly protect you from those insufferable headaches associated with the cold. Unfortunately, the remedies will do nothing to the disease-causing virus.Â
The average lifespan of a cold causing virus is 5-7 days. You can try to keep yourself comfortable during that time by following these steps.
- Keep yourself hydrated
If you have a cold, it is best to stay hydrated. This is a cardinal rule that needs to be followed. Drink warm or lukewarm water, teas, and any soup/broths. Avoid coffee and alcohol, as they tend to dehydrate your system.
- Get a good night’s sleep
It is easier to suggest sleeping when you are constantly sniffling like a Victorian-era chimney. Doctors suggest adding an extra pillow under your head. This raises your head height and promotes drainage of your sinuses, down your throat which can open up your nasal passage.Â
- Gargling
Mix warm water with salt. Â Take this mixture for gargling to soothe your aching throat and provide relief from the pain. Gargling eases the inflammation caused by the infection and clears out mucus from the lining of the throat.
- Lubricate your nose
When you have a cold, your nose can become tender and dry. It is essential to keep your nose hydrated by lubricating it gently with coconut oil.Â
- Avoid antibiotics
Antibiotics act against bacteria and can be used for bacterial infection. The common cold is caused by a completely different pathogen. So an antibacterial medication won’t work for a cold. Taking antibiotics will only make your system prone to another bacterium that can invade your system during the time you have a cold.
- Ginger and garlic
Both of these find application in the Ayurveda system of medicine. They possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They can reduce soreness in the throat caused by the cold. Eat it raw or mix it in your daily tea. You can make a paste using slightly warm mustard oil and a clove of crushed garlic. Apply on your chest for pain relief and cure your sore throat.
Garlic
- Honey
The antibacterial properties of honey are well known. The humble honey is packed with antioxidants and is also good for keeping your throat healthy. Always remember that honey should not be given to children below 2 years of age.
As with any disease, prevention is the best cure. So it is best to keep washing your hands regularly or keeping a hand sanitizer handy. It is also advisable to drink plenty of fluids and eat a well-balanced diet. Also keep away from infected people. If you keep these pointers in mind, you will manage to keep yourself safe from the cold naturally!Â