The common cold is an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and often caused by viral infection. This is the most common disease seen and lasts usually for three to four days.

A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, low saturated fats and whole cereals will ensure near adequate protection against infective organism. Raw fruits and vegetables are better than the cooked one.

if you get cold try out these simple remedies, which are used by our grand mothers and found to be very effective.

Try out these traditional medicines before swallowing the chemicals. Remember these remedies are part of our tradition and not many scientific studies are carried out.

A balanced diet will strengthen your immune system and help you to stay away from cold and cough causing organisms.

Herbal remedies against cold

• Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C. Take 1/2 lime and 1 tsp of honey in hot water. Honey helps to soothe sore throat, and relieve irritant cough.
• Steam inhalation with few eucalyptus oil drops will help to relieve a stuffed nose. This can be done two to three times a day.
• Mix drops of eucalyptus oil with wheat germ oil and rub it on your nose, chest and back and it will help to clear the nasal blockage.
• Garlic and onion soup is an excellent remedy for cold. Garlic have anti viral and anti bacterial properties.
• A tablespoon of ajwain (hing) crushed in the palms and tied up in a thin hankerchief can be used for inhalation to relieve nasal block. This can be used for small children also. This tied bundle can be kept on the pillow while sleeping and is found to be very effective. 

Herbal remedies against cough

• Ginger is another excellent remedy for cold and cough. Ginger tea is good for fever, cough and cold. Dried ginger powder 1/2 tsp, 2-3 black pepper cones, 2-3 cloves, 2-3 cardamom, and 1/2 tsp Cummins seeds should be boiled and add little tea leaves and sugar or honey and it can be had hot. It gives relief of the throat pain, cold and cough. It can be taken two to three times in a day.
• Take 8- 10 tulsi leaves, 1-2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 inch piece ginger crushed and 3-4 black pepper cones, boil it in 1 cup of water. Add 1 tsp of honey to this and drink it warm. This is good for cold and cough with phlegm
• Mix equal parts of ginger juice and honey and have it 2-3 times in a day which is good for cough.
• Ginger powder, black pepper powder and honey is good for dry cough and can be had 3-4 times in a day.
• 1 tsp turmeric, 2-3 tsp ginger juice, 2-3 tsp lime juice and 3 tsp honey can be mixed and taken 3 times for cough in a day.
• Onion juice and honey will relieve irritation in the throat.
• Thyme leaf juice is good for coughs and can be used for gargling.

These remedies should be tried one at a time and if it suits you continue till the problem disappears. If your cold or cough still persists for more than a week or if any time condition get worsen, then consult your doctor.