Cold season has officially arrived along with cold and flu symptoms. No matter how much ever we try, we always catch a bug. Only if you have a very good immunity, there are less changes of you acquiring a cold. Along with basic common cold, now-a-days people have started experiencing allergic colds due to fluctuation in the weather and temperatures. Indian spices are well known for healing a number of ailments. Here are the top cold-fighting spices:
GINGER
Ginger has been used as medicine for centuries. It can help clear headaches and clear out sinus and severe congestion in the nose. It can also stop watery mucous.
To use: To use, mix 1 teaspoon of ginger powder with 1 tablespoon of ghee or clarified butter. You can also add little honey to it for taste and it also has anti-bacterial properties. Eat it in the morning and before bedtime.
PEPPER
Pepper is rich in capsaicin. The capsaicin present in pepper helps to thin the mucus and provide relief from congestion and cold symptoms.
To use: Put pepper in soup and your food. You may also add pepper powder in lemonade and have it several times a day. Do this until the condition improves.
CINNAMON
Cinnamon can help you fight common cold and can also ease all the cold symptoms like dry throat, runny nose etc.
To use: Add cinnamon powder and flaxseed powder in milk and have it in the morning or before bedtime. You can also boil cinnamon in water and drink the water throughout the day.
TURMERIC
Turmeric is long known to heal and treat a number of respiratory problems and diseases associated with it. Turmeric contains curcumin that is said to ease all the respiratory problems and ease cold symptoms as well. Curcumin helps reduce allergy symptoms as well hence it is good is you have allergic cold.
To use: To use, simply add a teaspoon of turmeric powder in milk and have this golden milk before bedtime. You can also make turmeric tea by boiling turmeric powder in water or just adding fresh turmeric juice to water.
CAYENNE PEPPER
Cayenne pepper is very high in vitamin C content. It boosts immunity and helps ward off cold and symptoms associated with it.
To use: Add cayenne pepper powder in soups and dishes. You may also add cayenne pepper powder in green tea and consume it.
MORE: Home remedies for cough and cold.
FENNEL
Fennel is nature’s great spice for cough and cold. It is highly beneficial in soothing a sore throat.
To use: Fennel seeds can be used to make tea- simply boil some fennel seeds in water and use it to drink as a tea. You can also chew on fennel seeds for relief.
ADDITIONAL TIPS TO EASE SYMPYTOMS:
- Having a warm bath can help ease cold and cough symptoms.
- Drink lots of water, or comforting warm beverages like herbal teas or broth. Fluids will prevent dehydration and make your throat feel better.
- A saline solution (nasal spray or drops) can ease stuffiness in your nose. It prevents damage to the tissue, and it clears passages and allows the mucus to move along.
- Gargling with warm salted water (half a teaspoon of salt per glass) will often make your sore throat feel better.