Dr.Yashaswi Shrestha 
Common cold is so prevalent all around the globe. Of course if you go to the doctor, you will be prescribed medications such as decongestants and antibiotics. But there are a few great home remedies that you can eat to boost up your recovery process even more.
Garlic
Garlic has been considered a medicinal herb for several centuries and for good reasons. It has shown to activate the immune system. It also has protective functions against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Many studies have shown that people who take garlic are less prone to contract diseases and amongst those infected, they have less severe symptoms.
- What are different ways to consume garlic?
Eat it raw- add it into a salad, spread crushed garlic onto toast, add it into a salad or a salsa, drink it in the form of garlic juice
Cook it- make garlic soup, cook it with vegetables like potatoes or add them into seafood like prawns or shrimps, add it into your pasta, marinate tofu or meat with garlic
Alternatively- you can try garlic tea, miss garlic powder into your food or even use garlic oil
Warm Tea
Tea is a superhero when it comes to colds. Why? Because it is a natural decongestant, which means that it can open your blocked nose is a short period of time. It does so by clearing off the mucus from the sinuses and by reducing inflammation. Sipping tea is also a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day. However, make sure that the tea is warm because only then can it act as a decongestant.
In addition, the tannins in tea have antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties which help tackle your flu. Tea also helps keep you hydrated, which is so important for recovery.
Honey
Honey too is great at stimulating the immune system. Not just that, it has incredible anti-bacterial properties as well which is bound to help your sore throat. It helps provide relief from coughing, even in children.
(However, remember that you should never feed honey to your child if he/she is lesser than a year old- this is because infants don’t have mature digestive tracts and are thus prone to infection by the Clostridium bacteria which is sometimes known to contaminate honey)
- What is the best way to utilize honey?
In a warm glass of milk, add half a teaspoon of honey. You can also use warm water or tea instead of milk.
Chicken Soup
Chicken soup has all the elements that will help you combat the cold. It is rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and calories which your body requires during the recovery period. It also clears out your nasal mucus and thus acts as a natural decongestant. This may be because of the hot steam it gives off or because of the fact that it contains cysteine which breaks the mucus apart. Along with that, it helps maintain electrolyte and hydration status too.
Broths
Broths are similar to soups and they have similar benefits as well when it comes to curing your cold. Not only do they taste delicious, they also contain vitamins, calories and several minerals like calcium, folate, phosphorus and magnesium. Homemade broth is even better for your recovery because they usually contain these nutrients and minerals in higher amounts. Due to the hot steam, they act as excellent decongestants too.
