Home remedies for colds can be practised by anybody without having to consult a doctor. There is still no treatment for the common cold or flu and therefore more people are turning to home remedies to alleviate their symptoms. Over the counter drugs do not “treat” colds but merely minimise the discomfort and longevity.

You should stay well hydrated during a cold by consuming a lot of water which keeps your respiratory system hydrated, which in turn helps to liquefy thick mucus. Chicken soup, grandmother’s famous remedy, is a potent mucus stimulant and really works. It is also nutritious and may also increase the movement of disease-fighting white blood cells.

Home remedies for colds can also be found in most kitchen cupboards. Honey, taken in a warm beverage will dilute mucus. Mustard stimulates circulation and the flow of mucus and fights infection. Vitamin C is very beneficial especially in liquids which also help to rehydrate. Lemons are highly acidic which means that the mucous membranes are less attractive to bacteria and viruses. Lemon oil is helpful in fighting infection. Pepper is very effective as it clears the phlegmatic build up in the sinuses. Thyme tea can be drunk as its oil has antiseptic properties.

Garlic seems to shorten a cold’s duration and severity and onion is a close to garlic biologically and contains many similar antiviral chemicals. You can use onions and garlic in soups or other dishes when you have a cold to boost your immune system. Ginger has an antioxidant effect, as well as an anti-inflammatory effect and an inhalation steam bath or ginger tea are popular cold remedies.

Lady’s fingers, bitter gourd, chilli, cayenne, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, tamarind, aniseed, echinacea and goldenseal, andrographis and catnip are other vegetables, herbs and spices which can be used to lessen the severity of colds and the flu.

Rest is essential when you have a cold because it lets your body concentrate on fighting any infections. Being too active weakens your defences. Water is also of paramount importance; whether it is simply drinking, gargling with salt water or inhaling steam from an infusion of helpful herbs or ingredients like ginger, peppermint or eucalyptus oil to help you breathe. In cold temperatures humidifying your rooms to add moisture to the air can be beneficial too.

Home remedies for colds are becoming more popular as there is no cure in sight for the common cold or flu. We’ve got the inside scoop to effective cold home remedies now on http://www.GrowARemedy.com/