The winter season is typically filled with festivities and holiday parties, however, the winter season can also be filled with coughs and colds. This in turn can be challenging for seniors as well as those with chronic health issues. Moreover, with the prevailing coronavirus scare, it is crucial time to be careful even with the mildest symptoms of the common cold and flu. Many medications on the market help to soothe a sore throat and combat a runny nose, but an effective home remedy for coughs and colds can keep even the winter blues at bay naturally.
Best Home Remedies for Cough and Cold
Ginger Tea:
Ginger root is excellent for treating the common cold and soothing sore throats. It is a traditional remedy that has been scientifically proven to cure cough and cold. The anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger may ease the dry or asthmatic cough. Ginger is one of the best home remedies for cough and cold. Ginger also has compounds in its extracts to relieve nausea and pain.
The simplest way to have ginger is to brew a cup of tea with its slices or boil about 10 ounces of water down to 6 ounces adding ginger. The rich aroma and flavor of ginger tea are easy to savor a sip and reap its healing benefits as well.
Honey:
Honey is one of the most popular home remedies for coughs and colds in many cultures. In fact, it is the tastiest way of curing coughs and colds at home. As per the latest research, the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of honey help to soothe coughs and sore throats.
When it comes to our senior loved ones, the regular consumption of honey suppresses even the most persistent coughs due to allergens. Also, honey is a rich source of probiotics and boosts the gut health of aging elders.
The regular consumption of honey reduces LDL (the bad cholesterol) and boosts HDL (the good cholesterol). This in turn lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The golden liquid is also beneficial for seniors to combat age-related memory loss and anxiety as well.
It is also easy to add to our regular diet. Mix 2 teaspoons of honey to a glass of warm water or an herbal tea and drink it twice or three times a day for fast relief.
Marshmallow Root:
Marshmallow Root is another magical home remedy for coughs and colds. This ancient root is predominantly used in Ayurveda and also it was a part of herbal treatment for centuries in Greece and Egypt. The natural mucilage in the plant forms a protective coating around the membranes to loosen mucus and fight bacteria.
The flavonoid antioxidants, pectin, amino acids, phenolic acids, coumarin, and quercetin present in the root fight viruses and bacteria. Marshmallow root is also effective in treating bronchitis and other respiratory tract diseases.
Marshmallow root in the forms of powder, capsule, tea, and cough syrup acts as the best home remedy for cough and cold.
Essential Oils:
Essential oils have been used as natural remedies to treat cough and cold for a millennium. They can be used in several ways to loosen phlegm and ease congestion in the nose and throat. These oils are extracts from aromatic herbs rich in cineole and monoterpenes that reduce inflammation, muscle pains, and fight bacteria.
Eucalyptus oil is a potent natural remedy to treat cold and cough. It also aids in treating bronchitis, sinusitis, and other respiratory tract infections. Likewise, other essential oils such as Rosemary, Peppermint, Thyme, Tea tree, Nutmeg, Cypress, and Geranium also are effective to stay healthy in winter.
Add a few drops to a diffuser or boiling water and inhale its vapor for a soothing effect. Also, one can apply these oils to the chest or throat for much-needed relief from coughs and colds.
Saltwater Gargle:
Saltwater gargling is the simplest remedy to get relief from throat irritation or sore throat right at home. Gargling with warm salt water has a symptomatic relief from cold and flu as it flushes out mucus from the throat along with the bacteria and virus.
Add a half spoon of salt to a glass of warm water and stir it until it dissolves completely. Let this water sit in the throat and gargle it for a while. Repeat it several times to get relief.
Chicken Soup:
Chicken is rich in carnosine. Studies show that this compound reduces the inflammation in the upper respiratory tract and eases the congestion in the nose and throat. The hot, spicy, and delicious chicken soup not only keeps us warm in cold weather but also helps to beat the winter sniffles and other flu symptoms. The intake of chicken soup regularly can help the elderly get back on their feet quickly from a bout of illness.
It is the time of year to take proactive precautions to keep our seniors from getting a cold and/or flu. Ensure that elderly loved ones get enough sleep as it boosts the immune system. Also, make sure they get their seasonal flu shot done. Keep an eye on the senior’s dental health and make sure they wash their hands regularly to keep away the germs.
Talk to our Registered Nurses (RNs) today at (248) 593-8134 to help your loved ones get through this winter without getting sick! The personal care services and companion care services of Assured Home Nursing are exclusively designed to meet the specific needs of every aging adult. Our skilled in-home caregivers take all the measures and precautions to keep the elderly warm and healthy.
