With the onset of winter, we are prone to several virus attacks. The most common among them are cold, sore throat, flu, runny nose, sinusitis, cough and body aches. Winter just does not seem to pass by without being affected by at least one of these infections. These conditions last for several days and makes life difficult.
People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and circulatory disorders generally find that their symptoms are aggravated during winter. Popping pills is the normal tendency of people when such attacks occur. However, this works only for some time.
Moreover, it weakens the immune system and may create unnecessary side effects. Therefore, the best thing to do is to explore options by following a few effective home remedies to cross this phase. Mentioned below are some home remedies that could help in curing ailments that occur during winter.
Sore Throat Treatments
Salt Water Gargling
Gargling with salt water is a great way to treat sore throat. Take a cup of water and heat it just enough to make it warm and mix salt with it. Gargle at least four to five times every day.
The salt water helps in reducing the inflammation caused due to sore throat and it aids in reducing phlegm. You can also add a pinch of turmeric to this solution before gargling, which helps in giving quick relief to the problem.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Using this vinegar solution is also a great option. Take about 8 ounces of water. Add vinegar (1 tbsp) and honey (1 tbsp) to water. Mix it together, and slowly keep sipping it. It might not taste very good, but it certainly is a great cure for sore throat.
Steam
Steam is another great remedy to get rid of winter ailments. Heat water to the boiling point and cover your head with a sheet or a towel in such a way that you trap the steam within. This will help clear out chest congestion. Repeat this procedure a few times in a way to get relief.
Turmeric
Turmeric has great healing properties. A glass of hot milk with ½ a teaspoon of turmeric and crushed pepper, and honey is a great home remedy for sore throat.
Take this milk two times in a day before going to bed and early morning. It also decreases and heals swelling and inflammations in the stomach and throat.
Cough
Having a cough can be annoying and tiring. This could be treated by drinking carrot juice, which is hot. The other thing you could do is sprinkle some salt, pepper powder on a lemon slice, and keep sucking on it to get relief from cough.
Grapes
Keep consuming grapes for a few days when you suffer from cough. Grapes possess the quality of being great expectorants, which help in toning up the lung passage, and removes the underlying mucus. You can consume honey mixed with grape juice to get relief from cough.
Due to less intake of water during winters, there is dehydration in the body, which results in dry lips, mouth and nose. Therefore, drinking dark grape juice is quite helpful to treat this condition.
Onions
Onions also have great healing properties. Mix the juice of onions with a few drops of honey and drink it every day. Doing this regularly helps in relieving cough and loosening the mucus enabling it to be removed. Onions also improve the circulation of blood and clears artery clog.
Honey And Ginger
Ginger tea with a few drops of lemon and honey is a great antibiotic. It has to be taken when still hot, only then, it will soothe the throat and reduce cough. Ginger also plays a major role in the treatment of running nose. Chop a little ginger into fine pieces. Add a little bit of salt to it and keep chewing on.
By doing this, the body temperature is maintained at normal and the mucus in the nose is drained completely. Honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. Therefore, it is an excellent remedy to treat even winter allergies like asthma or wheezing.
Treatments For Running Nose
Fluids
Drinking plenty of fluids is great in making the mucus thin. To begin with, drink plenty of water and fluids, as this will aid in making the mucus thinner.
In addition, including buttermilk and blueberries in your daily diet is a great way to enhance your immune system, which will keep the winter ailments at bay.
Saline Water Treatment
A saline rinse is a great way to get rid of runny nose. Take warm saline water and using a sucker, suck up this solution and slowly put a few drops into each nostril and keep inhaling while doing this.
Repeat this couple of times on each nostril and then blow your nose after sometime. This helps in removing the mucus effectively.
Winter Back Ache Treatment
Hot Pack
Winters are known to cause flu and this is always combined with backache. The best way to treat backache is to apply a hot pack on the back.
This will help you relax and relieve thepain. Care should be taken while doing this. Do not place the hot pack directly on the skin as it might burn your skin.
Chapped Lips Treatment
People usually suffer from cracked lips during winter. You can treat this condition by applying coconut oil, coco butter or almond oil. The other option is to rub a cucumber slice on the lip to make it soft.
Castor oil helps in keeping it pink and smooth. Aloe vera gel is also beneficial for chapped lips. Rose petals with glycerin are another excellent remedy. Crush a few rose petals and include glycerin (a few drops) to it. Apply this every day before retiring to bed. Besides retaining the color, it will also moist your lips.
Dry, Itchy And Flaky Skin Treatment
Heat some coconut, almond or olive oil, massage gently on to your body. Leave it for about 10 minutes and then head for a bath.After the bath, apply moisturizer immediately after you pat yourself dry. This will help your skin remain moist, relieves you from itchiness, and keep your skin smooth and soft.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
