Remedies to cure cough and cold at home in summers
In
the summers months, when winter woes and its associated common illnesses just
seem far away, viruses still find their way into our respiratory tract –
leaving us coughing, sneezing and down with cold and flu. Summer cold might
sound a bit weird, but it is true and common.
A
cold in summers could become a bane – no ice creams, no cold drinks and no
vacations to colder regions. Although these ailments are common to the winter
months they are a cause of nuisance during the summers also. Where colds can
make one feel miserable with unpleasant symptoms and lack of energy, coughs can
cause sore throats, interrupting sleep and regular activities.
Understanding summer cold and its remedies
Unlike
in winters where cough and cold is caused by rhinovirus, in summers it is the
enteroviruses that are responsible. It is a contagious virus that spreads
through infected persons or consuming infected water. The symptoms are
categorized by:
-
Runny nose.
-
Sneezing.
-
Sore throat and
throat irritation.
-
Cough and
congestion.
-
Headaches and
body aches.
-
Mild fevers.
These
symptoms can further lead to high fever and rashes in severe conditions. This
viral infection spreads mostly within the upper respiratory system and takes
almost 10 days to get fully recovered. The best ways to prevent yourself is to
wash hands regularly, avoid touching the nose and stay away from infectious
people. However, it is also possible to naturally fight off the nasty summer
cold with foods such as:
-
Ginger: because
of its antiviral properties helps fight off viral flues and colds. Drinking
ginger in tea helps remove phlegm from the respiratory tract.
-
Garlic: has been
used since ages for its antibacterial and antiviral compounds. Garlic contains
allicin, a sulphur compound that is responsible for its medicinal benefits and
what gives garlic its powerful disease fighting antioxidants.
-
Oranges:
enriched with vitamin C, the immune boosting vitamin, oranges are great to keep
you off colds and flues during summers.
-
Blueberries:
rich in anti-oxidants are a naturally powered fruit to ward of common cold and
flu during summers. These little blue fruits are packed with a compound called
quercetin, which are known to help the body prevent from the invasion of germs.
-
Mushrooms:
traditionally the Chinese has used these as medicines to fight against various
infections. Eating mushrooms produces cytokines in the body, which fight off
infection. They also contain polysaccharides which supports a healthy immune
system and also contain antibacterial and antiviral compounds.
-
Pumpkin Seeds:
pumpkin seeds are packed with zinc, one thing that summer colds cannot face.
These seeds also contains antimicrobial compounds that kills these viruses that
cause summer cold and cough.
-
Red Bell
Peppers: are filled with nutrients, disease fighting antioxidants, and
anti-inflammatory compounds that helps building a strong immune system. Their
vitamin C content makes them a immune booster and fights of summer cold and
cough.
