As winter sets in, the drop in temperature often brings with it the risk of colds and the flu. The change in temperature along with lower humidity and a tendency for people to stay in enclosed spaces results in ample opportunities for viruses to flourish.

Colds and flu range from mild to quite serious. It's therefore important to take precautionary measures and treat symptoms early.

Why Does Winter Make Us More Prone to Illnesses?

Winter indeed seems to be the season of viral infections, colds, and coughs. While most would report mild symptoms like runny noses, sore throats and coughs, flu in some instances can assume a most severe form that may lead a person to develop pneumonia and bronchitis. Others may even require hospital admission. This is common particularly among the very young, elderly, or those with underlying health conditions.

Aside from the discomfort caused by the cold and flu symptoms, the season can also trigger fatigue and a general feeling of rundown. Hence, it's an important time to boost the immune system and support recovery with the right foods.

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Indian Methods of Curing Colds and Flu

Many modern remedies can offer comfort; however, there is also a very deep-rooted and ancient history of using Indian food and drink to manage illnesses.

Indian methods, with their vast history of Ayurveda and natural healing, offer numerous home remedies and foods designed to ease the symptoms of cold and flu. These treatments are transmitted from generation to generation, and some are still used today because of their merit.

In Ayurvedic treatment, the emphasis is not only on symptom therapy but also on boosting immunity and returning homeostasis in the body.

Home Remedies You Should Try This Season

Let's look at some of the great Indian cuisine and beverages that benefit the cold and flu.

1. Ginger (Adrak): Ginger is one of the most effective natural treatments for colds and flu. It has been a common household remedy in India for many years.

Ginger is recognized to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity. It can be used to drain congestion, relieve sore throats, and lower cough intensity.

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How to use

Ginger tea: Boil a few slices of fresh ginger in water with a pinch of black pepper and honey. Used in combination, these ingredients are effective in relieving problems like uncomfortable throat sensations and congestion.

2. Turmeric (Haldi): Turmeric is also an indispensable part of Indian food, with excellent medicinal effects. Its principal active compound, curcumin, is highly potent in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Turmeric is employed in Ayurveda as a medicine for many diseases, including the common cold and the flu. It is useful to augment immunity, lower inflammation, and support healing.

How to use

Turmeric milk (golden milk): This traditional medicine is prepared by adding a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of hot milk. It can be used to relieve sore throats, block infections, and also enables restful sleep.

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3. Basil (Tulsi): Basil is highly celebrated in Ayurveda due to its medicinal properties. It has antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and immunologic activity, so it is a good herb to combat a common cold and/or the flu. Basil also lowers fever and alleviates chest tightness.

How to use

Basil tea: Prepare fresh basil leaves by steeping them in hot water with optional ginger or honey. Drinking this tea helps clear mucus and alleviate respiratory issues.

4. Honey: Honey has long been considered a remedy for soothing sore throats and reducing cough. It exhibits both antibacterial and natural cough suppressant activity, helping reduce irritation in the throat during the cold/flu season. Honey also strengthens the immune system, where the body is able to resist infections.

How to use

Honey and ginger: Ginger and honey mixture can be used to treat sore throats and coughs.

Honey and warm water: It is useful to drink warm honey and water to ease the throat and produce a calming effect due to the teaspoon of honey.

5. Lemon: Lemon is high in vitamin C, an important nutrient for strengthening the immune system. It also has antibacterial properties that help fight infections. Lemon juice thins mucus and relieves congestion; its high level of vitamin C can reduce the course and intensity of cold signs and symptoms.

How to use

Lemon and honey tea: A lemon/honey beverage can be used to treat a sore throat, clear a cold, and hydrate.

Lemon in warm water: Consuming warm lemon water in the morning can promote detoxification and the functioning of the immune system.

6. Peppercorn (Kali Mirch): Black pepper is a commonly employed ingredient in Indian cooking due to its capacity to excite the sensory organs and resolve congestion. It has a warming effect on the body and helps treat symptoms of cold and flu.

How to use

Pepper and honey: The black pepper and honey mixture is proven useful for alleviating throat dryness and coughing.

Pepper and ginger tea: Adding black pepper to ginger tea can enhance its effectiveness in soothing the throat and reducing congestion.

7. Indian Gooseberry (AMLA): Gooseberry is a rich source of vitamin C and is a potent immune enhancer. It can be used to improve the body's ability to resist infection and accelerate recovery from illnesses such as the common cold.

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How to use

Gooseberry juice: The consumption of fresh amla juice can help improve the immune system and detoxification of the human body.

8. Warm Soups and Broths: Warm liquids, for example, soups and broths, are effective in providing hydration to the body and offer cold and flu symptom relief. Soups containing ingredients like ginger, garlic, turmeric, and vegetables deliver vital nutrients while also soothing the throat. Specifically, bone broth is high in minerals and amino acids, both of which can support the immune system and aid the body's recovery from disease.

How to use

Vegetable soup: A vegetable broth containing carrots, onions, and garlic can be used to relieve congestion and warm the body.

Chicken soup: Known as the best comfort food for the cold, chicken soup includes bioactive molecules, which have been shown to attenuate inflammation and accelerate the healing process.

End Thoughts

Consuming natural Indian medicinal herbs in your diet can fortify your immune system and help you recover from the diseases faster. Many of these foods and drinks, such as ginger, turmeric, honey, and garlic, are packed with antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Not only are these foods symptomatic relief, but they also benefit health and enhance immunity, as well as accelerate healing.