8 spices to heal the common cold

As pleasant as the monsoon season can be, it is also a time of cold, cough and flu. But before you take your dose of medicines, take a quick look in your kitchen. Here is a list of 8 spices to heal common cold…

Haldi

Since our grandma’s time, haldi (turmeric) has been used as a remedy for little ailments. The spice acts as an antioxidant and is known to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which help heal infections.

A cup of warm milk with a spoon of haldi is believed to be effective in fighting the cold. You can gargle with warm turmeric water to heal your throat faster. Another option is to make a pickle and have it with your meals.

Ginger

Do you remember sipping on hot adrak ki chai on a chilly day when you had a cold? Just a cup is said to heal your drippy nose and sore throat making you feel much better.

If you feel adventurous, take a small piece of ginger, wash it well and keep chewing on it. The pungent zing of this root will quickly soothe your throat. You can also stack up on dry ginger (soonth), a popular spice that can be used for its therapeutic value.

Clove (laung)

This aromatic spice is not just famous for easing painful gums but is also believed to aid in curing a cold. Though clove is known more as an anesthetic, it is anti-inflammatory and works as an antioxidant too.  It also contains Eugenol, the essential oil that has healing properties.

The spice relieves cold, hinders coughing and works as an expectorant when it’s warm decoction is taken mixed with honey. The antiseptic properties further help to decrease infection.

Black Pepper (kali mirch)

Black pepper is one of those timeless gems which have numerous curative benefits that keep you healthy. The antibacterial quality of black pepper helps to fight against infections, decreasing cold and cough. In Ayurveda, pepper is usually added to the medicines for treating cold and cough. It provides relief from sinusitis and nasal and chest congestion. Acting as an expectorant, this wonder expels the mucus out of the system by making you blow your nose or sneeze.  Also, as the spice is rich in Vitamin C, it works as an antibiotic.

Try this trick: Take a teaspoon of crushed pepper and mix it with honey.

Cumin (jeera/ caraway seeds)

Cumin is a natural remedy that combats many diseases such as cold, cough, flu, etc. Rich in Vitamin C, its anti-fungal attribute helps in curing a cold as well as other respiratory ailments. The spice contains Vitamin A, magnesium and potassium and is also a good source of iron which boosts immunity to fight infection.  Cumin seeds also help reduce a headache which arises due to a cold.

Ajwain (carom seeds)

Ajwain is beneficial in treating respiratory disorders. Thymol which is found in this spice has excellent antimicrobial properties known to relieve you from congestion issues.  A glass of ajwain lassi is said to be effective as an expectorant and helps in clearing mucous. You can try an ajwain decoction with raisins and dill seeds for treating cold and cough in kids.

Cinnamon (dalchini)

This aromatic bark helps stimulate digestive juices. As it is an antiseptic, it decreases the chances of infection too.

A super combo that heals your cold is a blend of honey and cinnamon. Honey is anti-bacterial while cinnamon is anti-inflammatory. Together, they increase immunity and can reduce your cold as well as prevent future colds or infection.

Cardamom (elaichi)

The ‘queen of spices’, cardamom is used for preventing and treating lung congestion. Daily gargling with a decoction of elaichi and dalchini is believed to relieve throat infection, sore throat, common cold, etc.  Feeling feverish? Take elaichi chai.

So fret not as the kitchen is a super storehouse for all those spices and condiments that will keep you healthy.