7 home remedies for colds, sore throats and coughs

It’s the coldest time of the year and along with it comes colds, sore throats and coughs. While not always avoidable, you can cure them at home with one of these remedies and a lot of rest.

Check out our favourite 7 home remedies below and tell us, do you have any tried and true solutions?

1. Salt water gargle (for a sore throat)

Do you remember your grandmother telling you to gargle with salt water? Well, she was right. It is actually very effective and helps to decrease swelling in a sore throat and draws out water and mucous.

Simply put a couple of teaspoons into a glass of warm water and mix well. Take a gulp and gargle for 30 seconds and spit out.

2. Hot Toddy (for a sore throat and cold)

Another favourite of our own mothers and grandmother, a Hot Toddy is great for a cold and sore throat. The honey and lemon soothes your throat, while the alcohol helps you sleep. If for children, obviously leave out the whiskey!

Combine 60ml of whiskey, 2 tbsp honey, 120ml hot water and 1 teaspoon lemon juice into a large mug. Place in microwave for 1 minute and relax.

3. Apple cider vinegar and honey (for a sore throat)

Some people swear by ACV and rightfully so – its high levels of acidity can kill bacteria and when mixed with honey it can soothe your throat as well.

Mix 1 tbsp of ACV with 1 tbsp of honey in a cup of very warm water and drink immediately. If you don’t want to swallow, add another tbsp of ACV and gargle

4. Marshmallow root (for a sore throat)

Marshmallows are delicious but we’re referring to marshmallow root. It helps to coat and soothe mucus membranes in the throat. If you have diabetes, you should consult your doctor before using Marshmallow Root, as it may lower your blood sugar.

Add one tbsp of marshmallow root to a cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for around 45 minutes before straining and drinking.

5. Spicy cayenne (for a cold)

It might sound counterintuitive but warm water with cayenne pepper can relieve a cold. Cayenne (and other hot peppers) have a chemical compound called capsaicin that temporarily relieves pain. Therefore the discomfort from your sore throat is diluted when coming in contact with the cayenne.

Pop in 1/2 tsp of pepper to a cup of boiling water, then stir in a tsp of honey. Wait until cooled down to drink, stirring frequently.

6. Chamomile (for sore throats and coughs)

Chamomile is a natural remedy for sore throats. Its components kill off bacteria, while it works as a natural painkiller. It also has anti-spasmodic properties (it helps the muscles relax) which can help you rest.

Make a cuppa with a teabag of chamomile tea as you would with your usual tea (minus the milk). Add honey and lemon if you like.

7. Red onions and honey (for a cough)

This might sound unusual but the combination of red onions and honey is a match made in heaven for a cough.

Slice the onion and layer in a bowl, with honey in between layers. Continue adding layers of onion and sweetener until the entire onion is reconstructed in the bowl. Cover and allow the sweetened onion to remain in the bowl on your counter for about 12-15 hours or overnight. The next day, there will be about a cup or more of sweet syrup in the bowl. This syrup contains a range of nutrients, vitamins and minerals from the onion and the honey to help fight infection and soothe sore throats and coughs. Kids and adults can take a teaspoon at a time and it will taste sweet and not onion-y at all.

Do you have any others to add?