Top 7 Natural Home Remedies for Cold and Cough in (2025)

Introduction: Why Natural Remedies Still Work in 2025

Cold and cough are two of the most common health issues people face, especially during seasonal changes. Instead of depending on over-the-counter medicines every time you catch a sniffle, why not try something natural, soothing, and effective? That’s where natural home remedies for cold and cough come in.

Every time the weather shifts — from summer to monsoon or winter — the common cold and cough become, well, too common. While pharmacies are full of syrups and pills, many households still turn to nuskhas (home remedies) passed down by dadi and nani (grandma and grandpa).

And guess what? These natural remedies for cold and cough still work like magic, even today. They’re affordable, easily available in your kitchen, and mostly side-effect free.

In this article, you’ll discover 7 powerful home remedies that help relieve cold and cough naturally — tested by time and tweaked for 2025!

Ginger and Honey

Gingerol, one of the natural anti-inflammatory substances found in ginger, helps soothe coughs and sore throats. Honey soothes coughs and coats the throat; it works particularly well for dry or nocturnal coughs.

How to Prepare:

One teaspoon of fresh ginger should be grated.
Add 1 tablespoon of warm honey (not hot!) and stir.
Take it two or three times a day, preferably right before bed.

Tulsi and Lemon Infused Warm Water

One of the most revered herbs in Ayurveda for its immune-stimulating and antibacterial qualities is tulsi, often known as holy basil. Vitamin C, which is added by lemon, boosts immunity.

How to Prepare:

For five minutes, boil five to six tulsi leaves in one and a half cups of water.
When the water is warm, squeeze in half a lemon.
2–3 times a day, take a leisurely sip.

Roasted Garlic in Ghee – The Nighttime Remedy

Garlic possesses potent antiviral and antibacterial qualities. Ghee lowers inflammation and calms the lining of the throat.

How to Prepare:

In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of ghee.
One or two peeled garlic cloves should be roasted until golden brown.
Before bed, consume them once they have cooled a little.

Steam Inhalation with Ajwain (Carom Seeds)

Nasal congestion is relieved by steam. Thymol, which opens up the nasal passages and facilitates breathing, is abundant in ajwain.

How to Prepare:

For five minutes, boil one or two tablespoons of ajwain in water.
Lean over the dish after taking off the heat.
For ten minutes, cover your head with a towel and take deep breaths of the steam.

Salt Water Gargle – The Forgotten Hero

This traditional treatment clears the throat of bacteria and viruses while reducing inflammation.

How to Prepare:

In a glass of warm water, combine ½ teaspoon of salt.
Spit after 30 seconds of gargling.
3–4 times a day, repeat.

Turmeric Milk (Haldi Doodh)

Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It makes a potent, calming beverage that relieves coughs and colds when combined with warm milk.

How to Prepare:

Warm up a glass of milk without boiling it.
Add half a teaspoon of powdered turmeric.
Before going to bed, give it a good stir and sip.

Black Pepper & Honey Paste

Black pepper functions as a natural decongestant and aids in mucus clearance. It soothes the throat and lessens coughing episodes when combined with honey.