10 Effective Home Remedies To Treat Cold & Congestion

Cold and congestion are among the most common health issues that people experience throughout the year, especially during seasonal changes, winters, or when the immune system is low. A common cold is usually caused by a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. As the virus enters the body, it triggers inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to symptoms like a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, and tiredness.

Congestion occurs when the tissues lining the nose and sinuses swell due to infection or irritation. This swelling, combined with excess mucus production, makes it difficult to breathe comfortably. While cold and congestion are usually mild and self-limiting, they can cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily activities. The good news is that simple home remedies, rest, and proper hydration can help relieve symptoms and support faster recovery.

# Steam Inhalation

Helps loosen mucus and open blocked nasal passages.
How to do:

Add hot water to a bowl.

Add 1–2 drops of eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil (optional).

Cover your head with a towel and inhale deeply for 5–10 minutes.
Do 2–3 times a day.

# Salt Water Gargle

Reduces throat irritation and cough associated with cold.
How to do:

Mix ½ teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water.

Gargle for 30 seconds and spit out.
Repeat 2–3 times daily.

# Warm Turmeric Milk (Haldi Doodh)

A natural immunity booster and anti-inflammatory.
How to make:

Heat 1 cup milk.

Add ½ tsp turmeric and a pinch of black pepper.

Drink warm before bed.

# Ginger Tea

Ginger helps reduce congestion and throat pain.
Recipe:

Boil 1 cup water with crushed ginger.

Add honey and lemon.
Drink warm 2–3 times a day.

# Honey + Warm Water

Helps soothe the throat and reduces coughing.
How to use:

Mix 1 tablespoon honey in warm water.

Sip slowly.
(Avoid honey for kids under 1 year.)

# Warm Soups & Broths

Homemade chicken or vegetable soup helps open nasal passages, reduces inflammation, and keeps you hydrated.

# Nasal Saline Rinse (Neti Pot)

Great for sinus congestion and blocked nose.
How to do:

Use lukewarm sterile saline water.

Tilt your head and rinse one nostril at a time.
(Do only with clean/filtered/boiled cooled water.)

# Ajwain (Carom Seeds) Steam or Potli

Helps open the chest and nose naturally.
Two ways:

Steam: Add 1 spoon of ajwain to boiling water and inhale.

Potli: Roast ajwain in a pan, wrap in cloth, and apply on chest for 5 minutes.

# Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea

A powerful natural remedy for viral cold.
How to prepare:

Boil 5–6 tulsi leaves in water.

Add honey or ginger for extra relief.

# Stay Hydrated

Drink warm water, kadha, herbal teas, and soups. This helps thin mucus and reduces congestion.