7 Home Remedies for Cough and Cold: Try These 7 Traditional Dadi Ke Nuskhe

A cough, a runny nose and an irritating sore throat can make even a normal day feel exhausting. Whether triggered by seasonal changes, fluctuating temperatures or a viral infection, cough and cold symptoms can leave you reaching for something warm and soothing. While most common colds get better on their own, home remedies for cough and cold can offer temporary relief and make the recovery period more comfortable. From ginger and honey to haldi doodh, Indian households have relied on several traditional dadi ke nuskhe for generations. These simple remedies use everyday kitchen ingredients and are easy to prepare at home. Here are seven popular options you can try when a seasonal cough or cold bothers you.

7 Dadi Ke Nuskhe for Cough and Cold to Try at Home

1. Ginger and Honey for Cough Relief

Ginger and honey have been a trusted combination in Indian households for years. While ginger adds a warming touch, honey helps coat the throat and may ease the irritation that triggers coughing. Some research also suggests that honey can help reduce cough symptoms, particularly at night.

To prepare this traditional remedy, grate a small piece of fresh ginger and squeeze out its juice. Mix half a teaspoon of ginger juice with one teaspoon of honey. Consume the mixture slowly to soothe your throat. Alternatively, you can add honey to a cup of warm ginger water and drink it.

However, this remedy is not suitable for infants below one year of age, as honey can cause infant botulism.

2. Tulsi Tea to Soothe an Irritated Throat

Tulsi, commonly known as holy basil, holds an important place in traditional Indian wellness practices. Many families turn to this aromatic herb when someone develops a runny nose, frequent sneezing or throat irritation. A warm cup of tulsi tea can help maintain fluid intake while providing comfort to an uncomfortable throat.

Making tulsi tea at home is simple. Take five to six fresh tulsi leaves, wash them properly and add them to a cup of boiling water. Allow the leaves to simmer for a few minutes before straining the liquid. Once the tea cools slightly, add a little honey for taste, if desired.

Drink it while comfortably warm. Although tulsi tea is a popular household remedy, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in treating the common cold remains limited.

3. Haldi Doodh for Night-Time Comfort

Haldi doodh, or turmeric milk, is one of the most familiar traditional Indian remedies for cold and throat discomfort. Often prepared before bedtime, this comforting drink combines warm milk with turmeric, giving it its characteristic golden colour.

Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural compound that has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. However, there is currently insufficient clinical evidence to confirm that drinking turmeric milk can cure a cough or cold.

To prepare it, heat a cup of milk and mix in a quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder. You can also add a small pinch of black pepper and a little honey to improve its taste. Stir everything well and drink it warm before going to bed.

While haldi doodh may help you feel more comfortable, remember that it is a traditional comfort drink rather than a medical treatment.

4. Salt Water Gargle for Sore Throat Relief

A scratchy or painful throat is among the most uncomfortable symptoms of a common cold. Instead of immediately reaching for complicated remedies, try a simple warm salt water gargle. This traditional self-care practice can temporarily reduce throat irritation and make swallowing more comfortable.

Take a glass of warm water and dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in it. Take a small sip, tilt your head slightly backwards and gargle for a few seconds. Spit out the water and repeat the process until you have used the solution.

You can gargle several times throughout the day whenever your throat feels uncomfortable. Make sure the water is warm rather than hot, and do not swallow the salt water. This remedy should also be avoided for young children who cannot gargle safely.

5. Ajwain and Warm Moist Air for Nasal Congestion

A stuffy nose can make it difficult to sleep, concentrate or even breathe comfortably. In traditional Indian households, ajwain, also called carom seeds, is often used as part of home remedies for a blocked nose.

Although there is limited scientific evidence that ajwain vapour can clear nasal congestion, breathing comfortably moist air may provide temporary relief. Taking a warm shower or spending a few minutes in a bathroom filled with moisture can help make a congested nose feel more comfortable.

You can also use a clean cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air, particularly when indoor conditions are dry.

Avoid inhaling steam directly from boiling water or covering your head with a towel over a hot-water bowl. Such practices can cause serious burns, especially in children. Safer alternatives are always preferable.

6. Warm Lemon and Honey Water to Stay Hydrated

When you have a persistent cough, your throat can become dry and irritated. Drinking enough fluids is important during a cold, and a warm glass of lemon and honey water can be a comforting way to increase your daily fluid intake.

Honey may help soothe an irritating cough, while the warmth of the drink can temporarily ease throat discomfort. Lemon adds a refreshing citrus flavour, making this combination a popular household favourite.

To prepare it, squeeze half a lemon into a mug of warm water and add one or two teaspoons of honey. Stir properly until the honey dissolves. Sip the drink slowly while it is comfortably warm.

You can have this mixture during the day or before bedtime. However, remember that lemon and honey water can soothe certain symptoms but cannot eliminate the virus responsible for a common cold.

7. Warm Soups and Broths for Comfort and Nourishment

When you are dealing with a cough and cold, even preparing a regular meal can seem like a difficult task. A bowl of warm soup or homemade broth can be a convenient way to get fluids and nourishment without having to eat a heavy meal.

Vegetable soup prepared with carrots, ginger, garlic and black pepper is a simple option. If you prefer non-vegetarian food, homemade chicken soup with shredded chicken and vegetables can also be a nutritious choice.

Warm liquids may temporarily soothe an irritated throat and help loosen nasal mucus. They also contribute to hydration, which is particularly important when you are feeling unwell.

Prepare a light broth using your preferred vegetables, add some ginger and garlic for flavour, and season it lightly. You can include black pepper if you enjoy a little extra warmth. The combination of fluids, warmth and nourishment makes homemade soup a useful addition to your recovery routine.

When Should You See a Doctor for Cough and Cold?

Most common colds improve naturally within seven to 10 days. However, some symptoms, particularly coughing, may continue for a little longer even after the infection begins to settle.

Although traditional home remedies for cough and cold can help manage mild discomfort, they should not replace medical advice when symptoms become severe or persistent.

Consider consulting a doctor if:

• Your symptoms become progressively worse instead of improving.
• You experience a persistent fever.
• You develop wheezing or difficulty breathing.
• Your cough continues for more than three weeks.
• You experience other unusual or concerning symptoms.
• Seek prompt medical attention if you experience breathing difficulties, chest pain or other severe symptoms.

Traditional dadi ke nuskhe remain popular because they offer simple and comforting ways to manage everyday cough and cold symptoms. Ingredients such as ginger, honey, tulsi, turmeric and lemon are easily available in most Indian kitchens, making these remedies convenient to prepare. However, their benefits should not be overstated. Most of these options offer temporary symptom relief rather than curing the underlying infection. Stay hydrated, get adequate rest and pay attention to your symptoms. If your condition does not improve or starts getting worse, consult a healthcare professional rather than relying solely on home remedies.