Shawdesh Desk:

With the onset of monsoon, the chances of catching a cold and flu increase manifold.

Cold and flu are caused by virus and affects the upper respiratory tract.

Common symptoms include headache, fever, runny or blocked nose, body ache, coughing and sneezing. According to a study, cold and flu are 40 per cent responsible for all missed workdays.

Though if you are feeling too uncomfortable, you can meet a doctor, otherwise, traditional home remedies also work wonders for common cold and flu.

Here are five traditional home remedies for cold and flu:

Kadha

Kadha is a mix of herbs and spices that include cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, desi ghee, ginger, tulsi and garlic.

Honey and spices

Honey has anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey mixed with black pepper and ginger juice helps relieve a sore throat. You can also have just a tablespoon of honey to soothe throat irritation.

Turmeric milk and ghee

We all know turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Turmeric boiled in milk with ghee helps relieve cold and flu symptoms. Have this concoction before sleeping at night to yield maximum benefits.

Garlic

Garlic is used in almost all types of cuisines. It has been used for ages for its therapeutic benefits. It is loaded with nearly 100 active chemical compounds including several potent anti-oxidants.

Have boiled garlic if you have breathing problems. For tonsilitis mix mashed garlic with vinegar and then gargle with it. For headache, you can rub garlic on your temples.

​Honey with lemon

Honey mixed with lemon is great for halting the progression of the infection. It also helps strengthens the immune system and relieve the symptoms of cold and flu.