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Imagine this – it is peak summer, beads of sweat are rolling down your face, and you have a nasty little cold. Sounds familiar? Well, most of us have been in this situation in the past and tried to figure out the science behind this summer cold. Let’s understand why we are susceptible to colds in the summer season, and how we can take care of them.
What is a Summer Cold?
Simply put, a summer cold is a common cold that you catch during summertime. People associate winters with cold and flu, but it is quite possible to catch a nasty cold during summers because the virus inhabits our environment all the time. An individual is a victim to cold at least twice a year, and while colds are more common during winters, the summer colds are notorious and have more symptoms.
What are the Causes of Cold in Summer?
Winter cold is caused by rhinovirus. A summer cold is known to be caused by both – rhinoviruses as well as respiratory enterovirus. While rhinovirus causes common cold symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, or difficulty in breathing, the enterovirus may cause severe symptoms.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Summer Cold?
A summer cold presents the following symptoms:
1. Congestion in the Nasal Tract
Just like any other cold, summer cold tends to congest the nasal tract. You might experience inflammation and swelling, which obstructs the flow of air.
2. Watery Eyes
The sinus region of the face is affected when you have a cold in summer. This makes the eyes unusually watery. Every time you sneeze or cough, the eyes are stressed and tend to keep the waterworks running far longer than in winter.
3. Hacking Coughs
A cough is a sure sign of a summer cold. It is a gigantic effort by your body’s reflexes to clear up the breathing pathway and mucus that nudges the rear end of the throat. The cough lasts for a long time and can cause the chest muscles and ribs to feel sore. The cough is caused by agitated receptors that are found inside the throat.
How to Get Rid of Summer Cold with Natural Home Remedies
Several home remedies can treat your summer cold and get you to feel better. Here are some remedies for summer cold and cough that you will surely help you.
1. Garlic
Garlic is a blood purifier. A blend of garlic, lemon, chilli powder and honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Chilli powder has a thermogenic effect on the nasal passage. The vitamin C in lemon can boost immunity.
Ingredients
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Chilli Powder
- Honey
What to Do
- Peel some garlic pods and mince them.
- Add a spot of lemon juice to it. Mix in a pinch of chilli powder and honey.
- Consume this thick mixture for relief.
- Do this every day until you feel better.
2. Spices
A variety of spices and seeds are rich sources of iron and have powerful antioxidant properties which help in faster recovery.
Ingredients
- Cumin seeds
- Fennel seeds
- Fenugreek seeds
- Coriander seeds
What to Do
- Pound the seeds into a fine mixture.
- Now add this mixture to a cup of hot water and let it steep.
- Add a pinch of sea salt and mix well.
- Strain and drink while it is warm.
- Have this herbal tea twice a day for best results.
3. Ginger
Ginger has antimicrobial properties that help fight summer colds. When mixed with lemon and honey, and consumed regularly, ginger can really speed up the recovery process.
Ingredients
- Ginger
- Water
- Honey
- Lemon Juice
What to Do
- Chop thin slices of ginger.
- Boil them in a cup of water.
- Strain the liquid and mix in a dash of lemon juice.
- Add honey and drink it warm.
- Keep taking a sip through the day to fight of the virus.
4. Onion
Onion helps to flush out toxins from your body in an effective manner.
Ingredients
- Onion
- Honey
What to Do
- Cut a few slices of onion and mix them with honey in a bowl.
- Cover the bowl and let it sit overnight.
- Drink the liquid that is released on an empty stomach in the morning.
- This will help loosen the mucus.
- You can repeat this for seven days.
5. Pepper
Pepper has compounds like piperine while turmeric has antiseptic properties that help clear congestion and work as an expectorant. A combination of pepper, turmeric, milk and honey can work wonders in treating summer colds naturally.
Ingredients
- Pepper
- Turmeric
- Glass of milk
- Honey
What to Do
- Crush a few peppercorns.
- Mix them in a glass of milk with a pinch of turmeric.
- Now heat the milk so that the pepper lends its flavour to the milk.
- Drink the milk while it is hot after adding a spoon of honey.
- Drink this every night until you feel better.
6. Turmeric
Curcumin in turmeric work as an antiseptic, and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can really help your body battle summer cold.
Ingredients
- Lemon
- Turmeric powder
- Honey
What to Do
- Boil a few glasses of water with turmeric powder.
- Strain the water and mix in some lemon juice and honey.
- Drink this concoction twice a day.
7. Cinnamon
Cinnamon helps to curb the viral attack and heal other infections.
Ingredients
- Cinnamon sticks
- Honey
What to Do
- Boil some water with cinnamon sticks in it.
- Strain the water and mix a spoon of honey.
- Drink this tea warm, once a day.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties which help ease cough and irritation.
Ingredients
- Apple cider vinegar
- Water
What to Do
- Mix a teaspoon of vinegar with a cup of water.
- Add a spoon of honey if you wish.
- Drink a cup or two of apple cider vinegar water until your symptoms clear up.
9. Holy Basil Leaves
Holy Basil is known for its antimicrobial properties and its ability to decongest the nostrils. It has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
Ingredients
- Holy Basil leaves
- Ginger
- Honey
What to Do
- Pound together some holy basil leaves with ginger.
- Add this mixture to some warm water.
- Add some drops of honey to the ginger-tulsi mixture.
- This mix can be had twice a day.
10. Essential Oils
Essential oils, when used with a steamer, can clear nasal congestion and help you breathe easier.
Ingredients
- Drops of eucalyptus oil
- A bowl of steaming water
- A towel
What to Do
- Add some drops of eucalyptus oil to steaming hot water.
- Cover your neck and head and bend over the bowl of water.
- Inhale the steam from the bowl for approximately 10 minutes.
- You can substitute eucalyptus with peppermint, thyme, or tea tree oils.
- Repeat the steaming exercise twice a day until you feel better.
Additional Tips to Fight Summer Cold Naturally
Additionally, you can remember the following tips on how to get rid of a summer cold naturally:
- Keep your hands clean at all times. Adopt good hygiene to prevent the spreading of germs back and forth between healthy and sick people.
- Spend more time outdoors. Closed, dry spaces like airconditioned environments tend to pose a greater risk of catching the bug.
- Try your best to stay with herbal remedies because they may not cure you, but they improve your immunity and help you feel better.
- Keep yourself well hydrated and nourished. Avoid dehydrating caffeinated drinks like alcohol or coffee. Juices, herbal concoctions, and teas should help you feel better soon.
FAQs
Some frequently asked questions are answered below:
1. For How Long Do Summer Colds Last?
A summer cold lasts for seven to ten days.
2. Is It a Good Sign to Sweat when You are Suffering from Cold in Summer?
Sweating is a natural phenomenon, and medically, there is no proof about whether it is good or bad to sweat when you have a cold.
3. What is the Difference Between a Winter and a Summer Cold?
A winter cold gets over sooner while a summer cold tends to last longer, and may be caused by different viruses.
Equipped with this information, you can fight off your summer cold easily and get ready to enjoy the warm, picnic-friendly weather once more. Remember to consume vitamin-rich foods, stay hygienic, and remain active throughout the summer.
