As common as it may be, it’s a huge hassle when you get it. Yes, I’m talking about the common cold. Cold is usually caused by viruses and therefore antibiotics do not fully work and provide relief. However, some of the infections can turn bacterial and that is when antibiotics are helpful. Unfortunately, medications not only fight and destroy the bad bacteria, they also kill the good ones. Therefore, it is important to have probiotics after a course of antibiotics so that the good bacteria can be replenished. Since it takes about a week to struggle before you can get close to medication, getting some relief is very important. This is most important for infants and young children as they cannot blow their nose and bring up phlegm. I have listed below some of the home remedies that are commonly used where I come from and also in my home.

1. Kumkum is made with turmeric and is commonly used by Hindus because it has religious significance. It has wonderful decongestant properties. Get a good quality kumkum and add a few drops of water to a teaspoon of kumkum. Add two pinches of saffron threads and heat. Let it cool down and once it is warm enough to touch, apply it to the baby/child’s forehead and nose.

2. Dried ginger powder also has a similar application. Make a paste with a teaspoon of ginger powder and a few drops of water. Heat and cool until hot enough to touch. Apply on the forehead, nose and behind the ears. This is more suitable for much older children and adults.

3. If you don’t have access to kumkum, try the same thing with turmeric powder.

4. Turmeric milk works great for adults and children. Heat some milk and add the turmeric powder. Drink this milk, especially before going to bed.

5. Eat garlic milk. As disgusting as it sounds, it is quite effective and can be given to babies and young children as well as adults. If you give it to babies, make sure your child is not allergic to milk or garlic. Crush two cloves of garlic and add them to a few tablespoons of milk. Allow this to boil well. Once it’s cool enough to consume, drink the milk.

6. One of the home remedies that I have found quite effective is a mixture of betel leaves, ajwain seeds (called omam in Tamil) and garlic. Take a couple of betel leaves, crush a couple of garlic cloves and add a few pinches of crushed ajwain seeds. Add a few tablespoons of water and boil well. Give only the liquid to the child. Betel is called ‘vetrilai’ in Tamil and a particular type called ‘kamara vetrilai’ is even better for this treatment.

7. Vaporub application. I was told and also read that doctors don’t think vaporubs are helpful at all. However, as a parent, you would do anything to help your child sleep for at least a few hours and cleaning their nose is important for this. I found out that my son is not happy to apply the vaporub. I apply vaporub to my chest and back when I give my son a bath and apply a little warm water to these areas. This releases the vapors and clears the nose.

8. Keep the room moist. While commercial humidifiers are available, we have found that when suffering from cold, a particularly high amount of humidity helps provide some relief and sleep. We keep the steamer in the kitchen and keep refilling it. Moisture relieves congestion. Keeping the room at a slightly elevated temperature helps retain moisture. However, one should always make sure that the child does not overheat.

9. Although I’ve never tried it, I’ve heard that heating some coconut oil and adding camphor to it and applying it to the chest helps relieve congestion.

10. Application of eucalyptus oil, especially to the big toes, is said to stimulate the sinuses and relieve congestion. The challenge is to get the baby or child to offer their leg for this finger massage!

11. For adults, take several doses of ginger tea. You can add half a teaspoon of dried ginger powder to a glass of hot water, or grind up a few pieces of ginger, add it to the water, and boil well until the water starts to change color.

12. Inhaling turmeric vapors also helps relieve congestion, especially in adults. I take a piece of dried turmeric and burn one end. The smoke provides great relief.

13. Have what we call ‘rasam’ or soup. Basically it is essence of few things. Add a teaspoon of each: crushed cumin seeds, crushed coriander seeds, and a little bit of black pepper powder to the water and bring to a boil. Add some tamarind puree or paste and a little salt and drink like a soup. If you don’t have or like tamarind, take the liquid as a decoction.

Keep in mind that while adults can blow their noses or spit up phlegm, babies and young children can’t. They usually vomit the phlegm or pass it on their movement and thus have some loose stools. That said, it’s always worth checking with your doctor if you’re concerned.