If a cold is making your life miserable but you want to give the routine cold medicines a wide berth, two kitchen staples can come in handy! Both honey and turmeric figure prominently in alternative remedies, helping fight a range of health problems. Combine them and you also have a cold remedy that works 360 degrees – and that too without leaving you all dull and drowsy. This traditional remedy also comes with scientific backing, with research showing it is effective and even mild enough to be used by children above one year.1 2 Here’s what this golden remedy can do for you when a cold sets in:
1. Both Honey And Turmeric Can Fight Cold Viruses
Both honey and turmeric have antiviral properties. And while they may not work against every virus that can cause a cold (there are more than 200 of them!), they can counter some.34 For instance, research indicates that curcumin in turmeric can stop the respiratory syncytial virus from multiplying.5 Honey, on the other hand, acts against certain adenoviruses.6 Use them together and you may be able to fight a whole gamut of cold viruses.
2. Turmeric Removes Phlegm, While Honey Soothes The Throat
Honey has traditionally been used to soothe a scratchy throat. It coats your throat and eases the irritation that can lead to coughing. Research indicates that it may even work better than some over-the-counter cough medicines.7 On the other side, turmeric works as an expectorant and removes sputum.8 So combine the two and you have a cough and phlegm medicine all rolled into one!
3. Honey And Turmeric Can Ease Sneezing And A Runny Nose
Antihistamines are commonly used to relieve the symptoms of a cold. They work by inhibiting histamine, a chemical which plays a part in an inflammatory reaction by your body. This, in turn, can bring relief from cold symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose.
9 Research shows that curcumin in turmeric is able to inhibit the release of histamines.10 Honey, which has several antioxidants, is also thought to work as an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine agent.11
4. Honey And Turmeric Can Help Reduce Frequency Of Colds
Turmeric and honey both have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can improve your immunity.12 13 So, apart from slugging it out with a cold you already have, they can help fend off respiratory illnesses including colds. Have this combination regularly and you should see yourself falling ill less often.14
Honey-Turmeric Cold Remedy
Mix 1 tablespoon of powdered turmeric and 5 ounces of honey. Take 1/2 teaspoon of this every hour if you’re suffering from a terribly bad cold.
The next day you can reduce the dosage and take 1/2 teaspoon every couple of hours. Reduce it further on the third day and go for 3 doses in a day.15 For added effect, round this routine off with steam inhalation using a few drops of turmeric oil 3 times a day.16
Honey-Turmeric Immunity Booster
Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in 2 teaspoons of honey and have every day on an empty stomach.17 If this is too strong for you, just mix with 1 cup of warm water and drink up.
You can also make a golden turmeric milk by boiling 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder paste with 1 cup of milk. Stir in 2 teaspoons of honey and have twice a day.
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