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Herbs and Spices Used as a Home Remedy

Natural Relief from Cold & Cough Symptoms with Coriander & Ginger

Sep 2, 2009 Pauline Mascarenhas

A mild attack of cold and cough can be prevented from worsening by drinking a few cups of warm 'tea' made from coriander seeds and ginger.

Colds and coughs are triggered by a variety of viruses. Most people, especially children, succumb to colds and coughs a few times a year. It would therefore be handy to have a natural remedy that is cheap to buy and quick and easy to prepare.

Symptoms of a Cold and Cough

A combination of symptoms can be triggered by the various viruses. These include:

a runny nose,
nasal congestion,
headaches,
body pain,
a non-phlegm producing cough,
a sore throat,
fatigue,
loss of appetite, and
occasionally a fever.

Treatments Available for Coughs and Colds

There being no magic cure, medicines can only ease the discomfort caused by the symptoms while the immune systems clears the viruses from the body. Some of the treatments available are:

paracetamol for headaches, pain and fever,
plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration,
chest rubs, and
cough and cold remedies available from a pharmacy.

How to Use Coriander Seeds and Ginger to Alleviate the Symptoms

There are two ways that a combination of coriander seeds and fresh ginger can be used to get relief from the symptoms of a bout of cold and cough.

Made into a 'tea' to be drunk, and
As an inhaler.

Coriander Seeds and Ginger as a Tea

Ingredients
1/2 cup coriander seeds
1 small piece of fresh ginger root (about 1 1/2 inches in length)
3 cups of water

Wash and dry the coriander seeds. Place in a hot pan and slightly 'roast' the seeds. Clean, slice and partially crush the ginger. Add the ginger and water to the pan with the roasted coriander seeds and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer until the liquid is a lighter shade of black tea. Do not over-cook because when the liquid gets stronger it is not very palatable. Leave to cool and strain.

A cup of the warm 'tea' can be drunk with or without adding sugar. However, children may require sugar or honey added. Two or three cups a day will help to ease some of the symptoms.

Using Coriander and Ginger as an Inhaler

Make the coriander and ginger mixture as above. Keep the mixture boiling for a few minutes. In the meantime place a heat-resistant bowl on a low table. Turn the heat off and pour the mixture into the bowl. Get the patient to inhale the steam from the mixture for a few minutes. This has to be done very carefully to prevent possible burns from the steam. It would be useful to put a towel or similar over the head and shoulder of the patient and over the bowl to keep the steam from dissipating too quickly.

This inhaling process is used to ease nasal congestion as well as congestion in the chest. It will also assist in easing the symptoms of headaches and pain.

Both coriander seeds and ginger are spices used in cooking in many countries. There are no harmful chemicals and the 'tea' can be used by adults as well as children with no adverse side effects.

The copyright of the article Herbs and Spices Used as a Home Remedy in Natural Medicine is owned by Pauline Mascarenhas. Permission to republish Herbs and Spices Used as a Home Remedy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Herbs & Spices Alleviate Cough & Cold Symptoms