Top 15 Natural Remedies for Cold During Pregnancy
The best way to remain healthy during pregnancy is to follow a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet. However, if you catch a cold, the following home remedies for cold and cough when pregnant will prove to be beneficial:
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is widely known for its antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The presence of concentrated levels of lauric acid in coconut oil works really well in destroying the lipid coating around the virus and disintegrating the virus envelop, inhibiting maturation, and preventing binding of viral proteins to host cell membrane.
Coconut oil is very safe during pregnancy, and it can be used both, internally and topically. You may add a spoonful of edible coconut oil in any hot beverage to get relief from cold.
2. Garlic
Garlic works well in getting rid of cold in pregnancy. It is jam-packed with antibacterial, antiseptic, and antiviral properties, and thus, helps in combating the cold-causing viruses and bacteria.
According to some medical studies, garlic is also effective in lowering blood pressure, promoting blood circulation, and maintaining cholesterol levels during pregnancy. The presence of allicin found in whole garlic provides all these benefits in pregnancy.
3. Ginger
One of the best Indian home remedies for cold during pregnancy is ginger. This wondrous spice is known for its warming properties. It helps in improving blood circulation and fighting infection-causing bacteria and viruses.
Alternatively, ginger may also get you relief from heartburns in pregnancy. Take a small piece of ginger, crush or grate it, and boil it in water. Add lemon and honey, and drink.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a very safe and useful remedy to cure a cold in pregnancy. The alkaline properties of apple cider vinegar create a hostile environment for the viruses, and thus, kill them.
At the very onset of cold or as soon as you spot the first symptom of cold during pregnancy, start drinking apple cider vinegar.
Mix a spoonful of apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water. Ideally, you should gargle and then gulp the solution to achieve maximum benefits. You may drink apple cider vinegar in warm water twice a day.
5. Hot Chicken Soup
Sipping on a hot bowl of chicken soup is one of the tastiest ways of getting rid of a cold during pregnancy. Chicken soup is loaded with nutrition, along with being rich in anti-inflammatory properties.
Add ginger, garlic, and cayenne powder, which make your soup more sumptuous and work really well in combating the symptoms of the cold.
6. Salt Water
As simple as it may sound, salt water is very effective in curing various symptoms associated with cold. Salt water helps in flushing out the cold and cough-causing bacteria and viruses out of your system. It is an extremely safe home remedy to ward off cold and cough during pregnancy.
Take a glass of warm water and add half a teaspoon of salt to it. Gargle with this solution to get relief from a sore throat. Alternatively, you can put a few drops of this saline solution in your nose to get rid of a blocked and stuffy nose.
7. Onion
Onion is one of the most effective ayurvedic remedies for cold and cough during pregnancy. Onions are rich in sulphuric compounds and quercetin, which are beneficial in killing the various infection-causing viruses and bacteria.
You may eat onions in raw form, or you spread chopped onions around your bed to cleanse the air of harmful bacteria or viruses. However, some pregnant women may find the smell of onions very nauseating, so take care when following this home remedy.
8. Honey and Lemon
Honey and lemon is a great combination that works great in getting rid of cold during pregnancy. Take a glass of warm water and add a teaspoon of honey and a tablespoon of lemon juice into it. Mix well and drink this mixture three to four times a day.
You can even drink this after you have recovered if you are prone to getting a cold. The vitamin C in lemon strengthens the immune system, and the soothing properties of honey relieve a sore throat.
9. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Keeping yourself hydrated is very important in pregnancy and bracing your body with sufficient amounts of fluid becomes utterly important, in case you are down with the cold.
Your body loses fluids when you have a cold, and in order to replenish the lost fluids, you can drink water, ginger tea, lemon and honey tea, salt water, vegetable or chicken soups, or fresh fruit juices.
10. Get Adequate Rest
If you are suffering from cold in pregnancy, then it is very important that you take adequate rest. Resting is the best way to give your body time and energy to fight the infection. Napping two to three times a day is a good option to provide your body with a good amount of rest and recoup.
