The common cold is the most common disease in the world. It is caused by common cold virus which causes the inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. The various symptoms of common cold are running nose, nasal congestion, chills, sneezing, headache, loss of appetite, sore throat, body pains and also a mild fever sometimes. The common cold lasts for about a week to ten days. The exposure to the virus usually happens during the cold weathers, dust and damp climate.

Common cold is best controlled with natural remedies available at home. The following are one of the best home remedies for common cold.

1. The first few days of the disease could be miserable with all the symptoms emerging. Taking garlic soup everyday helps in controlling the cold and the infection. You must take 3-4 cloves of chopped garlic and boil it in a cup of water. This not only kills the infection but also gives relief from cold and fever.
2. One other very good remedy for common cold is ginger. Take 10 grams of ginger and boil it in a cup of water. Add some tea leaves in the end and drink it when hot. You can drink two such cups everyday.
3. Mix ½ teaspoon of fresh turmeric powder in 30 ml of warm milk. Take this mixture twice daily. This is also a very effective remedy. It cures the sore throat and also kills the infection.
4. Taking citrus fruits like oranges and lemons is very useful. Vitamin C not only relieves the symptoms but also act against the cold virus. Squeeze one whole lemon in a glass of water and drink it. This is a rich source of Vitamin C.
5. For nasal congestion you may try steam inhaling. Inhaling fumes of turmeric or eucalyptus oil helps a lot in clear nasal blocks.
6. Take a few fresh basil leaves and boil them in a cup of water. Drink this hot mixture once a day. This is also works very well in controlling the infection and clearing the symptoms.
7. Breathing exercises like Pranayama are also effective cures for common cold.