Natural Remedies for Seven Common Winter Problems

Irrespective of where you live in India, winter always brings with it cold gusts of wind and the dreaded common flu. It’s a tough call for parents as they have to take care not only of their young children but also of themselves. Over-the-counter medicines do provide relief, but there is a chance you may take ill again. As allopathic treatment has its side effects, the Indian population is turning towards alternative forms of healing through natural means.

One such practice of healing through natural means is Ayurveda, which is being practised for more than 5000 years. With trial and error, they proved that the plants and herbs we use in daily life have the potential to fight common and seasonal ailments. The goal of Ayurveda is to promote overall health and well-being. According to this ancient system, the human body is made up of five elements – space, air, fire, water and earth. These combine in varying proportions in people to form three life forces (doshas) which are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dosha.

Each life force controls the functions of our body in different capacities. Ayurveda tackles any physical problems by addressing and nourishing those functions. Many people have had exceptional results on ailments with the help of Ayurveda. Then, imagine how useful the Vedic science could be for minor ailments.

Now that winter is here, everyone, at some point, will experience common winter problems, which might grow to become intolerable through the season. How about using natural ingredients to treat these common issues? Moreover, most of the ingredients you would need to cure winter problems will be easily available in your kitchen. Let’s get started and look at some simple and effective natural ways to treat common winter problems.

Home Remedies for Health Problems That Happen During Winter

Did you know common ingredients like salt, honey and coconut oil can cure you of a throat infection and moisturise your skin? Read on to know how simple ingredients like these can cure a lot of your problems!

1. Home Remedy for a Sore Throat

Often the first indicator of the onset of a cold, a sore throat gives you that itchy feeling and sometimes, terrible pain as well. You can use these tips if your nose feels stuffy or you experience pain while swallowing food.

1. Salt Water Gargling

One of the most popular tried and tested methods to relieve throat pain; even your grandmother would recommend gargling with salt water. This is because salt has anti-bacterial properties that neutralise the acids in the throat, which reduces the burning sensation you experience. Mix 1/4 tsp of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle at least twice a day till the burning sensation goes away.

2. Turmeric milk

As per Ayurveda, everybody from children to adults should drink milk with turmeric and saffron to prevent cold and cough. A glass of warm turmeric (haldi, as it’s called in Hindi) milk at bedtime does wonders for a sore throat and even persistent coughs.

3. Herbal Tea

Herbal tea is very useful when it comes to getting rid of the common flu. Adding 2 parts ginger, 2 parts cinnamon and 3 parts liquorice (mulethi) to your cup of tea instantly makes it a herbal one! Drink this concoction at least three times a day.

4. Honey

Remember the honey jar tucked away in your kitchen cupboard? If you’ve caught a cold, it’s time to bring it out. One of the benefits of this ingredient is that it doesn’t get spoiled for a long time and can reduce swelling in the throat. You can either have it raw or make a concoction of warm water with ginger, honey and a bit of lime to soothe your throat.

5. Garlic

Garlic isn’t a general favourite of many because of its smell and taste. But, when your throat feels sore, chewing on raw garlic really helps a lot. It has a compound called allicin that can kill the cold virus present in your body. Place a garlic clove in your mouth and gently bite on it. The juices will flow down the food pipe and heal your throat.

2. Home Remedies for Treating Dandruff in Winter

Although some women face the problem of dandruff all year long, it tends to worsen during winters. At times, shampoos and hair conditioners that claim to make you dandruff-free don’t show the desired results. Here are some home remedies to keep your hair free from those snowy flakes this winter.

1. Neem

If your scalp feels itchy and is causing dandruff, neem will help keep the problem at bay. As neem has anti-fungal properties, it helps the body fight dandruff. It’s also used as an ingredient in many cosmetic products, such as neem oil. You can also use neem to prepare a hair mask at home. Grind the leaves to a fine paste, mix with curd and apply to your scalp. Leave for 15-20 minutes and wash off.

2. Egg Whites + Lime Juice

One of the reasons for dandruff is that the hair roots don’t get as much Vitamin C as they need. Vitamin C plays an important role in keeping the scalp in good health. This can be achieved with the following mixture; take two egg whites and mix them with some lime juice. Apply to the roots before you wash your hair and dandruff will soon disappear!

3. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla is rich in Vitamin C and prevents dandruff and the itchy feeling on the scalp. Here’s how you can prepare a hair mask using amla powder and a few tulsi leaves. Grind both to a paste, mix well and apply evenly. After around 30 minutes, rinse with water and a mild shampoo.

4. Fenugreek (methi) seeds

These seeds, though small, cure a variety of hair problems like excess hair fall, dandruff, dryness, baldness and hair thinning. You can either choose to soak them overnight and eat them on an empty stomach in the morning or make a fenugreek hair mask. For the hair mask, blend the seeds to a paste and then add some lime juice. Apply this paste to the scalp and the ends of the hair and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse with a mild shampoo to improve scalp health.

5. Reetha and Shikakai

Amla, reetha and shikakai are ancient herbs that contain a lot of Vitamin C. They cleanse your scalp and also prevent dandruff and other infections. Soak 2-3 amla pods, 5-6 reetha pods and 6-7 shikakai pieces overnight. In the morning, bring the mixture to a boil add let it cool. Blend the mixture, strain it and throw away the residue. Your own herbal shampoo is ready!

3. Home Remedies for Dry, Itchy Skin and Flare-Ups

For those of you who have naturally dry skin, the cold winter just adds to the trouble. Dry and flaky skin leads to itching and rashes, and a good natural ingredient is what you need to leave your skin feeling moisturised, and looking smooth and shiny. Moreover, those with existing skin issues could experience flare-ups when the mercury level drops down. Here’s are some home remedies that can help soothe dry skin and prevent or cure flare-ups during winters.

1. Sunflower Seed Oil

This may sound ridiculous, but sunflower seed oil opens up skin pores and improves hydration when applied to the skin. Who knew this oil had another great use apart from cooking our favourite dishes!

2. Coconut Oil

A study shows that coconut oil is as effective as petroleum jelly when it comes to repairing dry skin. That’s because this oil contains saturated fatty acids that act as a moisturiser for dry skin.

3. Aloe Vera

If you have an aloe vera potted plant at home, you’re in luck! Cut off an outer leaf, peel it, and scoop the gel with a spoon. You can also mix with it with a natural preservative (like? Provide an example) and keep it in a jar for daily use in winter. It’s advised that after applying aloe vera gel, you cover the affected area with clothing like socks or gloves. Massaging it onto your limbs just before going to bed is another method of getting freedom from rough skin.

4. Honey

Honey can be used as a home treatment for dry skin. This nectar produced by bees has moisturising, healing and anti-inflammatory properties. You can directly apply it to the skin.

5. Oatmeal

Apart from being the main ingredient in your favourite porridge, oatmeal also helps relieve dry skin. You can either add oatmeal in powder form to bath water or make your own oatmeal face mask.

4.Home Remedies for Winter Acne

The skin problems that are commonly experienced during winters could make existing acne worse. Sometimes, the dietary changes during winters could also lead to acne, which probably was never there. Nonetheless, here are a few home remedies you can use to treat winter acne.

1. Green Tea

Green tea is a great beverage to detox and cleanses the system. Acne is a sign of toxins in the body and green tea can help get rid those toxins. Natural ingredients like tulsi patta, lemongrass, chamomile, lavender, etc. can be used to make green tea at home. Moreover, you can also dip a cotton ball in the green tea concoction and apply it on the acne directly. Leave it for about 10 minutes and wash it off. Just ensure there’s no sugar in it.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and is, therefore, a great home remedy for winter acne. Mix about one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water, and using a cotton ball, apply it directly on the acne.

3. Turmeric and Curd

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and curd has moisturising properties. When these natural ingredients are mixed together, it is a great home remedy for winter acne, and for glowing skin in winter.

5. Home Remedies for Cracked Heels in Winter

Feet really have it tough, especially during winters. With the temperature dropping down and the skin going dry, cracked heels are another common winter problem most people complain about. But, do not worry. Use these natural home remedies to soothe, and even treat cracked heels in winter.

1. Honey

Honey has natural properties that can moisturise, cleanse, and also heal wounds. It is, therefore, a great home remedy for cracked heels in winter. You can apply it on your heels all by itself, leave it for a few minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water. Some also prefer adding honey to their foot scrubs or foot masks.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the most preferred natural ingredients used during winter. It can be used to treat dry skin, dry scalp, dandruff and also cracked heels. Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil will show better results than any other form of coconut oil. Just apply it directly on the cracked heels and leave it how a few minutes or even overnight for best results in winter.

3. Olive Oil and Oatmeal Scrub

Olive oil and oatmeal scrub can moisturise and exfoliate the skin. Olive oil in itself acts as a moisturiser and oats can gently exfoliate. It is, therefore, is a good home remedy to treat cracked heels during winter.

6. Home Remedies for chapped Lips in Winter

Lips are sensitive, and no matter how much you moisturise them, they are bound to go dry often, especially during the winter season. The best way to keep them soft and nourished is to use natural ingredients. Here are some home remedies for chapped lips in winter.

1. Sugar and Olive Oil Lip Scrub

Sugar and olive oil together can moisturise dry lips and exfoliate them. It is a great home remedy for dry skin in general, but it cannot be used all over the body. You can, however, use it as a hand and foot scrub. Mix a teaspoon of fine sugar in a few drops of olive oil and gently massage it over the lips in small circular motions for about a minute.

2. Honey and Salt Lip Scrub

Honey and salt lip scrub is another effective way to treat chapped lips during winter. Mix about 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 teaspoon of honey and gently massage the mixture on the lips for about a few seconds. Honey has antiseptic qualities and can also be applied directly to dry, chapped and even wounded lips.

3. Clarified Butter (Ghee)

Ghee or clarified butter is another great home remedy to treat dry skin in winter. Apply a few drops of ghee and leave it on for a few minutes before wiping it off with a soft towel soaked in warm water. You can also leave it overnight as even eating it won’t cause any harm.

7. Home Remedies for Ear Infections in Winter

Chilly mornings almost always bring earaches and irritation no matter how much you cover them up with a scarf. Although it is best to consult an ENT doctor if you get an ear infection, you can try these simple home remedies to treat it before heading straight to the doctor.

1. Garlic

Garlic is an excellent solution for an affected ear, nose and throat. Want to know how to make natural ear drops? Take two crushed garlic cloves and add some mustard oil to them. Heat this mixture till the garlic turns golden brown. Once it is cool, put a few drops in the infected ear. Another way is to make garlic oil is to crush and boil the pods with sesame oil. These drops using garlic provide instant relief against earaches.

2. Basil

Called tulsi in Hindi, this plant is popular in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties, one of them being a cure for earaches. Simply crush a few basil leaves and add coconut oil to the juice. You can use it regularly under supervision until the pain goes away.

3. Mustard Oil

Apply a few drops of lukewarm mustard oil to the affected ear for instant relief. Mustard oil is an old and tested remedy for an earache.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Make sure you use organic apple cider vinegar and avoid products that come with adulterants. You can dilute one part of apple cider vinegar in equal parts of clean, warm water, and use a dropper to drop 4-5 drops of the liquid into the infected ear. Ensure you plug the ear after putting the drops and remain in the same position for 5 minutes. This home remedy changes the pH of the ear canal, making it difficult for bad bacteria to survive.

5. Salt

Though salt is good for an ear infection, remember never to pour salt water into your ears. What you can do instead is place a cotton bud with warm salt in your ear for about 10 minutes. Doing this will draw out the bad fluid and reduce swelling. Since earaches are also associated with throat aches, you can gargle with salt water as well.

The above-mentioned cures are highly preferred by desi folks in place of medications and chemicals. But, as everybody has a differing dosha, they may not always work. Ayurveda is generally thought to be a long-term and holistic method of healing the body. If you find that curing yourself naturally and at home is of little use, you shouldn’t think twice about consulting a doctor as soon as possible.

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