Normally when you first start to feel congestion and coughs coming on, your first initial thought is to hit the shelves at your local pharmacy. Although society now says that cough syrups and antibiotics should be your first treatment option, sometimes an old fashioned remedy will provide you with the same results and relief that you need to carry on throughout your day. Before rushing to the pharmacy for a quick fix, try checking out other options such as a neti pot, salt water gargle, a decongestant like steam from a shower, honey and ginger tea, and garlic:

1. Salt water rinse and gargle

A salt water gargle can provide quick relief for itchy or sore throat that is the result of the common cold. When creating your salt water gargle, you will need to use an 8-ounce glass for water and add in around 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Once you have mixed the salt in thoroughly you can than gargle the substance for 10-12 seconds at a time for the best results.

2. Neti pots for clearer breathing

Neti pots have become increasingly popular over the years as it provides quick relief to your sinuses by clearing them out with just a little water. The important thing to remember with this remedy is that you will need to do your research for the step by step process before proceeding for the very first time. Although it provides relief, there are potential complications if the process is not done correctly.

3. Honey and ginger tea

Honey and ginger tea is an old-time remedy that is not only beneficial to your health but tasty to consume. As soon as you start feeling that obnoxious itch in the back of your throat, all you need to do is brew a fresh cup of tea and add half a teaspoon of ginger before placing 5-6 drops of fresh honey into your teacup. For best results with this remedy, be sure to consume 2-3 cups of tea throughout the day.

4. It’s all about garlic!

Garlic has many great benefits, especially when it comes to a cough and cold that you are trying to get rid of. Garlic has natural antibacterial antioxidant that helps your body to clear congestion and break up the mucus that is making breathing difficult for you. This remedy can be accomplished by adding extra garlic to your meals every day or by cutting open fresh cloves and placing them around your house where you spend the most time.

5. Time to steam

If you are searching for a decongestant remedy that is fast and has great results, steam will never let you down. All you simply need to for the best results possible is to turn your shower on as hot as it will allow and wait for the room to be full of steam before sitting down to breath it in. The steam will help decongest your lungs and making coughing up mucus an easier process.