Deborah Grey
CNN-IBN

Mumbai: Even though monsoon showers are a welcome relief from the gruelling summer but this is also the time when you can easily catch the common cold.

Getting wet sure is fun but not if it leaves you in bed with fever, body ache and a bad case of sniffles. So, here are a few quick home remedies to beat cough and cold.

1. Ginger-tulsi tea is an excellent way to soothe a troubled throat.

2. Turmeric powder in hot milk is another tried and tested defence against cough and cold.

3. Hot ghee and pepper mixed with honey is an excellent way to tackle a nasty cough.

4. Finally, there is nothing like gargling with hot salt water twice a day.

Also spare a few minutes to taste Grandma's kaadha. It's very easy to make this at home. Just add tulsi, black pepper, sonth or dry ginger and gud (jaggery) to water and bring it to boil, strain it and try to have it as hot as you can.

You can also keep yourself warm by having your favourite cutting chai but avoid street-side food.

If you still fall ill, remember, self-medication is a bad idea. So avoid playing doctor.