13 Home Remedies To Effectively Treat A Summer Cold

Soothe congestion and restore energy using simple ingredients from your kitchen.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 18, 2025

Soothe congestion and restore energy using simple ingredients from your kitchen.

The heat of summer doesn’t make you immune to catching a cold. Unlike the typical winter cold caused by rhinoviruses, summer colds are often triggered by enteroviruses. Although the weather is warm, you may still experience symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and congestion. While these colds are generally self-limiting, several natural remedies can help alleviate discomfort and speed up recovery.

Understanding Summer Cold

A summer cold differs from a winter cold mainly by the types of viruses involved. Both, however, produce very similar symptoms:

Runny or stuffy nose
Sore or scratchy throat
Sneezing and coughing
Mild fever (sometimes)
Body aches and fatigue

If you encounter high fever, chills, or a rash, seek medical attention immediately, as these could signal more serious conditions.

How To Get Rid Of A Summer Cold: 13 Natural Home Remedies

Below are well-researched remedies to help you manage and overcome a summer cold using simple ingredients commonly found at home.

1. Saline Spray

You will need: 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 cup warm water, a pinch of baking soda, a saline spray bottle
Steps:
- Heat water until warm but not hot.
- Add salt and baking soda to the bottle, pour in warm water, and shake well.
- Gently spray into each nostril one at a time to clear nasal passages.
- Rinse the bottle and let it air dry after each use.
Frequency: Once or twice a day
Why it works: Saline acts as a natural decongestant, helping to clear crusty or mucus-blocked nasal passages by washing away irritants and pathogens.
Caution: Avoid using table salt, which may contain additives that can irritate nasal tissues.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

You will need: 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar, 1 cup warm water, honey (optional)
Steps: Mix apple cider vinegar in warm water. Add honey for taste if desired. Drink this mixture for relief.
Frequency: Once or twice daily
Why it works: ACV is believed to help balance your body’s pH and create an environment less hospitable to viruses. Its natural acidity may soothe a sore throat.

3. Vitamin C

You will need: Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), berries, guavas, or a vitamin C supplement
Steps: Increase dietary intake of vitamin C-rich foods or use supplements as recommended.
Frequency: Daily
Why it works: Vitamin C helps boost immune function and can reduce the duration of colds if taken at the onset of symptoms.

4. Ginger

You will need: Fresh ginger root (1-2 inches), 1-2 cups of water, honey (optional)
Steps: Boil sliced ginger root in water for 10 minutes. Strain and serve with honey if desired.
Frequency: 2-3 times daily
Why it works: Ginger has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that help ease sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion.

5. Echinacea

You will need: Echinacea tea bags or extract
Steps: Prepare tea as directed or take according to supplement instructions.
Frequency: Once or twice daily for up to a week
Why it works: Echinacea is known for its immune-boosting effects and may help reduce cold severity and duration.

6. Turmeric

You will need: 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 glass warm milk or water, pepper (optional)
Steps: Mix turmeric powder into milk or water; add a pinch of black pepper to enhance absorption if desired.
Frequency: Once daily, preferably before bedtime
Why it works: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

7. Herbal Tea

You will need: Herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, peppermint, or lemongrass
Steps: Brew tea as directed. Drink while warm for best results.
Frequency: 2-3 times daily
Why it works: Herbal teas keep you hydrated and provide a soothing effect. Ingredients like chamomile and peppermint can help open nasal passages and ease throat irritation.

8. Essential Oils

You will need: Eucalyptus or peppermint oil, a diffuser or bowl of hot water
Steps: Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser or bowl of steaming water. Inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes.
Frequency: Once or twice daily
Why it works: Essential oils act as natural decongestants. Eucalyptus and peppermint oils help open nasal passages and relieve sinus congestion.
Caution: Do not apply essential oils directly to skin; always dilute.

9. Garlic

You will need: 2-3 garlic cloves, honey (optional)
Steps: Crush garlic and eat raw or honey-coated. Alternatively, add to soups or stews.
Frequency: Once daily
Why it works: Garlic contains allicin, a natural compound with potent antimicrobial and immune-supportive benefits.

10. Honey

You will need: 2 teaspoons raw honey, 1 teaspoon lemon or ginger juice
Steps: Mix honey and juice, consume the syrup.
Frequency: 2-3 times daily
Why it works: Honey is antimicrobial and soothes the throat while lemon or ginger enhances its effectiveness against pathogens causing cold symptoms.
Caution: Not suitable for children under 1 year old.

11. Red Onion Syrup

You will need: 2-3 red onions, 1/4 cup honey
Steps:
- Cut onions into rounds.
- Layer slices in a bowl, pouring honey between each layer.
- Cover and let sit for 10-12 hours. Consume the syrup collected in the bottom.
- Keep covered and refrigerated. Use the syrup within 2-3 days.
Frequency: Twice a day
Why it works: Onion’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds combined with honey create a potent cold-relieving syrup.

12. Milk

You will need: 1 glass warm milk, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, honey (optional)
Steps: Mix ingredients into warm milk and drink, especially before bedtime.
Frequency: Once daily
Why it works: Warm milk with turmeric soothes a sore throat, provides comfort, and helps you rest better.

13. Cinnamon

You will need: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder, honey or herbal tea
Steps: Add cinnamon to honey or steep in herbal tea. Drink while warm.
Frequency: Once or twice daily
Why it works: Cinnamon is naturally antibacterial and can help fight the microbes responsible for cold symptoms.

Additional Tips For Summer Cold Management

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, and clear broths, to thin mucus and maintain body hydration.
Get Enough Rest: Allow your body to heal by taking adequate rest and sleep.
Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can relieve nasal and throat dryness, improving comfort.
Practice Good Hygiene: Frequent hand-washing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can prevent the spread of viruses.
Boost Immunity: Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and include foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Infographic: Natural Ways To Soothe A Summer Cold

Top natural methods include using saline sprays, drinking herbal teas, trying honey and ginger, steam inhalation, and essential oil diffusion. These remedies not only relieve symptoms but also support faster recovery, so you can resume enjoying your summer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the difference between a summer cold and a winter cold?

A: Summer colds are often caused by enteroviruses, while winter colds are usually due to rhinoviruses. The symptoms are largely similar, but summer colds may last a bit longer in some instances.

Q: How long does a summer cold typically last?

A: Most summer colds resolve within 7-10 days, although fatigue and mild symptoms can occasionally persist for up to two weeks.

Q: Can I prevent a summer cold?

A: While there’s no guaranteed prevention, frequent hand-washing, avoiding contact with those who are sick, and maintaining a strong immune system with good nutrition and adequate sleep can lower your risk.

Q: When should I see a doctor?

A: If you experience high fever, a rash, persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms lasting beyond two weeks, consult a healthcare professional.

Q: Are home remedies safe for children?

A: Many home remedies are safe for older children, but honey should not be given to children under one year due to the risk of infant botulism. Always consult a pediatrician before trying new remedies on young children.

Conclusion

A summer cold may be inconvenient, but with these home remedies—ranging from herbal teas and honey to saline sprays and steam inhalation—you can manage symptoms naturally and support faster recovery. With proper care, hydration, nourishment, and rest, you can get back to enjoying the sunny season, feeling healthy and revitalized.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete