Before the age of quick-fix pills and packed chemist shelves, our grandparents relied on simple, homemade remedies to heal and stay healthy, especially during the tricky monsoon months. A pinch of turmeric, a spoonful of honey, a handful of neem leaves: these weren’t just kitchen staples, but powerful tools of healing passed down through generations. And surprisingly, many of these age-old remedies still hold their ground today. Backed by modern research and trusted by families for years, home remedies offer gentle yet effective ways to manage common seasonal ailments. 

This monsoon, let’s turn to our roots and rediscover the wisdom that kept generations safe, right from the comfort of home. Alongside time-tested home remedies, we’ll also explore effective over-the-counter solutions to help manage seasonal ailments and reduce those frequent trips to the doctor

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

1. Common Cold & Cough

Sudden changes in temperature and increased humidity lower immunity, making the respiratory tract vulnerable to viral infections. Furthermore, monsoon weather invites water contamination, which increases the risk of stomach infections. Including probiotic yoghurt in your healthy diet can help maintain gut flora, reducing the chances of stomach infections. A study published in Nutrition Reviews (2016) found that probiotics reduce the duration of infections by 1.89 days on average. 

Home Remedies:

• Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea: Boil 4-5 tulsi leaves with ginger in water. Add a bit of honey and drink twice a day. Tulsi has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Ginger Juice with Honey: Helps soothe a sore throat, reduce inflammation, and ease digestive discomfort.
• Steam Inhalation: Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water and inhale. It helps relieve congestion and throat irritation.
• Turmeric Milk: A glass of warm milk with ½ tsp turmeric at night can help boost immunity.
• Incorporate Probiotics: Probiotics help in maintaining gut health and enhancing immunity. Probiotic yoghurt also enhances the absorption of nutrients like iron and calcium.
• Garlic: Garlic has natural antiviral and antibacterial properties. Its daily intake can reduce the severity of colds and flu by 63 per cent, according to a study in Clinical Nutrition (2014).

OTC Options:

• Antihistamines help with a runny nose, so always ask your doctor and keep it ready in your medical kit.
• Cough syrups (consult your doctor and get is prescribed from them)

Related article: Monsoon Skincare: Six Ways to Keep Your Skin Healthy in Humid Weather

2. Indigestion, Gas & Diarrhoea

Contaminated food, water, and increased bacterial growth during monsoon can disrupt digestion and not only this but dehydration could also lead to increased acid levels and diarrhoea. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, ORS can reduce diarrhoea-related mortality by up to 93 per cent when used appropriately.

Home Remedies:

• Jeera (Cumin) Water: Boil 1 tsp of cumin seeds in water and sip throughout the day to aid digestion.
• Ajwain + Black Salt: Mix ½ tsp of ajwain with a pinch of black salt and warm water to relieve gas and bloating.
• Banana & Curd: Both are gut-friendly. Curd has probiotics, and bananas help bulk stool and reduce acidity.

OTC Options:

• Keep an electrolyte powder sachet (like ORS) ready to restore lost salts and fluids. 
• Antacids like Digene or Gelusil for acidity.

Related article: 7 Simple Solutions to Improve Gut Health in Monsoon

3. Fungal Infections (Feet, Skin, Groin)

Excess moisture and sweating create ideal breeding grounds for fungal growth, especially in body folds. A study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology (2022) revealed that tinea infections/ringworm cases rise by nearly 30 per cent during monsoon months.

Home Remedies:

• Neem Water Bath: Boil neem leaves in water and use for bathing. Neem has antifungal properties.
• Coconut Oil + Tea Tree Oil: Mix and apply to the affected area. This combo is soothing and has natural antifungal effects.
• Clothing: Keep areas dry and use cotton clothing.

OTC Options:

• Be ready with antifungal powders or creams.
• Also, make sure to use antifungal soaps with ketoconazole that can help prevent recurrence.
• Antiseptic soaps, such as soap containing chlorhexidine or triclosan, are known for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties.

Related article: 8 Common Monsoon Illnesses in India: Symptoms, Prevention, and When to Get Tested

4. Dengue & Malaria Prevention and Support

Stagnant water breeds mosquitoes that spread vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. Common symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, joint pain, rashes, and a drop in platelet count. According to the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), India reported over 2 lakh dengue cases in 2023 alone.

Home Remedies for Recovery Support:

• Papaya Leaf Juice: Rich in enzymes that may help improve platelet count (studies show limited but promising results).
• Giloy Juice: An Ayurvedic remedy known for its immune-boosting and anti-pyretic (fever-reducing) properties.
• Hydration with Coconut Water and ORS is crucial.

OTC Prevention Aids:

• Mosquito repellents like Odomos cream or Goodknight patches.
• Electric vaporisers or mosquito nets to prevent bites.
• Paracetamol (never aspirin or ibuprofen, as they may worsen platelet count in dengue).

Note: Always consult a doctor if fever lasts more than 2 days or if dengue/malaria is suspected.

5. Skin Rashes & Allergies

Increased sweating and humidity clog pores and cause bacterial infections. Try to keep your skin dry and maintain good hygiene to avoid skin rashes and allergies.

Home Remedies:

• Aloe Vera Gel: Cools and soothes skin irritation. Use freshly extracted gel if possible.
• Multani Mitti (Fuller's Earth) Paste: Mix with rose water and apply to the affected area for relief from itchy rashes.
• Oatmeal Bath: Soothes inflamed skin and reduces itching.

OTC Options:

• Calamine lotion for minor rashes and itchiness.
• Hydrocortisone creams for more persistent skin allergies (use under supervision).
• Antihistamines for allergic reactions.

Related story: Good Gut Foods: Prebiotics And Probiotics

6. Headaches & Sinusitis

Blocked sinuses and atmospheric pressure changes can lead to heaviness in the head or sinus pain. It is especially common during weather shifts, like the onset of monsoon. The trapped mucus creates pressure in the sinus cavities, causing discomfort, facial pain, and even mild headaches.

Home Remedies:

• Steam with Pudina or Eucalyptus Oil: Clears the nasal passage and reduces sinus pressure.
• Ginger Tea: Acts as a natural painkiller and anti-inflammatory agent.
• Warm Compress on Sinus Areas: Provides relief from congestion and headaches.

OTC Options:

• Decongestants like Otrivin nasal spray (not for long-term use).
• Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for pain relief.
• Sinarest, a combination OTC tablet for cold and sinusitis.

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

 

Regular health checks are essential for everyone, but they are particularly important for individuals who are at risk of or already have any underlying condition. Taking regular health checks can help detect the condition at an early stage when it is easier to manage and treat. With the UR.Life HRA, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you can bring your whole self to work.

With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications and advice to you.