Winter brings chilly foggy weather. The plummeting temperatures and fluctuating weather conditions pave the way for seasonal illnesses. Many people suffer from common colds, coughs, sore throat, and flu during the cold months.  However, nature has bestowed us with a remedy – herbal teas. These comforting brews warm the soul and offer relief from the common winter illnesses. 10 Teas for Relief from Cough and Flu this Winter Peppermint Tea Peppermint tea is renowned for its refreshing taste and soothing aroma. This tea can aid in  combating colds. Its menthol content helps clear nasal passages and alleviate sore throats, offering a revitalising experience. This herbal infusion holds various health benefits, including aiding digestion, reducing headaches, and promoting relaxation.  To brew, simply steep peppermint leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Then strain, and enjoy the comforting warmth and healing properties of this invigorating tea. Read more: 10 Best Teas for Weight Loss Ginger Tea The robust and spicy essence of ginger tea makes it an effective remedy against winter illnesses. Loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it aids in alleviating nausea, reducing congestion, and boosting the immune system. Its health benefits extend to aiding digestion, soothing upset stomachs, and providing relief from muscle soreness.  To prepare ginger tea, simmer sliced ginger in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Next, strain, and savour the potent blend of warmth and health-boosting elements in this invigorating brew. Read more: Top 10 Kidney Cleansing Teas with Recipes Chamomile Tea Chamomile tea is famed for its soothing nature. It offers a gentle yet potent remedy. Its anti-inflammatory properties not only alleviate throat soreness but also induce relaxation, aiding in improved sleep quality during illnesses. Health-wise, this tea can support digestive health, reduce anxiety, and may relieve menstrual discomfort.  For preparation, steep dried chamomile flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes and allow the floral essence to infuse the liquid. It creates a comforting brew that soothes both body and mind. Turmeric Tea Turmeric tea is of a radiating golden hue. This tea is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant prowess. It effectively eases sore throats, clears congestion, and fortifies the body's immune system. Its health benefits span from supporting joint health and reducing inflammation to aiding digestion and improving skin conditions. Read more: Health benefits of floral teas: 10 blends you can try To prepare, simmer grated turmeric root or powder in hot water for 10-15 minutes. After that add a dash of black pepper and a hint of honey for enhanced absorption and a touch of sweetness.  Green Tea Green tea is celebrated for its abundant antioxidants and serves as a versatile elixir. It bolsters the immune system, diminishes inflammation, and fosters holistic well-being. Its health benefits encompass enhancing brain function, assisting weight management, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.  To prepare green tea, steep green tea leaves in hot water (not boiling) for 2-3 minutes then allow the delicate flavours to infuse. It creates a revitalising brew. Embrace the wholesome goodness and rejuvenating qualities of green tea with every sip. Read more: These are the 10 Most Expensive Teas in the World

When a child is coughing constantly, it is a thing of concern for the parents. Usually, a child's cough is nothing to worry about as it can be caused by a common cold that happens by changes in seasons and weather. However, try to avoid a cough suppressant for your kids without consulting a doctor, as it is not safe for them. Instead, you can try some safe, natural home remedies for cough for children. These tips can help a sick child feel relaxed. 11 Ways to Treat Your Kid’s Cough Naturally Honey According to research honey is better than medicine for relieving coughs. Honey also helps a sick kid sleep better. However, honey is safe and better for children aged 1 and older. Kids also love to take honey as it tastes good. Dark honey like buckwheat works best because it's higher in antioxidants.  But if it becomes difficult to find buckwheat honey, you can take any natural honey. Natural honey is also great for its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can go a long way in soothing a sore throat.  Remember, you need to give ½  teaspoon to children who are ages 1 to 5 years and 1 teaspoon to kids ages 6 to 11. If your child won't love to take honey directly, you can add it to warm water, herbal tea, or warm milk. But make sure you avoid this remedy for kids under 1. Read More: Motivating Kids to Study, Do Homework, Get Good Grades: Know Secret Ways Chicken Noodle Soup It is an old folk remedy: Studies have shown that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory elements and its warm temperature can soothe sore throats. Besides,  it acts as a vaporizer and helps to release mucus in the nasal passages which ultimately can relieve a stuffy nose. You will get the magic in the soup that comes from the perfect balance of electrolytes, which help keep your kids hydrated. Moreover, the protein and carbohydrates available in chicken soup are a perfect meal for anyone who feels icky. Your lovely kids can feel like a warm hug with a bowl of chicken soup.  Stay Hydrated Make sure the kid drinks enough water to help prevent dehydration. Warm liquids is an excellent cough remedy for toddler because they thin out mucus and makes it easier to cough up. Besides, liquids pacify a raw throat and keep your little one hydrated and happy. Read More: Teaching Young Kids Household Chores: 10 Easy Steps Researchers at the Common Cold Center at Cardiff University have shown that hot drinks are the most effective at soothing cold and flu symptoms. Hot drinks may relieve symptoms including runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chills, and fatigue. On the contrary, a warm or room temperature drink had fewer benefits they can relieve a runny nose, coughing, and a sore throat temporarily. However, cold drinks are also helpful because they can numb a sore throat while helping to hydrate at the same time. But avoid drinking ice-cold juice as they are highly acidic the acidity increase discomfort in the throat.  Cool-mist humidifier You can keep a cool-mist humidifier in your kid’s room to help unfasten chest and nasal congestion. It is a great remedy for nighttime coughing. USA’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says a cool air humidifier is used unitedly with other treatments like rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and consuming honey. Read More: Dyslexia: How to help kids with this learning disability When other properties won't cure the cause, a humidifier will surely help your little one feel a little better, especially at night when coughing may be worse. Salt water gargle One of the most natural and simplest kid’s cough remedies is salt water gargle. Just mix a half teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of water, then give your child to gargle the solution. It eases the throat irritation that often comes with coughing. But this should only be given to older kids.  Salt water helps the tissue in the upper respiratory tract tend to become inflamed from excess mucus and fluids, causing coughing and soreness. 

A teenage girl who had been suffering from fever, cough and sore nose died at the isolation unit of Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital in Sylhet on Tuesday.   The deceased was identified as Julefa Begum, 16, hailing from Jalalpur village of Balaganj upazila.   Dr Premananda Mondal, civil surgeon of the district, said the girl died around 2pm just three hours after she was admitted to the hospital. “We’ll send throat swab of the deceased to Dhaka for test,” he added.     Meanwhile, Assistant Director of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital Dr Himangshu Lal Roy claimed the death to be a natural one.   “The body will be handed over to the family as per the regular practice,” he added.   Few days ago, an overseas returnee died while being treated at the isolation unit of the hospital. But she tested negative for Covid-19 later.