Health & Wellness

Khansi, Nazla and Zukam: 7 Desi Home Remedies with Honey, Adrak and Mulethi

When the weather changes in Pakistan, khansi (کھانسی), nazla (نزلہ) and zukam (زکام) are never far behind. For mild cough and cold, many families first turn to simple home remedies made from honey, spices and herbs kept in every kitchen.

7 desi home remedies

1. Honey and warm water

A spoon of pure honey (خالص شہد) in warm water is the most loved remedy for a sore, scratchy throat. Honey coats the throat and soothes it. Never give honey to babies under one year old.

2. Adrak (ادرک) and honey

Mix a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice with a teaspoon of honey. Many people take it twice a day during a cold.

3. Mulethi (ملٹھی) / Liquorice root

Chewing a small piece of mulethi or drinking mulethi qehwa is a traditional way to soothe the throat. People with high blood pressure should avoid regular use of mulethi.

4. Haldi doodh (ہلدی دودھ)

Warm milk with a pinch of haldi at bedtime is a classic Pakistani remedy for cold and body ache.

5. Joshanda (جوشاندہ)

Joshanda is a traditional herbal mix of dried herbs boiled in water and taken hot. It is popular for nazla and blocked nose.

6. Steam with ajwain

Add a spoon of ajwain to hot water and take steam with a towel over your head for 5 minutes. It helps open a blocked nose. Be careful with hot water around children.

7. Kalonji (کلونجی) with honey

A few kalonji seeds with honey is a well known Tibb-e-Nabwi habit, often taken in the morning during winter.

Simple care tips

Drink warm fluids and rest
Gargle with warm salt water
Cover your mouth when you cough and wash hands often

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you have a high fever for more than two days, trouble breathing, chest pain, cough lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks, or blood in cough. Children, the elderly and people with asthma should be seen earlier.

How to make a simple desi qehwa for cold

Boil 2 cups of water.
Add a small piece of crushed adrak, 2 green cardamom, a small stick of darchini and a few leaves of tulsi or pudina.
Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
Strain, let it cool slightly and add a spoon of honey. Do not add honey to boiling water.

How to check pure honey

Pure honey is thick and flows slowly in one thin line. It often crystallises (becomes solid) in winter, which is natural. Honey that stays very thin and watery all year, or tastes only of sugar, may be mixed with syrup. Read our guide to checking pure honey at home and buy from a trusted source.

Cold vs flu: what is the difference?

Common cold (zukam): slow start, runny nose, sneezing, mild sore throat, little or no fever.
Flu: sudden start, high fever, body ache and weakness. Flu often needs rest for longer and sometimes medical care.

Myths about cough and cold

Myth: “Antibiotics cure a cold.” Fact: most colds are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not work on viruses. Take antibiotics only when a doctor prescribes them.
Myth: “Cold drinks cause flu.” Fact: viruses cause flu, but very cold drinks can irritate an already sore throat.
Myth: “More honey is better.” Fact: one or two teaspoons at a time is enough. People with diabetes should be careful with honey.

Protect your family in the season change

Wash hands often, get enough sleep, eat fresh fruit and vegetables, and keep rooms ventilated. Elderly family members and people with asthma or heart disease should ask their doctor about the yearly flu vaccine.

اردو خلاصہ

موسم بدلنے پر کھانسی، نزلہ اور زکام عام ہیں۔ نیم گرم پانی میں شہد، ادرک اور شہد، ملٹھی، ہلدی والا دودھ، جوشاندہ، اجوائن کی بھاپ اور کلونجی روایتی گھریلو نسخے ہیں۔ ایک سال سے کم عمر بچے کو شہد ہرگز نہ دیں۔ اگر تیز بخار دو دن سے زیادہ رہے، سانس لینے میں مشکل ہو یا کھانسی تین ہفتے سے زیادہ رہے تو فوراً ڈاکٹر سے رجوع کریں۔

Frequently asked questions

Is honey safe for children with cough?

Honey is commonly used for children over one year old. Never give honey to babies under one year.

Can I take joshanda every day?

Joshanda is traditionally used for a few days during a cold, not as a daily drink all year.

What if my cough does not go away?

A cough that lasts more than two to three weeks needs a doctor’s check up.

Shop related products

Pure Honey · Immunity Support · Herbal Tea & Qehwa · Tibb-e-Nabwi

Not sure which herb is right for you? WhatsApp us at +92 301 7531564 (Daily, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM) for free guidance from Hakeem Rizwan Maqsood.

Important: This guide shares traditional knowledge for general awareness. It is not medical advice and herbs are not a replacement for treatment. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medicine or have a health condition, please consult your doctor first.