Every year, somewhere between late November and February, it starts. The mornings turn misty, the fans go off, someone at home sneezes, and within a week half the family has a scratchy throat. In Dhaka the dust and smoke of the dry season make it worse, and in the north, where nights get properly cold, a lingering cough can hang around for weeks.

The good news is that most winter colds are mild and get better on their own in about 7 to 10 days. What you do at home in that time can make a big difference to how comfortable you feel and how quickly you get back to normal. Here is a simple, practical guide.

Why winter brings more coughs and colds

A few things come together in our winter:

• Cooler, drier air dries out the lining of the nose and throat, so it's easier for viruses to settle in.
• More time indoors, with windows shut and people close together, helps colds spread through a home or office.
• Dust and air pollution peak in the dry months, especially in Dhaka, irritating the airways and triggering coughs even without an infection.
• Sudden temperature changes, such as a warm bus followed by a chilly evening rickshaw ride, can leave you feeling run down.

Knowing this helps you focus on the basics: keep your throat moist, your body warm and rested, and your home air as clean as you can.

Step 1: Keep warm fluids coming

When you have a cold, your body loses more fluid than you think. Warm drinks soothe a sore throat, loosen mucus and help you feel better almost straight away.

Good options:

• Plain warm water, sipped through the day.
• Lemon and honey in warm water (honey is not suitable for babies under one year).
• Clear soups, such as a light chicken or vegetable shorba.
• Herbal teas made with ginger, tulsi or licorice (mulethi or jasthimadhu).

Licorice root has been used for generations in South Asian homes for throat comfort. If you like the ritual of a warm cup, Organic Wellness Licorice Tea (100 g tin) is an easy way to make it part of your evening. If you'd rather brew it the traditional way, Carmel Organics Liquorice Root Cut (200 g) can be simmered in water for a few minutes with a slice of ginger.

For family members who love their cha, a ginger tea is a gentle swap. Organic Wellness Ginger Chai (25 teabags) keeps the familiar flavour while adding the warmth of ginger.

A note on licorice: people with high blood pressure, heart or kidney conditions, and pregnant women should check with a doctor before drinking licorice regularly.

Step 2: Use steam to clear a blocked nose

A blocked nose makes sleep miserable. Steam is one of the oldest and simplest home remedies, and it works well for many people.

How to do it safely:

1. Pour hot (not boiling) water into a wide bowl.
2. Sit at a table, drape a towel over your head and the bowl, and breathe slowly for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Keep your face at a comfortable distance, and keep children well away from hot water.

Many people add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water for a fresh, cooling feel. Aroma Magic Eucalyptus Essential Oil (10 ml) is a handy bottle to keep in the cupboard through winter. Two or three drops are enough. Essential oils should never be swallowed, and they are not suitable for steam with babies or very young children.

A hot shower before bed gives a similar effect with less fuss.

Step 3: Soothe your throat

• Gargle with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) two or three times a day.
• Honey on its own, a spoonful before bed, can calm a night-time cough in adults and children over one.
• Avoid very cold drinks and ice cream while your throat is sore. They won't cause a cold, but they can make an irritated throat feel worse.

Step 4: Rest, eat well and keep your home air clean

Your body fights a cold best when it's rested and well fed.

• Sleep: aim for an extra hour or two. Raising your head with an extra pillow helps with a blocked nose and night cough.
• Food: keep meals light and warm. Khichuri, dal, soups and seasonal vegetables and fruit (oranges, amloki, guava) are ideal.
• Air: open windows for a short time in the warmest part of the day to let fresh air in, avoid smoking indoors, and wear a mask on dusty roads.
• Hands: wash often and cover coughs and sneezes to protect the rest of the family.

Step 5: Know when to see a doctor

Most colds don't need medicine, and antibiotics don't work against cold viruses. But please see a doctor promptly if you or a family member has:

• A fever above 102°F (39°C), or any fever in a baby under three months.
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or chest pain.
• A cough lasting more than three weeks, or coughing up blood.
• Symptoms that get better and then suddenly get worse.
• A long-term condition such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, or if you are pregnant or elderly.

A simple winter care kit for your home

Having a few basics ready before the season peaks means you're not rushing to a shop when someone falls ill:

• A thermometer.
• Honey, ginger and lemons in the kitchen.
• A herbal tea you enjoy, such as licorice or ginger.
• Eucalyptus oil for steam.
• Masks for dusty days.
• Your doctor's number and any regular medicines.

All the products mentioned in this guide are in stock now for Express delivery in 24 to 48 hours, and delivery is free on orders of Tk 5,000 or more.

Have a question about any product? Message our WhatsApp team on +880 1898-801973, 10am to 7pm every day except Friday. We're happy to help you choose.

Stay warm, and take care of each other this winter.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Herbal products and essential oils are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Please consult a doctor before using any new product if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, giving it to a child, or have a medical condition, and always follow the directions on the label.