The common cold is a viral infection that occurs primarily in the upper respiratory system, causing coughing, sneezing, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, and congestion. Cold viruses, including rhinoviruses, influenza, coronavirus and adenoviruses, weaken the body's immune function, leaving it susceptible to bacterial infection. In this guide, you will learn about common home remedies that can help alleviate cold symptoms and restore your body to health.
Home remedy for common cold symptoms
As it stands, there is no cure for the common cold. There are, however, remedies to alleviate some of the uncomfortable symptoms which include:
- Garlic and onion have natural antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help reduce the harshness of a cold and shorten the duration of symptoms. Take a crushed clove on a teaspoon with honey.
- A slice of lemon in hot water helps to soothe and relieve the symptoms.
- Fresh ginger or ginger tea is another common cold and flu fighter. It has analgesic properties that reduce body aches and pains. This root also stimulates stomach acid production, which leads to better digestion.
- Honey is another common ingredient that can be found in the kitchen. Once you've caught the cold virus, sip on some honey, lemon, ginger tea! Honey is an antioxidant that stimulates white blood cell production, which creates powerful cells to attack harmful viruses and bacteria.
- Water and fruit juices will help you stay hydrated when you have a cold. Aside from drinking plenty of water and juices, like fresh orange juice, consume warm liquids like a bowl of chicken soup. It will boost your immune system and get you back on track in no time.
- A hot shower or bath can help open up your airways and nasal passages while soothing your aching muscles.
- Get plenty of sleep to avoid fatigue and replenish your body's energy to fight the symptoms and recover quickly from illness.
Source: PhysicianOne Urgent Care
Home remedy for a sore throat
Sore throat is one of the common symptoms of a cold. Here are some ways to take care of your throat:
- Saltwater gargle. Dissolve ¼ to ½ teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water and gargle to temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat. Children who are younger than 6 years are unlikely to be able to gargle effectively.
- Ice chips can help relieve a dry, itchy throat.
- Peppermint leaves can soothe a sore throat and reduce headache and fever symptoms due to common cold and flu. Prepare a cup of warm peppermint tea and drink it to soothe the pain and swollen glands in your throat.
- A hot cup of honey and lemon mixed in hot water soothes a sore throat. The heat from the warm liquid will help soothe your throat, as well as improve your breathing.
Home remedy for a cough
Coughing is another symptom you may have if you are suffering from a cold. To help with this, you can try the following:
- Mixing up to 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or with warm water and lemon has been shown to relieve cough symptoms. The honey does the soothing, while the lemon juice can help with congestion.
- Probiotics are microorganisms that can provide a host of health benefits. They can help boost your immune system by balancing your gastrointestinal flora which is the bacteria that live in your intestines.
- Bromelain is found in the stem of the pineapple. It has been shown to suppress coughs as well as loosen phlegm.
How to prevent catching a cold
Because everyone can catch the common cold or flu, you should take the following steps to prevent infection by cold and flu viruses:
- Cover your nose and mouth with the inside of your elbow whenever you cough or sneeze.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, mainly water.
- Clean the common areas of your home, work or school frequently. This is especially true for countertops, toys or mobile phones.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing, before eating, after going to the bathroom, or caring for someone who is sick.
- With allergies, you can reduce flare-ups by identifying the allergens that affect you and avoiding exposure to them. Common allergens include trees, pollen, dust mites, animal fur, mould and insects. Allergy shots are helpful as well and can reduce your sensitivity to allergens.
- Talk to your doctor about what plan is right for you.
To learn about other treatment options for the common cold, contact a local naturopath, herbalist or Ayurvedic practitioner.
Originally published on Jul 09, 2017
