Virtually everyone gets a common cold now and then, resulting in sneezing, coughing and congestion, as well as a runny or stuffy nose. According to the Mayo Clinic, a cold occurs due to a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that can be caused by any of over 200 viruses. The condition is usually harmless and resolves anywhere within one to two weeks. Despite medical advances, the common cold is incurable and it just has to run its course. Treating a cold naturally with some home remedies can help ease symptoms and lead to a faster recovery.
Start Treating Early
According to the "1801 Home Remedies" book by Reader's Digest, sucking on zinc gluconate lozenges every few hours at the first hint of a cold can shorten the duration by three to four days. Vitamin C also strengthens the immune system to fight off the virus. Vitamin C is available in over-the-counter supplements and can be found in citrus fruits. The Reader's Digest suggests taking 500 milligrams four to six times a day at the onset of a cold, especially the type of supplements with added bioflavonoids--a substance that increases the vitamin's effectiveness. Additionally, according to "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Home Remedies," echinacea also encourages the immune response and acts as a natural antibiotic.
Fight the Cold
Moms were onto something when they pushed chicken soup whenever a common cold erupted. According to the Mayo Clinic, chicken soup, or as the Reader's Digest calls it--the "Jewish penicillin"--fights the cold with scientifically proven actions. It acts as an anti-inflammatory by working on immune system cells and helps relieve congestion by speeding the movement of mucus through the nasal passage, which inhibits prolonged exposure to the virus. Other remedies include garlic, which acts as a natural antiseptic and enhances the immune system. Add garlic to chicken soup and other foods or, as the Reader's Digest suggests, hold a small clove of garlic in the mouth and inhale the fumes. Dehydration often accompanies a cold, but drinking juice, tea, water or other liquids replaces lost fluids. Increasing fluids also thins the mucus, which helps relieve congestion.
Use the Home "Pharmacy"
Regular items stored in the pantry or the refrigerator can have remedial effects on cold symptoms. "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Home Remedies" suggests cinnamon, with its potent warming effects, treats symptoms of a cold when added to foods, drinks or added as an oil to a vaporizer. Honey encourages healing as well as preventing secondary infections that would worsen a cold. Adding ginger to hot tea or adding hot sauce and red pepper flakes to foods naturally relieves congestion and stuffiness, says the Reader's Digest. Ginger is also a natural cough suppressant. The Mayo Clinic adds salt and lemon to this list. Gargling with warm salt water soothes an irritated throat as does drinking warm lemon water with added honey.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Common Cold
- "1801 Home Remedies"; Reader's Digest; 2004
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Home Remedies"; C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D.; 2002
