For most people common colds are pretty common. Because they can vary in length, it's hard to know if you will feel under the weather for two days or two weeks. Because a cold is a virus, there isn't technically a cure; however, acting quickly can get rid of symptoms or reduce the time a cold lingers.
Step 1
Take the herb echinacea or vitamin C or zinc. Research is varied as to whether it will prevent you from catching a cold; however, according to the Mayo Clinic, moderate research supports that taking these can reduce the duration of cold symptoms. Take according to the instructions on the product. Discuss with your physician whether they might have an interaction with any other medications you may be taking.
Step 2
Take a supplement such as elderberry or aconitum. Elderberry, also known as elder, is sold commercially as an extract called Sambucol. According to the University of Maryland, Sambucol has been shown to reduce cold symptoms by three days. Aconitum, also known as aconitum napellus, is a plant used to treat fever or illness brought on by being exposed to a cold environment or draft. Aconitum should be taken within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms for optimal results.
Step 3
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen for headaches or body aches.
Step 4
Take an over-the-counter decongestant or an over-the-counter decongestant nasal spray to reduce congestion and enable better breathing.
Step 5
Take an over-the-counter cough syrup if you have a cough associated with a cold. However, remember that cough syrups are designed to treat the cough itself, not the cause of the cough or the cold.
Step 6
Drink fluids such as water, juice or warm tea to avoid dehydration from fever or your body's production of mucus. Try to avoid caffeine or alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
Step 7
Rest as much as you can. If possible, stay home from work or school to allow your body to rest and regain its strength to fight off the virus. Many people go days without resting and by the time they take off from work, the cold has gotten much worse.
Step 8
Gargle with warm salt water or drink warm tea with lemon or honey for a sore throat.
Tips and Warnings
- Consistency is the key with any treatment or medication. Follow through with any recommendations on a schedule until symptoms subside.
