A cold is a viral illness that causes symptoms such as a runny nose, headache, sneeze, cough, nasal congestion and a mild fever. It usually occurs in colder seasons and more commonly affects children. The Cleveland Clinic notes that a cold can be caused by one of more than 200 different viruses. There is no cure for the common cold but natural herbal and home remedies can help relieve symptoms, shorten the duration and decrease the severity of a cold. Consult a doctor if treating symptoms of a cold or flu that are chronic or remain longer than 2 to 3 days. Herbal supplements can interact with other medications and should be also be taken with medical supervision.
Honey Lemon Tea
The MayoClinic.com recommends drinking lemon tea with one teaspoon of honey twice a day as an easy remedy to reduce the pain of a sore throat, cough and fever. Honey has antiseptic properties and helps to increase immune mechanisms against allergic substances. Honey lemon tea also helps to suppress a cough and improves sleep when taken at bedtime.
Ginger
Ginger is a stem of a plant that has been used as food as well as medicine for centuries. Ginger has beneficial effects in relieving cold symptoms such as coughing, nausea, stomach problems, joint pains and body aches. It can be combined with honey or can be taken as a tea, as advised by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Echinacea
Echinacea is also called purple coneflower and has been used for centuries as a herbal remedy for the common cold. There are many species and different types and parts of the plant are recommended to relieve cold symptoms according to the National Institute of Health. Echinacea is primarily thought to decrease cold symptoms by strengthening the body's immune system. This may occur by an increase in the number of white blood cells to activate the immune system against infecting pathogens. Echinacea is used in a form of tablets as well as a liquid or tea that can be made by boiling its dried roots. Echniacea and other herbal supplements can interact with other medications and cause side effects; inform a doctor if taking these remedies.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties present in citrus fruits such as oranges, lemon, pineapple, papaya, tomatoes and fresh vegetables like cabbage, spinach, potatoes, radish and pulses. Health Vitamins Guide notes that vitamin C helps to relieve cold symptoms as it enhances immune system, strengthens connective tissues and soothes a sore throat.
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