Common Cold is caused by virus, so antibiotic treatment doesn’t work for it. Rhinovirus is the most common virus that causes cold.
People with weaker immune system (infants and elderly) are more likely to be affected by common cold. Having cold is not life threatening but it can make life a little difficult for a while.
The most common symptoms of cold are watery eyes, sore throat, or scratchy throat, nasal congestion (runny nose or stuffy nose), cough, sneezing, fatigue, fever, decreased appetite and body aches (mostly headaches).
Home Remedies for Common Cold
There are several home remedies that can provide relief from symptoms of cold without any side effects. The 7 most effective home remedies to treat cold are listed below.
Saltwater Gargle
To soothe a sore throat, the best remedy is saltwater gargle. One needs to mix half a spoon of salt in a full glass of warm water and use it to gargle at least 2 to 3 times a day. The water hydrates the throat and the salt helps cope with the infections.
Salt water rinsing helps break nasal congestion and also removes virus particles from the nose. One may add a pinch of baking soda too to the salt water and use it as nasal spray.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is known for its curative properties since ages. It has aroma that soothes the nose. Ginger tea is considered to be the most effective way to fight common cold. It can be easily prepared by boiling some raw ginger (grated) in water.
Running and dripping nose gets healed by this tea. It soothes common cold symptoms like cough and sore throat and speeds up the recovery process. It expels the phlegm out from the respiratory tract and helps in warding off the feeling of nausea.
How to Make
One may also extract some Ginger juice and add some crushed Tulsi leaves to it . Some honey may be added to the mixture. This helps in getting quick relief from cough. Ginger paste or shredded Ginger may be mixed with hot soups and stews to enhance the flavor and boost its cold fighting effects.
Raw ginger may be cut into slices and some salt be added to it. One may consume it to fight cold naturally. Ginger provides quick relief from chills and warms up the body.
Garlic
Garlic is also a well-known herb that can kill cold causing virus and alleviate the symptoms of common cold. It contains compound called allicin, which has antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
One or two cloves of garlic may be crushed and consumed as it is or with some honey to expedite relief from cold. If consuming garlic is difficult, one may take garlic supplements or just add garlic while preparing normal meals.
Lemon, Cinnamon and Honey mix
Honey is known for its anti-bacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial properties and is an excellent cough suppressant. Drinking tea with honey, lemon and cinnamon in it helps to ease sore throat.
The antioxidants in honey helps the immune system to battle virus that cause cold. Cinnamon has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat infections and give relief from cold symptoms.
One may simple consume a spoon of raw, organic honey or may add it to a glass of warm milk and drink it before going to bed. Honey may also be added to a spoon of Apple cider vinegar in water and consumed twice a day. The mix may be used to gargle also.
Turmeric Milk
Turmeric is a powerful antibiotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory herb due to its component curcumin. Drinking a spoon of turmeric mixed in warm milk before bedtime is an age-old remedy to treat common cold.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is the best remedy to stop sneezing and cure sore throat. It helps with the flow of mucus. Half a spoon of blackpepper. mixed with a glass of warm water should be taken twice day to help fight cold.
Tulsi, ginger and black pepper may be added while preparing tea. This spiced tea is great for the overall health and helps in getting rid of cold faster.
Plain Yogurt
Probiotics in yogurt helps reduce all sorts of inflammations within the body and help reduce cold symptoms. Yogurt should be consumed at least once a day to fight cold.
The beneficial bacteria in yogurt stimulates the production of immune system substances like zinc that help fight diseases especially common cold.
Carbohydrates in yogurt provides energy and helps overcome fatigue associated with cold. Yogurt is smooth and goes down easily, so it also helps with sore throat and runny nose. Yogurt may be paired with blueberries or strawberries is highly recommended to get extra Vitamin C and antioxidants that can help fight cold faster.
Useful Tips
- Warm liquids, such as teas, broths and soups are very beneficial. Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, prevent dehydration and soothe inflamed membranes that line up the nose and throat.
- Other than trying home remedies, it is advised to use a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer at night to add some moisture in the room. It helps to decrease cold symptoms like sore throat, cough and congestion.
- A few saline drops in both nostrils or nasal sprays also helps in clearing the nasal cavity. It is very important to blow the nose correctly to be able to clear the nasal passages.
- It is very important to rest as rest helps the body heal faster. One should always try to stay hydrated as that helps loosen nose congestion and sinuses, while soothing the throat.
- It is important to maintain proper hygiene so that you do not pass on the infection to others. One should sneeze and cough in a tissue and wash hands properly as often as possible.
Common cold doesn’t persist for very long. People get relief in a few days. Medical help should be taken if one doesn’t get better after using home remedies for two weeks.
It there is trouble in breathing, rapid heartbeat or dizziness, feeling faintness, then one should consult a doctor right away.
