Natural remedies to treat the common cold

Coming down with a cold is an experience not a lot of people want. Unfortunately, it’s one that they often get. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults are affected by the common cold up to three times each year, with children having more incidents. It’s also one of the main reasons for missing work.

Indeed, it’s frustrating when a person gets the common cold, but here are some natural remedies to get relief from the sickness — and all its unpleasant symptoms.

• Apple cider vinegar is great for regulating the body’s pH levels, which makes it inhospitable for the viruses responsible for the condition. It’s also a great way to treat nausea, which helps in bringing much-needed relief.
• Homemade soup is a popular home remedy for cold symptoms, and for good reason. Research has found that chicken soup can regulate the production of white blood cells which, when too high, often make the condition worse. A warm bowl of soup can also help in thinning mucus, allowing it to flow out of your nose easily. It’s also a great way to boost energy and easily get nutrients.
• Gargling with hot water can provide quick relief for a sore throat — a common side effect of the common cold. For maximum benefit, add salt to hot water and gargle.
• Yogurt contains probiotics, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help in treating some symptoms of the cold.
• Black pepper is usually reserved to spice up a meal, but people suffering from a cold would do well to ingest it since it can relieve a painful throat, as well as coughing.
• Honey has long been used to treat disease, thanks to its natural antimicrobial properties. It’s also effective at treating cold symptoms and soothing a sore throat.
• Ginger is another ingredient found in most households, and it can be used to treat symptoms of the common cold. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as an ability to clear nasal passages.
• Cinnamon is popular in the fall, but its healing properties are potent all year. Use it to get relief from inflammation, which commonly comes with the condition.
• Turmeric, in particular, contains curcumin, which has both antibiotic and antioxidant properties. Taking it with warm milk can relieve you of coughing, which often comes with a cold.
• Green tea is rich in antioxidants which are helpful in speeding up recovery. It also can be taken hot to loosen up sinus secretions and relieve runny nose and sore throat.

While you’re taking these remedies, it’s also advisable to rest as your body needs to heal. In addition, drinking alcohol, coffee, and sodas are a no-no, since it can worsen your condition. If you’re confined to a room, add some moisture using a humidifier to loosen your congestion. (Related: Protect yourself from flu season with these natural cold remedies.)

Fast facts about the common cold

The term “cold” refers to minor infections in the nose and throat. While most colds are viral — a person can be infected by at least 200 types of virus — the most common cause of the common cold is the rhinovirus, which accounts for up to 40 percent of all colds. Other well-known viruses that cause colds include coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

For the most part, a cold lasts around a week, but children, the elderly, and those with compromised immunity might suffer longer.

Despite what you’re feeling, it’s important to know that reaching for an antibiotic does nothing to treat the cold — in fact, it can make the infection worse.

Learn more about natural ways to treat the common cold at NaturalCures.news.

Sources include:

CDC.gov

AskDrShah.com

MayoClinic.org

Lung.org