Home Remedies for a Cold
Easy Treatments to Help Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infection
While there is no "cure," relieving symptoms makes living with a cold easier and some natural remedies can even reduce the length of illness.
Sore throat, cough, congestion, headache, fever, sneezing, aching all over, is it a cold or the flu? Upper respiratory tract infections can be miserable, whatever the cause.
The common cold can be caused by any one of more than 200 viruses. Antibiotics kill bacteria and will not work against colds. Most adults will get at least two colds a year, and children as many as nine. Americans spend almost two billion dollars a year on over-the-counter remedies to alleviate cold symptoms. (source:USPharmacist, 2007) Non-prescription medications can be confusing. A general rule of thumb is to try to limit the ingredients of the medicine to the symptoms, i.e. if you aren't aching or running a fever, then a pain reliever probably isn't necessary. Also, never mix medications, cold, flu or otherwise without checking for interactions. If you have questions about any cold medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
At the first sign of a cold
- Zinc lozenges
- Echinacea and goldenseal (herbs readily available at health food stores) are thought to boost immunity and keep viruses from multiplying. They are available individually and in combination, and come in a variety of forms, i.e in capsules, tablets or in drops. *note: do not take goldenseal for more than a week or during pregnancy.
- Humidify your space
- Keep your insides hydrated, too. Drinking extra fluids, especially water, alleviates symptoms, replaces fluids and may flush out infection faster.
- Chicken soup (yes, it really does work)
- Petroleum jelly in and around your nose protects against soreness
Congestion
- Herbal Steam can reduce congestion
- Eucalyptus or Peppermint oil (6 drops in a warm bath or in a cup of boiling water to inhale)
- Chicken broth and other hot liquids, sipped frequently
Gargle with
- Warm salt water
- Pure Tree Tea Oil in warm water
- Chili Powder in water (Really!)
Immunity Boosters
A strong immune system is the best defense against infections, colds included.
Drink plenty of water, exercise, eat well, don't smoke and wash hands frequently
Vitamins
A strengthens immunity, heals inflamed membranes
B for stress and immunity
C a longtime cold remedy
E healing
Herbs and other home remedies
- Echinacea and golden seal
- Catnip
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Slippery elm
- Yarrow
- Willow
- Zinc
- Amino Acids, especially Lysine
- Acidophilus
Common Cold Sense
- Wash hands frequently to prevent colds
- "Vampire Sneeze" if necessary, into your bent elbow, not your hand
- Discard tissues, they harbor viruses and can pass on or reinfect
- Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses
- Feed a cold, starve a fever? Or is it the other way around? Actually, it's neither. Or both. Common sense should be your guide. If you're hungry, eat. If you think eating will upset your stomach, it probably will.
So is it a cold or a the flu? Most colds last a week or more and can occasionally lead to more serious infections. Congestion, cough, sore throat are all signs of a cold, but if they occur with a fever over 101 and/or fatigue, it may be the flu. If a person has a cold that travels into the chest (or begins there), it is always best to check with your health care provider to determine if further treatment is necessary.
