Natural Cold Remedies

On an average, a person catches cold at least four to five times in a year, sometimes even more. Popping a pill every time you get a minor cold is not only irrational, but may also be harmful to your body. Although there is no foolproof way of getting rid of sniff, runny nose and scratchy throat, it is possible to minimize the symptoms, with the help of home remedies. Want to know more? In the following lines, we have listed some of the best known natural remedies to help you get rid of common cold.

 

 

Gargling moistens sore throat and brings relief from the scratchy feeling. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle with it, four or five times in a day. A different gargle can be made up by adding honey and lemon to the gargling water.

 

Taking rest can keep your cold from worsening. Sleep with an extra pillow under your head, to keep the breathing smooth. Although it is difficult to get sleep with nose congestion, try to get as much rest as possible. Blow your nose on regular intervals. Remember, the more you rest, the early you will get better.

 

Zinc is a healing mineral and helps preventing common cold and flu. Increase your zinc intake, by consuming more seafood, meat or eggs or else take zinc supplement with the first sign of the cold. However, do make sure that you don’t exceed the consumption to more than 15mg per day for men and 12mg per day for women.

 

If you take vitamin C on a regular basis, the chances of your catching cold get minimized. If you’re suffering from cold, large intake of this vitamin will reduce the duration of cold and lessen the symptoms as well. You can either eat fruits like lime, lemon, orange, grape fruits or camu camu or take vitamin C supplements.

 

Lemon is known for its healing properties, especially in context of cold and flu. So, mix the juice of one lemon with hot water and a teaspoon of honey and drink it. Take this concoction twice or thrice daily. It increases the body resistance against cold and reduces the span of illness.

 

There is an old saying, “Why need mother when you’ve got garlic.” Garlic is supposed to increase body immunity and it also helps decrease the severity of common cold. Add garlic bulbs to food, including soup, while cooking. It will help open up the blocked respiratory passage and get rid of phlegm.

 

Eucalyptus oil is an essential ingredient in many vapor rubs. Pour a drop or two of the oil in hot water and inhale its vapors. It will help clear the congestion and phlegm as well. You can also add it to your bathing water, to give a soothing effect to the body.

 

Taking lots of hot liquid is an age-old remedy of curing common cold. Have lots of herbal tea and soups. It prevents dehydration and is effective in curing throat irritation as well.

 

Chicken soup contains lots of vital nutrients, which can help in relieving the cold. So, at the first symptom of the cold, start incorporating it in your diet. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase its goodness, as the pepper helps relieve body ache.