Colds Remedies

The common cold is so prevalent that many people tend to forget that there is no cure. For many, a cold is just a minor inconvenience in their daily lives, for others, a cold stop them short in their tracks and they are unable to work or function properly. With so many people with colds, you would think there would be a universal cold remedy – at least for the symptoms. However this is not the case, and every family seems to have their own handed down cure for cold symptoms.

How did I get a cold?

Colds are viral upper respiratory tract infections that are transmitted through direct or indirect contact with saliva or mucus secretions of an infected person. For example, shaking hands with someone who has a cold after they have touched their lips or blown their nose is an easy way to catch a cold. Sharing utensils, such as kids in a lunchroom or playground, can also spread the cold. The common cold virus can live on inanimate objects (also called fomites) for prolonged periods of time, so sharing pens and pencils, toys, towels and other objects can spread the cold from one person to another.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The common cold usually starts out with a runny nose, a headache, or both. ‘Bad’ colds can include coughing (a cold cough), hoarseness, migraines, lethargy and other symptoms. If you are feeling overtired, have a runny or stuffed nose, and start coughing, chances are you have a cold.
Symptoms can last anywhere from 3 to 10 days and can last even longer for people with compromised immune systems. Some very common symptoms of the cold are:

•    headaches
•    runny or stuffy nose and sinuses
•    body aching
•    fatigue or lethargy
•    cough
•    hoarseness of throat
•    fever

If you’ve had a cold before, chances are you will recognize when you start feeling the symptoms. However, be careful not to misdiagnose another illness or infection as a cold. If you start experiencing other symptoms like abdominal pain or chest pain, contact your doctor to ensure there is not another underlying cause.

Natural Cold Treatments

There are many options for treating a cold naturally, instead of using prescribed cold medicine. It is best to try different cold remedies separately, each time you get a cold. Over time you will find the cold treatment that works best for you. Remember, you’ll probably be getting colds all your life, so it’s best to take your time to find out what really works for you, and then stick with it!

•    Hot Beverages: It’s important to stay hydrated when you have a cold, so liquid intake is a must. By drinking hot liquids, you can relieve the pressure in your nasal passages and sinuses as well.

•    Hot Shower: Hot showers have the same effect as drinking hot beverages, but at a higher degree. Taking a hot shower or steaming the bathroom and sitting in it for 10 minutes can do wonders fro clogged stuffy sinuses.

•    Gargling: Gargling can be done with different mixtures and ingredients, the most popular being a saline solution. Gargling can help ease the pain, tickling and hoarseness in the throat. Gargling with honey is a popular way to coat the throat. Raspberry and lemon teas can help seal the membranes of the throat so that they excrete less mucus and reduce irritability.

•    Resting: The best natural way to deal with a cold is rest! Everyone knows this, but many people do not rest enough when they have a cold. In many cases, taking one day off work to rest can save many days of suffering and is worth it even for thebusiest of people.

•    Blowing Your Nose: Blowing our nose is important, because it rids the sinuses of the excess mucus being produced. Make sure you wash your hands afterwards so you don’t spread your cold to others!

•    Avoid Sleeping Flat: Elevating your head with a fe extra pillows can help relieve clogged nasal passages and sinuses. This will also stop snoring, which is one of the major reasons people with colds claim break up the sleep. As a result, you can get a better sleep and more rest which is so important when fightin a cold. If you find yourself up at all hours sniffling, elevation may be the key.

•    Vitamin C: Vitamin C can be found in many fruits and vegetables, and can help shorten the duration of a cold. However, taking vitamin C when you start getting a cold probably won’t help – you need to take the vitamin daily to help prevent colds, and to shorten their duration when you get one.

•    Echinacea: Some people swear by the effects of Echinacea for overall resitsance to flus and colds and other viruses. The jury is still out scientifically, but many naturalists swear by its efficacy. Like Vitamin C, it’s best to take Echinacea daily to prevent colds and shorten their duration.

•    Zinc: Zinc lozenges are increasing in popularity and can help reduce the duration of a cold, while soothing the throat.

•    Garlic: Garlic is considered a wonder cure in many cultures, and studies have shown that people who cook with garlic regularly tend to have better immune systems.  Regular intake of garlic can help reduce the chances of catching a cold.

Washing Your Hands

There are many more ingredients used to fight colds such as eucalyptus steam inhalation, ginger, and elderberry. We recommend making sure you get your daily recommended vitamin C, and if you get a cold, make sure you get plenty of rest (take a day off!) and wash your hands frequently.