The Natural Way of Treating Colds

The common cold may indeed be common, but that does not make it the least bit comfortable. The average person succumbs to at least two or three attacks of the common cold every year, depending on the health level of his immune system.

Since colds are easily picked up from any crowded place, children are especially susceptible, especially when a classmate or two have the cold in their school or even in childcare centers. It is also more common during the cold months of fall and winter, as the cold weather serves as a great breeding ground for the cold virus.

More often than not, the cold is a mild viral infection that will clear up on its own after it has fully run its course, usually in about three to five days. Some people suffer symptoms of a cold for about a week, and then it clears up naturally. In rare cases, a cold can increase in severity and eventually cause advanced infections like pneumonia or bronchitis. But generally the cold virus causes symptoms to manifest in two to three days, with the symptoms peaking on the third or fourth day. From there, they may start to wane off.

This is why non-prescription drugs for colds typically only aim to relieve the discomfort that comes from the infection symptoms. Since most cases are caused by a virus, medication actually cannot “cure” the illness. This is why home remedies are a better course to take, as some natural ingredients speed up recovery while also providing relief from the symptoms:

1. Garlic – Boil several cloves in water and taken in soup form is a good way of finding relief from cold symptoms, thanks to the antispasmodic and antiseptic properties of garlic. The oil coming from garlic has also been found to be effective as an airway-opener, resulting in better respiration.

2. Ginger – This is another commonly used home remedy for colds and coughs. Ginger tea may be mixed with some honey and taken hot, as it helps relieve the throat and also removes the heavy-headed sensation.

3. Turmeric – This root is known for its anti-inflammatory characteristics, making it perfect for easing symptoms of the common cold. It also helps in rejuvenating the patient. Turmeric is best consumed hot and mixed with ginger in milk just before going to bed.

4. Vapor inhalation – This process is a well-known practice in decongesting the airways, and you can make your own home-made brew with turmeric, eucalyptus oil, or apple cider vinegar mixed into a steaming container of warm water. This will help loosen your secretions and also encourage discharge through the nose.

5. Saline gargles – Gargling a salt and water solution is also a great way to ease a sore and itchy throat. The best way to prepare this is to mix a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water, and gargle this four times a day. An alternative for tickling throats may be to gargle with ingredients with astringent properties, such as tea that comes with tannin. You can also make a viscous gargle out of honey and lemon juice: mix the juice from one lemon into two cups of hot water and add one teaspoon of honey to the mixture. Leave the mixture to cool down to room temperature, and then gargle. Note, though, that honey should not be given to babies below 1 year old.

6. Hot liquids – Drinking hot liquids helps to relieve congestion in the nasal passages, and making sure to consume enough fluids means you can ward off dehydration. The warm temperature of the liquid will also soothe the inflamed membranes that cause discomfort on your throat and nose.

While these home remedies will definitely make your battle with a cold much more comfortable, in the end, there is really little you can do until the virus runs through its course completely. In the meantime, take this as a sign to catch up on lost rest, as rest is still deemed the best way to get your body to recuperate from a cold. It just may be time to let go of all the overwork and just let your body take a nice, long nap!