There are many different home remedies that can help to ease the symptoms of a cold, such as congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. While there is no cure for the common cold, these home remedies can help you feel better and speed up your recovery.
What Causes a Cold?
The common cold is caused by a virus, which can be spread through coughing and sneezing, or by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus enters the body through the nose or mouth, and then multiplies in the upper respiratory tract.
11 Home Remedies for Cold Symptoms
There are many different home remedies that can help to ease the symptoms of a cold. Some of the most effective home remedies include:
1. Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce congestion and soothe a sore throat. You can take ginger in many different forms, such as drinking ginger tea or chewing on ginger slices.
2. Honey
Honey can help to relieve a cough and soothe a sore throat. It is also believed to have antimicrobial properties that can help to fight off the virus that causes colds.[1]
3. Get Rest to Reduce Stress
It is important to get plenty of rest when you are sick, as this can help your body to fight off the virus. Stress can make cold symptoms worse, so it is important to find ways to relax.
4. Drink Warm Liquids
Drinking warm liquids can help to soothe a sore throat and ease congestion. try sipping on chicken soup, herbal tea, or warm water with honey and lemon.
5. Gargle with Honey or Apple Cider Vinegar
Gargling with honey or apple cider vinegar can help to relieve a sore throat. To make a gargle,
- Mix 1 teaspoon of honey or apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of warm water.Gargle with honey solution 2-3 times per day.
- With apple cider vinegar, gargle only once per day as apple cider vinegar causes tooth enamel to soften.
- This remedy lacks scientific evidence.
6. Use Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that are found in yogurt and other fermented foods. These bacteria can help to boost the immune system and fight off infections. [2]
7. Drink Hot Lemon Water Regularly
Drinking hot lemon water can help to boost your immune system and ease congestion. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a cup of hot water, and add honey to taste. Drink this mixture several times per day when you have a cold.
8. Have Some Chicken Soup
Chicken soup has long been touted as a home remedy for the common cold. Chicken soup contains nutrients that can help to boost the immune system, and it also helps to thin out mucus.
This remedy lacks scientific evidence.
9. Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that is commonly used to treat the common cold. Echinacea is thought to boost the immune system, and it may help to reduce the duration of a cold. [3]
10. Take a Hot Shower
Taking a hot shower can help to ease congestion and open up your sinuses. The steam from the shower will also help to moisturize your throat and reduce coughing.
This remedy lacks scientific evidence.
11. Apply a Warm Compress
Applying a warm compress to your forehead and sinuses can help to reduce pain and pressure. Soak a clean cloth in warm water, and apply it to your forehead for 10 minutes at a time. Repeat as needed.
This remedy lacks scientific evidence.
When to See a Doctor?
If your cold symptoms last longer than 10 days, or if you develop a fever, it is important to see a doctor. These could be signs of a more serious condition, such as pneumonia. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a weakened immune system, it is also important to see a doctor if you develop cold symptoms.
There are many different home remedies that can help to ease the symptoms of a cold. While there is no cure for the common cold, these home remedies can help you feel better and speed up your recovery. If your cold symptoms last longer than 10 days, or if you develop a fever, it is important to see a doctor. These could be signs of a more serious condition, such as pneumonia. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a weakened immune system, it is also important to see a doctor if you develop severe cold symptoms.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4531403/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21901706/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK74094/
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