Cold Remedies and Remedy for Cold - Cold is the most common infection that we could always catch. We usually get it when our immune system becomes weak due to stress. When we catch cold we would usually get cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Sometimes, there is also a fever that accompanies the cold.
Natural cold remedies, Herbal cold remedies and Home cold remedies
Vitammin C - Ascorbic acid is already well known for its function in the immune system. It helps boost the immune system and also aids in the repair of cells. The standard dose of Vitamin-C is 500 mg per day but some health practitioners suggest the use of 2,000 to 10,000 mg per day of Vitamin-C for the whole duration of the cold infection. The high dose of vitamin-C also known as Megadose can help reduce the symptoms of cold. Take note that taking 2,000 mg or more of Vitamin-C may cause diarrhea or loose stools.
Water and other fluids - Water and Fruit juices can help you out in lossening the congestion and it also prevents you from getting dehydration. You should avoid consuming liquids with alcohol, caffein and even soda because they can make dehydration even worse.
Salt water - Make a saltwater garble using 1/2 teaspon of salt dissolved in 8 ounce glass of warm water. A salt water garble can help you relieve a sore throat.
Saline Nasal Spray - Saline nasal sprays that you can buy over the counter can help you fight stuffiness and congestion. They also dont lead to a rebound effect when you use them. Nasal decongestants have this rebound effect in which the symptoms get worst after you discontinue your medication. Saline nasal sprays are also non-irritating.
Chicken soup - Chicken soup have been used for ages as a remedy for Flu and Cold. Scienctists have found out that the chicken soup might actually help relieve cold and flu symptoms. Chicken Soup provides an anti-inflammatory action by the inhibition of neutrophil movement. Neutrophils are cells that particiapte in the inflammatory response of the body. Chicken soup also helps in the speeding up of the movement of mucus through the nose, this relieves congestion and limits the amount of time that the virus contacts the nose lining.
Zinc Lozenges - Studies found that zinc helps in reducing the duration of Cold symptoms. Zinc is particularly effective it people started taking it withing 24 hours after the symptoms of cold appears. Zinc can decrease the duration and severity of Cold symptoms to withing 3 to 4 days. Zinc is thought to impair the replication of Cold virus and it also blocks the cold virus to enter the cells that lines the nose and throat.
Humidity - Cold viruses thrive in dry conditions — another reason why colds are more common in winter. Dry air also dries the mucous membranes, causing a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. A humidifier can add moisture to your home, but it can also add mold, fungi and bacteria if not cleaned properly. Change the water in your humidifier daily, and clean the unit at least once every three days.
Astragalus - This plant helps in strengthening the immune system. Some studies have found out that Astralgus does have some antiviral properties. Traditional chinese medicine suggest the use of boiled asparagus root soup to be taken once a week throughout the duration of winter.
Garlic - This is a very popular remedy for colds. Garlic can be combined with chicken soup to make it even more potent. You can also eat raw garlic or a drink that is made up of crushed garlic. The active substance of Garlic which fights cold is called Allicin. Allicin has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and it is the substance that gives garlic its distinctive flavor.
Sources:
Linde K, Barrett B, Wolkart K, Bauer R, Melchart D. Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 1 (2006): CD000530.
Predy GN, Goel V, Lovlin R, Donner A, Stitt L, Basu TK. Efficacy of an extract of North American ginseng containing poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl-saccharides for preventing upper respiratory tract infections: a randomized controlled trial. CMAJ.173.9 (2005): 1043-1048.
Douglas RM, Hemilä H, Chalker E, Treacy B. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jul 18;(3):CD000980.
Silk R, LeFante C. Safety of zinc gluconate glycine (Cold-Eeze) in a geriatric population: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Am J Ther. 12.6 (2005): 612-617.
Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res. 32.2 (2004): 132-140.
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