Cold and flu are something that we all go through multiple times in a year. But how many times have you felt irritated by its sudden onset, pushing you to cancel your plans to cater to the common cold. Don’t let it get in the way! You can take charge with some beautiful and natural cold remedies and treatments that can help with the control of its symptoms. Be it a stuffy nose or a scratchy throat, cold remedies are here for the rescue. Let’s check them out below.
How to Get Rid of a Cold Fast
There are many different ways in which you can treat your common cold and flu symptoms. From having ginger and turmeric tea to drinking plain hot water, you can relieve those sinuses and embrace that soothing sensation. So let's look at some of the most common cold remedies below.
Honey
With the amazing antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of honey, you can have it with lemon and warm water to soothe a sore throat and stop that constant sneezing. There is also research that suggests honey is a good cough suppressant - 10 grams of honey taken before bedtime can reduce the symptoms of common cold and coughing. It also helps you sleep better.
Chicken Soup
Hot chicken soup with vegetables helps in slowing down the movement of neutrophils, a type of white blood cells, in your body. When they move slowly in your body, they fight infections more effectively, due to their concentration in those areas of your body that need healing. Chicken soup is also good for upper respiratory infections, as it keeps you hydrated and warm. On a sick day, chicken soup will definitely soothe your soul and body.
Ginger
Ginger has been in use for hundred of years now in herbal and ayurvedic treatments. There is scientific evidence that suggests ginger is good for cough, sore throat, common cold, and flu among other related conditions. It is also helpful in warding off that nausea and vomiting sensation that often comes along with influenza. You can have it in the form of Wellbeing Nutrition’s Grandma’s kadha, tea, or just plain hot water. You can also add it to stews and soups for better respiratory health.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a root herb that is used in treating infections of various kinds. It’s rich in flavonoids and other chemicals that are therapeutic for your body. These flavonoids can help boost your immune system and reduce any sort of inflammation. Echinacea is effective in fighting the common cold and flu and its regular consumption may also reduce your overall chances of developing a cold.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is found in various fruits and vegetables such as lemon, orange, grapefruits, and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin C has many amazing benefits for the body, along with boosting our immune system. Having lemon juice with hot tea and honey can also help you remove phlegm. Vitamin C also helps you in fighting respiratory infections.
Salt Water
Salt water is known to help with upper respiratory infections - as it may clear any nasal congestion, common cold, and sore throat. You can try gargling with warm salt water to loosen the mucus, which is the home of all bacteria and allergens.
Probiotics
These friendly bacteria called probiotics are found in our body, in certain foods, and in supplements. They keep your gut and immunity up and running and at the same time ensure that you don’t fall sick with some infection of the upper respiratory tract or throat. You can also try Wellbeing Nutrition’s Clinically Approved combination of Probiotic strains + Prebiotic fibre, with a blend of 6 Active Probiotic cultures and Clinically Studied Prebiotic Fibre – Apple Pomace and Chicory root (Inulin) for complete gut health and immune system boost.
Hot Water Baths
A hot water bath is not just good for your mental health detox but will also help relieve those congested sinuses and flu symptoms. You can also add Epsom salt and baking soda to the bucket in order to reduce any body aches caused by the constant cold and coughing.
There are various essential oils that when added to your bath can have beneficial effects for your body - these essential oils include thyme, rosemary, tea tree, eucalyptus and more. Other cold remedies include having a humid environment in your room, or trying a soothing vapor rub. If you do not find relief with these home remedies, you can also go for nasal sprays and decongestants with the proper advice of a doctor.
References:
- Chicken soup and sickness, (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002067.htm)
- Bode AM, Dong Z. The Amazing and Mighty Ginger. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
- Echinacea, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, (https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/echinacea)
- Raal A, Volmer D, Sõukand R, Hratkevitš S, Kalle R. Complementary treatment of the common cold and flu with medicinal plants--results from two samples of pharmacy customers in Estonia. PLoS One. 2013;8(3):e58642. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0058642. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3590151/)
- Wang Y, Li X, Ge T, et al. Probiotics for prevention and treatment of respiratory tract infections in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016;95(31):e4509. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000004509. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4979858/)
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