It seems there's always someone nearby, or even ourselves, lamenting over a cold. The common cold is aptly named due to its prevalence; it's one of the most frequently encountered illnesses. A cold is a mild infection of the upper respiratory tract, affecting the throat, nose, and sinuses, primarily caused by Rhinovirus group viruses, among others. Generally, it's harmless.
The virus makes its way into the body via the eyes, nose, or mouth and spreads through airborne infected droplets, direct contact with infected individuals, or through touching contaminated objects like towels, doorknobs, telephones, and keypads.
Symptoms typically appear 2 to 3 days after infection and can persist for 7 to 14 days.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for the common cold.
Note: Should the cold persist beyond two weeks, consulting a physician is advised.
1. Garlic
The medicinal properties of garlic are largely attributed to its organosulfur compounds. Its antibacterial and antiviral qualities can significantly aid in alleviating cold symptoms. Garlic enhances the immune system, opens respiratory passages, and helps eliminate toxins from the body.
Allicin, a compound present in freshly crushed, chopped, or chewed garlic, loses its effectiveness when cooked. It is known for its antiviral capabilities against the rhinovirus and other viruses.
To prepare a home remedy, combine one crushed garlic clove, two teaspoons of lemon juice, one teaspoon of honey, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red chili powder. Consume this mixture daily until the symptoms diminish.
Another method involves boiling four or five chopped garlic cloves in one cup of water, then adding one teaspoon of raw honey. Drink this two or three times a day. Additionally, consuming raw garlic, either chopped in salads or with warm milk, is also beneficial.
2. Raw Honey
Honey is highly beneficial for soothing an irritated throat and reducing the duration of a cold. Its rich nutrient and enzyme content helps eliminate the bacteria and viruses responsible for colds.
A randomized study conducted in 1998 determined that antibiotics were not particularly effective in treating upper respiratory tract infections, such as colds, in children.
There is growing evidence indicating that honey can reduce mucus secretion and, consequently, coughing in children.
It is advisable to always opt for raw organic honey.
A simple home remedy involves consuming a mixture of 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of honey every 2 hours to significantly alleviate symptoms of a cold and sore throat.
Alternatively, ingesting a spoonful of raw honey is also beneficial.
For children suffering from a cough and cold, administering ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of raw honey before bedtime is recommended.
Note: It is preferable to use organic honey. Honey should not be used as a remedy for infants under 1 year of age.
3. Ginger
Ginger is known for its significant medicinal properties, including the alleviation of chills from the common cold and the ability to warm the body.
Ginger can aid in treating the common cold and its symptoms, thanks to its antiviral, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Consume raw ginger or drink ginger tea up to three times a day. For ginger tea, boil two cups of water, add one tablespoon of chopped ginger, cover, and let it simmer on low heat for five minutes. After turning off the heat, let it steep for another five minutes. Strain the tea and enhance its health benefits by adding a bit of lemon juice and honey.
4. Chicken Soup
"Eating chicken soup when you have a cold" is more than just an old wives' tale. Indeed, studies have indicated that chicken soup is more effective than either cold or hot water in treating a cold.
Chicken soup is packed with essential nutrients and vitamins that alleviate symptoms of the common cold. The vegetables' high antioxidant content in the soup also accelerates the recovery process.
Therefore, chicken soup is strongly advised for its nutritional advantages, its ability to alleviate dehydration, and its effectiveness in fostering a quick recovery from the common cold.
For optimal benefits, prepare homemade chicken soup with organic vegetables and chicken.
5. Red Onion
Individuals with a cold may find relief using homemade red onion syrup. For this remedy, red onions and honey or brown sugar are required.
Begin by slicing two or three red onions horizontally. Place a slice of onion into a small mason jar, then add raw honey over it. Continue layering until the jar is full. Seal the jar and let it sit for 12 to 15 hours. Upon opening, a thick, syrupy liquid will be present. Consuming a spoonful of this syrup several times a day can alleviate sore throats and other cold symptoms.
6. Black Pepper
Black pepper contains a compound known as piperine, which gives it its pungent taste and is also responsible for many of its medicinal properties. Piperine is believed to alleviate colds, coughs, and throat issues by improving breathing and reducing coughing. Additionally, it enhances the body's absorption of nutrients from other foods and spices. Pepper is one of the most accessible natural remedies for various common cold symptoms.
If you're suffering from a runny nose, incorporating pepper into your meals can be beneficial. Another option is to gargle with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of black pepper in a glass of warm water. Even if you're unable to consume or drink black pepper, simply inhaling its scent throughout the day may provide relief.
7. Mullein Tea
Drinking plenty of fluids can provide relief from a cold, and a hot cup of mullein tea is an excellent choice! Mullein, a plant with woolly leaves, grows in parts of North America, Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
Traditionally, it has been used to treat respiratory conditions like the common cold, as well as wounds and burns. Mullein tea, with its expectorant properties, can help alleviate the chest congestion that often comes with a cold.
To prepare mullein tea, put dried mullein herb in a strainer and steep it in a cup of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Sweeten with a bit of raw honey and consume two to three times daily.
8. Turmeric Milk
Turmeric milk is a traditional remedy commonly used to alleviate cold symptoms. Combining milk with turmeric and ginger powder can help treat coughs, body aches, and headaches.
To prepare it, boil milk and add half a teaspoon each of turmeric and ginger powder (fresh ginger is also an option). Let the milk cool to a drinkable temperature to avoid burns. It's recommended to consume this mixture twice daily, particularly before bedtime.
9. Cinnamon
Cinnamon can combat the common cold and alleviate the discomfort of a dry or sore throat. Cinnamaldehyde, a major component of cinnamon bark, has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in numerous studies.
To make a beneficial tea, mix 1 tablespoon of powdered cinnamon and 2 cloves in 2 cups of boiling water and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After straining, drink it warm, and for enhanced results, add some honey. Consume this tea 1 to 3 times daily. Alternatively, a few drops of cinnamon bark oil mixed with honey can be taken.
10. Vitamin C
Vitamin C, a water-soluble nutrient also known as ascorbic acid, became notable for its role in preventing scurvy among sailors in the past.
It is found in abundance in fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits.
Vitamin C enhances your body's glucose metabolism and aids in the production of a chemical crucial for the nervous system's proper signaling. It also plays a vital role in bolstering your immune system.
Fruits rich in Vitamin C include:
- Indian gooseberry or Amla
- Cantaloupe
- Oranges, grapefruits, limes, lemons
- Kiwifruit
- Mango
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries
