10 Natural Ways to Kill Cold: Traditional Remedies, Habits and More

Introduction

Colds are a common ailment that people experience throughout the year. They are caused by viral infections in the upper respiratory tract. Colds can be a real nuisance to deal with as they make you feel tired and miserable, but the good news is that they can be treated through various means. This article aims to provide readers with details on how to cure colds by utilizing natural remedies, traditional remedies, healthy habits, and medication.

10 Natural Ways to Cure Your Cold Symptoms

People often prefer natural remedies for various reasons, including a desire to avoid chemicals, a lack of trust in pharmaceuticals or simply a preference for treatments that they consider to be more holistic.

Here are ten natural remedies that you can use to treat your cold symptoms.

1. Steam Inhalation. Hot steam from a humidifier, shower, or bowl of hot water can help to eliminate congestion in the nasal passages.
2. Saline Nasal Spray. Saline sprays can help soothe dry nasal passages and relieve congestion, making it easier to breathe.
3. Honey and Lemon. A mixture of honey and lemon juice can help soothe a sore throat and ease coughs caused by colds. Honey also has antimicrobial properties that can help fight off the virus.
4. Ginger Tea. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and congestion. Drinking ginger tea can also boost the immune system.
5. Hot Soup. Hot soups, especially chicken soup, help to soothe sore throats and alleviate congestion in the nasal passages.
6. Peppermint Tea. Peppermint tea contains menthol, which is a natural decongestant. Drinking peppermint tea can help clear the nasal passages and relieve coughs.
7. Vitamin C. Vitamin C can help boost the immune system and reduce the duration and severity of colds. It is found in citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries, and pineapples.
8. Zinc. Zinc can help reduce the duration and severity of colds, and it is found in meat, poultry, seafood, beans, nuts, and dairy products.
9. Eucalyptus Oil. Eucalyptus oil can be added to a humidifier, or a few drops can be added to a bowl of hot water. Breathing in the steam can help alleviate congestion in the nasal passages.
10. Neti Pot. A neti pot is a small container that is used to rinse out the nasal passages with a saline solution. This can help clear out mucus and alleviate congestion.

From Chicken Soup To Herbal Tea: Traditional Remedies For Fighting Cold And Cough

For centuries, people have relied on traditional remedies to help fight off cold and cough symptoms. While there isn’t a great deal of scientific evidence to support many of these remedies, people continue to rely on them to treat their colds.

Here are some of the most popular traditional remedies:

1. Garlic. Garlic has antiviral properties and can help boost the immune system. It can be added to soups or taken as a supplement.
2. Echinacea Tea. Echinacea is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat respiratory infections. Drinking echinacea tea can help boost the immune system and alleviate cold symptoms.
3. Essential Oils. Essential oils like tea tree oil, lavender oil, and oregano oil are said to have antiviral properties and can help alleviate cold symptoms when used in a diffuser, added to a humidifier, or inhaled directly.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar can help to alkalize the body and boost the immune system. It can be mixed with honey and hot water to make a soothing tea.
5. Turmeric Milk. Turmeric is a spice that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Drinking turmeric milk can help alleviate cold and cough symptoms.
6. Chicken Soup. Chicken soup contains antioxidants and can help boost the immune system. It also helps to relieve congestion in the nasal passages.

5 Simple Habits To Boost Your Immune System And Prevent Colds

Prevention is always better than cure, and there are a few simple habits that you can adopt to boost your immune system and prevent colds:

1. Wash Your Hands Frequently. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently to prevent the spread of viruses.
2. Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of water and fluids to keep your body hydrated, which can help prevent colds.
3. Get Plenty Of Sleep. A good night’s sleep is essential for a strong immune system, so aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
4. Exercise Regularly. Exercise helps to boost the immune system and reduces the risk of respiratory infections like colds.
5. Take A Daily Multivitamin. Taking a multivitamin can help ensure that your body is getting all of the essential nutrients it needs to stay healthy and fight off infections.

The Do’s And Don’ts Of Treating A Cold: Expert Advice For A Speedy Recovery

When it comes to treating a cold, there are a few things you should and shouldn’t do to help speed up the recovery process.

Here is some expert advice:

• Do Get Plenty Of Rest. Rest is essential for a quick recovery, so stay home and avoid overexerting yourself.
• Do Drink Plenty Of Fluids. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to keep the body hydrated, which can help alleviate cold symptoms and prevent complications.
• Do Use A Humidifier. Humidifiers can help ease congestion in the nasal passages and soothe sore throats.
• Don’t Smoke. Smoking can irritate the respiratory system and make cold symptoms worse. It can also hinder the recovery process.
• Don’t Overuse Over-The-Counter Medications. Overusing over-the-counter medications such as decongestants and cough suppressants can have adverse effects and worsen symptoms.
• Don’t Avoid Food. Eating healthy foods can help boost the immune system and speed up the recovery process. Try to eat healthy meals and snacks despite a loss of appetite.

Can Over-The-Counter Medications Really Cure Your Cold? A Closer Look At The Evidence

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are widely used to treat cold symptoms. However, their effectiveness is still a matter of debate among healthcare professionals.

Here is an overview of some of the most common OTC medications and their effectiveness:

• Decongestants. Decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion. They can be effective in alleviating congestion but can also cause side effects such as jitteriness and high blood pressure.
• Cough Suppressants. Cough suppressants work by reducing the urge to cough. They can be effective in reducing the frequency of coughing, but they do not treat the underlying cause of the cough.
• Pain Relievers. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help alleviate body aches and fever associated with colds.
• Antihistamines. Antihistamines reduce the production of histamine, which causes sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. They can be effective in reducing these symptoms but can also cause drowsiness and dry mouth.

Conclusion

Dealing with a cold is never easy, but there are various natural remedies, traditional remedies, healthy habits, and medications that can help treat cold symptoms. Each treatment has its own unique benefits, and a combination of various treatments can be the most effective way to alleviate symptoms and get a speedy recovery. And if you’re not feeling any better or your symptoms worsen, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to get better treatment.