When you use it regularly while fighting common cold, the duration of your sickness will drastically reduce. The leaves and flowers are the only parts of this herb that are useful for treating common cold symptoms. Several studies showed that this herb or shrub had an ability to shorten the duration of colds and flu.
It has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties making it an effective treatment for this condition. Thus, the best way to obtain it is to purchase it in supplement form.
Another herb that can strengthen your immune system and help fight against the germs causing your common cold is olive leaf extract.
The leaves of olive tree contain antioxidants. Olive leaf extract may interact with medicines for blood pressure and blood sugar. Thus, make sure that you consult your physician before taking it. You can speed up your recover quicker if adequate rest is taken.
Additionally, the more stressed you are, the longer a common cold can last. Try to learn how to relax, take deep breaths, do yoga, meditate, and practice other calming techniques. One of the causes for sore throat is a bacterial infection or even the presence of toxins. Clinical studies in recent times indicate that gargling with warm salt and water can help loosen the mucus and more importantly can flush out the bacteria or the toxins. However, caution must be maintained and the mix must not be swallowed, rather throw out the solution immediately after gargling.
There is more to water than mere hydration as is evident from the fact that those who consume plenty of water present with a clear throat or a receding infection. When plenty of water is consumed, it results in a hydrated mucus membrane in the region of the throat. Thus, bacteria are filtered and control of symptoms is particularly effective. This herb is ultimate in terms of effectiveness. It is known to healing ulcers, relieving heartburn, relieving inflammation and is equipped with potent antioxidants.
Licorice root enhances the immune systems, reduces allergenic responses, and improves resistance to stress. In addition to all this, it is also most effective at fighting fungus, viruses, and bacteria. This herb while safe for short term use has been cited for serious side effects long term. Licorice Root Tea is known to be particularly effective for relieving throat pain.
Licorice root possesses strong anti-viral as well as anti-bacterial properties. This is one of the therapeutic teas which can reverse and reduce the swelling and inflammation in addition to soothing the mucous membrane that lines the throat. Check out our other detailed article about strep throat remedies. Bacterial infections can be controlled with baking soda. Baking soda tea is known to be strongly anti-bacterial.
Also, baking soda is alkaline in pH and this helps control the swelling of the mucous membrane which lines the throat. Contrary to popular belief, marshmallows are strongly therapeutic. This wonder option is not new and has been used for many as the perfect antidote by those wanting to treat throat pain and throat infections.
This is not surprising considering the fact that marshmallows have a thick gelatin coat which can help soothe the inflamed or irritated throat mucus membrane, reversing the pain significantly.
Onions can be freely utilized when it comes to reducing the growth of and killing off the bacteria. Onions have antiseptic and antibiotic properties that make this food a valuable part of natural remedies for sore throat. They are most potent eaten raw, but if you have to cook it, use a little water to prevent nutrient and potency loss. Cayenne and other similar hot peppers are known to contain a chemical compound known as capsaicin.
Observational studies have concluded that capsaicin can relieve throat pain and the efficacy level is similar to aspirin. However, naturalists believe that unlike aspirin, capsaicin has no adverse effects and is a relatively safe alternative therapy for those suffering from a sore throat.
To further elaborate the case in point, pain is triggered by the presence of a specific chemical secreted in the body known as substance P.
Capsaicin works by inhibiting the secretion of this substance and reverses the sensation of pain. Check out our other detailed article on how to get rid of a scratchy and itchy throat. Oil of wild mountain oregano is not the same as common household oregano. It rivals antibiotics in the area of eliminating virus, bacteria and fungi. This particular herb is most impressive in aiding the treatment of upper respiratory infections and removing parasites from the body.
Colloidal Silver is a highly effective germicide. Colloidal silver is used to treat everything yeast, parasites, viruses, and bacteria.
Many people apply colloidal silver directly to the infected area or they gargle with a colloidal silver solution to access its healing benefits. Grapefruit seed extract is an interesting conundrum. Many people cite success with using this extract in natural remedies for strep throat. A study by the German Institute of Pharmacy also found grapefruit seed extract to be highly effective in antimicrobial activity against pathogens.
However, this was true for only five of the six commercially available extracts. In the sixth commercially available extract, the preservative was not present. It can also help soothe a sore throat.
Cold symptoms like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, congestion, sore throat, and headache can make it hard to function during the day and hard to rest at night. Decongestants, pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, cough suppressants, and antihistamines can treat symptoms so you feel better faster, even if the viral infection lingers. Check with a pediatrician before giving your child any over-the-counter medicine.
Shop for ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Shop for decongestants. Shop for antihistamines. Hot tea, water, chicken soup, and other liquids will keep you hydrated, especially if you have a fever.
They can also loosen congestion in your chest and nasal passages so you can breathe. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, though, because they can leave you dehydrated, and they can interfere with the sleep and rest you need for recovery. See your doctor if :.
At the first sign of a cold, most of us want to make sure the sniffles, sneezing, and other symptoms go away as quickly as possible. If you take vitamin C regularly, your cold symptoms may disappear earlier. And there is some scientific support for trying remedies like zinc, echinacea, elderberry preparations, beetroot juice, and probiotic drinks to prevent or shorten the duration of a cold.
The best way to beat a cold fast is to rest, drink lots of fluids, and treat the symptoms with medicines that relieve pain, coughing, and congestion. Can you use a detox bath to treat a cold? We explain the benefits and risks, plus share some detox recipes to try. You can choose a cold medicine based on the symptoms that are impacting you the most.
Here's which active ingredients work best for the most common…. Talk to your doctor before using nasal decongestants in children older than 6 years. Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are intended to treat the symptoms of coughs and colds, not the underlying disease. Research suggests that these medicines haven't been proved to work any better to treat colds than do inactive medicine placebo.
If you use over-the counter cough and cold medicines, follow the label directions. Don't take two medicines with the same active ingredient, such as an antihistamine, decongestant or pain reliever.
Too much of a single ingredient could lead to an accidental overdose. Don't use over-the-counter medicines, except for fever reducers and pain relievers, to treat coughs and colds in children younger than 6 years old. Cough and cold medications have potentially serious side effects, including fatal overdoses in children younger than 2 years old. Also consider avoiding use of these medicines for children younger than 12 years old. And it isn't typically recommended that you give cough or cold medicines to an older child.
You can also try ice chips, lozenges or hard candy. Use caution when giving lozenges or hard candy to children because they can choke on them. Don't give lozenges or hard candy to children younger than 6 years.
Try saline nasal drops or sprays. Saline nasal drops or sprays can keep nasal passages moist and loosen mucus. You can buy these products over-the-counter, and they can help relieve symptoms, even in children. In infants and younger children, apply saline nasal drops, wait for a short period and then use a suction bulb to draw mucus out of each nostril. For older children, use a saline nasal spray or saline nasal irrigation.
In spite of ongoing studies, the scientific jury is still out on common alternative cold remedies such as vitamin C, echinacea and zinc. Because alternative cold remedies have not been studied in children, they are generally not recommended for use in children.
Here's an update on some popular choices:. It appears that for the most part taking vitamin C won't help the average person prevent colds. However, some studies have found that taking vitamin C before cold symptoms start may shorten the length of time you have symptoms. Study results on whether echinacea prevents or shortens colds are mixed. Some studies show no benefit. Others show some reduction in the severity and duration of cold symptoms when taken in the early stages of a cold.
Different types of echinacea used in different studies may have contributed to the mixed results. Echinacea seems to be most effective if you take it when you notice cold symptoms and continue it for seven to 10 days. It appears to be safe for healthy adults, but it can interact with many drugs. In spite of ongoing studies, the scientific jury is still out on some popular cold remedies, such as vitamin C and echinacea. Here's an update on some common alternative remedies:. Vitamin C. It appears that taking vitamin C won't usually help the average person prevent colds.
However, some studies have found that taking vitamin C before cold symptoms start may shorten the length of time you have symptoms. Vitamin C may benefit people at high risk of colds due to frequent exposure — for example, children who attend group child care during the winter. Study results on whether echinacea prevents or shortens colds are mixed. Some studies show no benefit. Others show some reduction in the severity and duration of cold symptoms when taken in the early stages of a cold.
Different types of echinacea used in different studies may have contributed to the mixed results. Echinacea seems to be most effective if you take it when you notice cold symptoms and continue it for seven to 10 days. It appears to be safe for healthy adults, but it can interact with many drugs. Check with your doctor before taking echinacea or any other supplement.
Several studies have suggested that zinc supplements may reduce the length of a cold. But research has turned up mixed results about zinc and colds. Some studies show that zinc lozenges or syrup reduce the length of a cold by about one day, especially when taken within 24 to 48 hours of the first signs and symptoms of a cold. Zinc also has potentially harmful side effects. Talk to your doctor before considering the use of zinc to prevent or reduce the length of colds. Although usually minor, colds can make you feel miserable.
It's tempting to try the latest remedy, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids and keep the air around you moist. Remember to wash your hands frequently. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expertise on managing health. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you.
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