Colds

A cold is a viral infection that affects the nose and throat. Rhinoviruses are the usual culprit when you get sick with a cold, but other viruses, such as the infamous coronaviruses and adenoviruses, can also be responsible for cold symptoms.

Common Cold symptoms include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue

Colds spread quickly from contact with an infected person's nose or throat secretions. The virus can also be picked up from contaminated surfaces.

While colds are usually only temporary and not serious, they can be quite draining. Symptoms typically resolve on their own without medical treatment. Resting, staying hydrated, and taking over-the-counter medications can help alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery. Unlike bacterial infections, antibiotics cannot be prescribed to cure colds.

Prescription or OTC (over-the-counter) medications cannot cure the cold and will only treat the symptoms. Most people fully recover within a week with no complications. Natural remedies are also helpful in managing symptoms until the illness passes.

Home Remedies and Natural Cure for a Cold

A cold needs to run its course, but some home remedies can make coping easier, ease the symptoms, and promote a quicker recovery. A cold is not the same as the flu. The flu has more serious symptoms and complications caused by different viruses. If you're unsure or your symptoms worsen, consult a healthcare provider.

Here are some effective home remedies you can try:

Drink Liquids

Drink plenty of fluids. Water, herbal teas, warm broth, and electrolyte-rich drinks like orange juice will help you fight the virus more effectively. Staying hydrated also helps thin mucus and soothe the throat.

Rest

Stay home if you can. Try to sleep it off and let your immune fight off the virus. Sleeping for 8-10 hours per night can help you recover faster. Don't worry if you sleep more than usual in the first few days. Taking a break from strenuous exercise for 2-3 days can also be beneficial.

Salt Water Gargle

A saltwater gargle is a great way to soothe and reduce pain and inflammation in the throat. This home remedy for colds helps open the nasal and throat passageways. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle several times a day.

Steam or Humidifier

Inhaling steam can help nasal congestion. Lean over a bowl of hot water (make sure it's not boiling) with a towel covering your head and breathe in the steam. However, be cautious to avoid any burns. Another option is using a humidifier in your room to add moisture to the air, which can help reduce nasal congestion and soothe irritated airways. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot water and inhaling the steam can be a nice addition to help relieve nasal congestion.

Honey and Lemon

Mixing warm water with freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey is a great remedy for soothing your throat and relieving coughing. Drink this mixture to help ease your symptoms. Vitamin C is great for boosting your immune system.

Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is anti-inflammatory and can help alleviate cold symptoms. It also provides hydration and essential nutrients that your body needs to fight the virus.

Hot Packs or Warm Compress

Heat does wonders to ease inflamed, aching tissues. A warm compress on your forehead or sinuses can relieve headaches and sinus pain.

Ginger Tea

Did you know that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve sore throats and congestion? To use it as a comforting tea, simply steep some fresh ginger slices in hot water.

Vitamin C and Zinc

Eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and kiwi, or Vitamin C supplements and Zinc tablets when you first feel a cold coming on to support your immune system during a cold.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D might ward off colds. Researchers have discovered that Vitamin D is a powerful immune enhancer that may prevent colds.

Those in the study with the highest Vitamin D levels were less likely to get colds and flu. If they did get ill, their recovery time was much shorter than that of those with low levels of this powerful vitamin. Vitamin D is available as a supplement and is formed in the body upon exposure to sunlight.

Herbs and Essential Oils

These herbs and essential oils help treat colds and their symptoms, including congestion, sore throat, coughing, headache, fever, sneezing, watery eyes, and aches and pain.

• Echinacea And Goldenseal: Echinacea and Goldenseal extracts boost the immune system to prevent colds from taking hold.
• Eucalyptus Oil: To help with congestion, put eucalyptus oil in 2 cups of boiling water and breathe in the steam.
• Hyssop: A Native American remedy is to use Hyssop as a tea as an expectorant and to fight off viruses.v
• Tea Tree Oil: Use a gargle of water and pure tea tree oil for a sore throat.
• Kava Kava: Kava Kava is soothing and analgesic for pain relief as a gargle. It helps insomnia caused by coughing and sore throat.
• Myrrh: Myrrh is a powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory for chronic sore throats. It also acts as an expectorant and decongestant.
• Oregano: Oregano oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties and fights respiratory allergies, laryngitis, and sore throat.
• Sage is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal. It can be used as a gargle to cure sore throats, stuffy noses, gingivitis, and coughs.
• Wild Indigo: Wild indigo is another antiviral and antibiotic that stimulates the immune system and cures chronic sore throats.

Fire Cider

Fire cider is a traditional herbal remedy, typically used to boost the immune system and help with digestion, especially during cold and flu season. It is a spicy, tangy, and potent tonic infusing various herbs, vegetables, and spices in apple cider vinegar. The mixture is usually steeped for several weeks before being strained and consumed.Fire cider is a popular folk medicine home remedy, particularly among those who prefer natural, holistic approaches to health.

People typically take small doses of fire cider—about a tablespoon—either straight or mixed with water, tea, or juice. It can also be used as a salad dressing, added to marinades, or in other culinary ways.

Common Ingredients:

• Apple cider vinegar (the base of fire cider)
• Garlic (antibacterial and antiviral)
• Onions (immune-boosting)
• Horseradish (clears sinuses and supports respiratory health)
• Ginger (anti-inflammatory and digestive aid)
• Cayenne pepper (boosts circulation and metabolism)
• Honey (soothes the throat and balances the intense flavors)

Benefits of Fire Cider:

• Immune support: Fire cider ingredients have traditionally been used to help fend off colds and flu.
• Digestive aid: Vinegar and ginger can stimulate digestion and support gut health.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Several ingredients, such as garlic and ginger, have natural anti-inflammatory effects.
• Decongestant: The spiciness from horseradish, garlic, and cayenne can help clear sinuses.

You can find a recipe for Fire Cider here: