Fortunately, there are natural remedies and simple strategies that might help you get back to normal in no time.
The cold, harsh facts
There are more than 200 viruses that cause colds. The typical cold lasts one week but may last longer in children, the elderly, and those in poor health, and is characterized by congestion, coughing, reduced sense of taste and smell, runny nose, sneezing, and scratchy throat.
Preventing colds
Here’s how you can reduce the risk of getting colds:
- Regularly wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes and nose.
- Avoid smoking or vaping.
- Exercise regularly.
- Drink plenty of hydrating fluids.
- Reduce sugar intake.
- Eat plentiful amounts of vegetables and sprouts.
Treating the relentless cold
There are many natural remedies that boost immunity or demonstrate antiviral properties, such as the following:
Curcumin
Supplementation with curcumin can reduce the number of days otherwise healthy adults experience common cold.
Echinacea
One of the most widely used herbs in the world, echinacea acts as an immune stimulant and antimicrobial agent.
Elderberry
Elderberry is an important traditional medicine, long used by the Indigenous peoples of North America, that substantially reduces upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections.
Garlic
Garlic is a popular traditional herb for the treatment of the common cold. Taking garlic supplement daily can significantly reduce the duration of the cold.
Ginger
Research has found that fresh ginger is effective at inhibiting human respiratory syncytial virus cells, which are sometimes linked to colds.
Panax ginseng
Korean red (panax) ginseng has been studied for its antiviral effects and potential benefits against certain viruses that cause cold.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables that acts as a potent antiviral agent, inhibiting viral replication of several respiratory viruses.
Vitamin C
Long-term supplementation with vitamin C has been shown to help shorten the duration of symptoms in those who are infected with respiratory viruses.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important in its role in maintaining healthy immunity to protect against viral infections.
Zinc
Zinc lozenges or syrup, when taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms of cold, may reduce its duration.
In case of prolonged cold or severe symptoms, consult a physician to determine whether other opportunistic infections, such as bronchitis or ear or sinus infections, may have taken hold.