How to Cure the Common Cold Naturally

Natural, time-tested cold remedies like drinking warm fluids and giving yourself a steam treatment can alleviate cold symptoms just as well as expensive, chemical-laden syrups and sprays. Learn how to treat your cold with natural techniques that will have you feeling better before you know it.

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Treating a Cold with Water and Steam

1. Drink warm fluids. The reason your nose runs when you have a cold is that your body is working to expel the cold virus from your system.^[1] Drinking warm fluids thins the mucus, allowing it to flow more freely.^[2]
   
   
   
   • Drink warm water with lemon and honey. This basic natural remedy hydrates the body and encourages mucus to flow through your system, carrying the virus away.
   
   
   • Drink herbal tea. Chamomile, mint, and ginger tea each have properties that soothe the throat and act as mild decongestants.
   
   
   • Drink warm soup. Chicken soup is called "comfort food" for a reason; it helps clear your sinuses and provides nourishment when heavier foods don't seem appetizing.^[3] Garlic soup is also beneficial, since garlic can act as a decongestant. Saute garlic in olive oil, add chicken or vegetable broth, simmer for ten minutes, and drink warm.
   
   
   
   


2. Take a warm bath or shower. The steam from the water helps loosen mucus and soothe pressure in your chest, throat and sinuses.^[4]
   
   
   
   • You can also give yourself a steam treatment by heating a pot of water. Bring a pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Place your face over the pot and allow the steam to enter your mouth and nose. Add a few drops of peppermint or another essential oil to aid in decongesting your sinuses.^[5]
   
   
   • Try dipping a cloth in warm water and laying it over your face until it cools if you're away from home and need a quick steam treatment.
   
   
   
   


3. Use a neti pot. This natural treatment is used to flush mucus from your system using a simple solution of water and salt in a process called nasal irrigation.^[6]
   
   
   
   • Neti pots can be purchased at most drug stores or health food stores.
   
   
   • Make a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and one cup of water. Fill the neti pot with the solution.
   
   
   • Stand over a sink, tip your head to one side, place the spot of the neti pot in one nostril. Pour the solution into your nostril and let it flow out the other nostril until the mucus in your nasal cavity is discharged.
   
   
   • Fill the neti pot again and repeat with the other nostril.
   
   
   
   

Treating a Cold with Herbs and Natural Medicines

1. Dose up on herbs. Several herbs commonly sold in health food stores have been shown to help prevent and cure the common cold.
   
   
   
   • Echinacea can help alleviate the symptoms of respiratory infections.^[7] It is sold in a variety of forms: as an extract, a tea, or an ingredient in natural lozenges.
   
   
   • Take ginseng. Nibble on ginseng root when you feel a cold coming on, or drink it in the form of tea to soothe your throat.
   
   
   • Drink elderberry tea. This European cold remedy is made with elder flowers and peppermint leaves. It boosts the immune system and helps cold symptoms go away faster.^[8]
   
   
   
   


2. Use natural lozenges. Health food stores sell lozenges made with honey, mint, and other natural ingredients. They sooth your throat and provide essential nutrients you need to beat your cold.
   
   
   
   • If you don't want to buy lozenges, you can make your own at home.
     
     
     
     • Pour 1/2 cup of honey and a few drops of peppermint extract into a small pot.
     
     
     • Place the pot over medium high heat and bring the honey to a boil, stirring the whole time.
     
     
     • Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature, and remove the honey from heat when it reaches 300 degrees F (149 degrees C).
     
     
     • Use a teaspoon to pour drops of the honey onto oiled parchment paper. Allow them to harden, then use them as cough drops.
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   


3. Make a hot toddy. Many people swear by the medicinal effects of hot toddies, cocktail drinks made with brandy and lemon. This homemade cough medicine will clear your sinuses and help you sleep better. Mix up the following ingredients and enjoy hot:
   
   
   
   • 1 ounce of brandy
   
   
   • 2 Tablespoons of honey
   
   
   • The juice of 1/4 lemon
   
   
   • 1/2 cup hot water
   
   
   
   

Preventing a Cold

1. Wash your hands frequently. The best way to keep yourself from getting a cold is to wash your hands a lot during cold season, especially after you've been in a public place like a school, bus or airplane.
   
   
   
   • Make sure you wash your hands before eating or touching your face.
   
   
   • Carry hand sanitizer for the times when you don't have access to a sink with soap and water.
   
   
   
   


2. Keep your body in good general health. Make sure you're getting the vitamins and nutrients you need to keep your immune system strong. Eating well and keeping in shape by exercising will help your body defend against the cold virus. If you do get infected, you'll be well equipped to overcome the cold quickly.

EditTips

• Avoid dairy products when you have a cold. They increase mucus production in some people. ^[9]


• Blow your nose frequently. It sounds simple, but blowing your nose a lot helps end your cold faster, since you're helping your body get rid of the cold virus.^[10]


• Avoid touching your face. Many germs enter your body through your eyes and mouth via contact with your hands.

Edit Related wikiHows

• How to Treat a Cold

Edit Sources and Citations

• http://littlehouseinthesuburbs.com/2010/10/pure-honey-cough-drops.html

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