Common Head Cold Remedies List – Do These Really Work?
“A common cold lasts about a week. But if you drink some warm chicken broth and take the over the counter medications it will only last seven days.” All joking aside, if you search, there are lots of so called cold remedies.
Some remedies for the common cold are “over the counter” pharmaceutical remedies. Others are vitamins and supplements. Still others are “home remedies”.
Do they work? Maybe… Let’s hear what works for you!
In the mean time, here’s a list to ponder. No, this is not medical advice. But add your own cold remedies in the comments below.
Cold Remedies
Vitamin C is apparently one of the most effective natural cold remedies. And, great for general immune system support. Vitamin C is part of my daily vitamin regiment. 500 mg in the morning and 500 mg later. I mix the powdered form of vitamin C in water. If and when I get a head cold, I’ll double that dose, or more.
Zinc. Some studies show that zinc could help fight off a cold more quickly. A zinc supplement is also part of my daily vitamin regiment (30 mg). See link below for foods high in zinc.
Elderberry Syrup. A cold remedy advised by many people…
Nature’s Way Original Sambucus Elderberry Syrup
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Chicken Soup! What’s better than Chicken Soup as one of the many cold remedies! I read this… “It acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of ‘neutrophils’ — immune system cells that participate in the body’s inflammatory response. It temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus, helping relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining.” Plus, it’s a good excuse to sip on some delicious chicken soup…
Drink plenty of fluids to help break up your congestion. Important – Stay hydrated! Consider electrolytes too!
Blow your nose often. It’s important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling mucus back into your head.
Honey has been used as a common cold remedy for years. Anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Honey may be effective in shortening the duration of a cold. Mix some honey with water boiled with ginger root.
Echinacea. Another popular choice among the many remedies for a cold.
Nature’s Way Echinacea
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Inhale steam to ease your congestion and drippy nose. Hold your head over a pot of boiling water and breathe through your nose.
Take a steamy shower. Steamy showers moisturize your nasal passages and relax you.
An extra pillow. Sleep with an extra pillow under your head. This will help relieve congested nasal passages.
Rest! Let your immune system fight it! Don’t over-exert yourself while you have a cold.
Lemons, Oranges, Apple Cider. Any fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C. They are all considered to assist as a sort of cold remedy (see link below).
Garlic. Anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Cut up fresh garlic cloves and add them to chicken soup or other foods, or swallow small chunks of raw garlic like pills.
Gargle with warm salt water.
Drink hot liquids. Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion and prevents dehydration.
Humidity. Cold viruses thrive in dry conditions — another reason why colds are more common in winter. Dry air also dries the mucous membranes, causing a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. A humidifier can add moisture to your home.
Vick’s VapoRub. I can smell it by just thinking about it…
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NyQuil & DayQuil. Over-the-counter make-you-feel-better cold remedy.
What are your remedies for the common cold?
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