Do These 10 Cold Remedies Actually Work?

Seeking relief from the sniffles? (Photo: Yahoo Health/Getty)

It’s everyone’s not-so-favorite time of year — cold season.

If you’re confined to your bed with a box of tissues, there’s no doubt you’re looking for some relief. We rounded up the 10 most-searched cold remedies on Yahoo and tapped board-certified general internist Holly Phillips, MD, a Yahoo Health advisory board member, medical contributor to CBS News, and author of The Exhaustion Breakthrough, to vet each one. Read on to find out whether these oft-used cold remedies actually work.

1. Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is often sold under the brand names Tylenol and Panadol. (Photo: iStock)

Does it work? Yes.

How? It reduces fever and relieves pain (which is good for aches from viral syndromes like the common cold). It’s the only fever reducer that can be used in kids under 6 months of age.

2. Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is often sold under the brand names Advil, Midol, and Motrin. (Photo: iStock)

Does it work? Yes.

How? It reduces fever and pain and also lessens inflammation, which may further soothe aches and pains. It can be used in kids older than 6 months, as well as adults.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C can be consumed in supplement form but is also found in foods including citrus, pineapple, berries, and mangoes. (Photo: iStock)

Does it work? Maybe a little.

How? Based on current studies, it seems that vitamin C won’t help prevent colds in the average person. However, taking vitamin C before the onset of cold symptoms may shorten the duration of symptoms.

4. Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that promotes tissue repair and helps your body ward off infection. (Photo: Alamy)

Does it work? Maybe.

How? A recent review of 18 randomized, controlled studies suggested that zinc (lozenges or syrup) reduced the average length of a cold in otherwise healthy people when taken within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. Be sure to avoid intranasal zinc, which may result in permanent damage to the sense of smell.

Related: 5 Uncommon Tips to Beat a Cold or the Flu

5. Aspirin

Aspirin is often used to reduce fever and relieve mild pains. (Photo: iStock)

Does it work? Yes.

How? It reduces fever, pain, and inflammation, similarly to ibuprofen. It should be avoided in children and teenagers because it has been linked with a rare but severe condition called Reye’s syndrome in young people.

6. Vaporizer

A vaporizer converts water to steam. (Photo: Alamy)

Does it work? Kinda — at least, it probably won’t hurt.

How? A vaporizer or humidifier can add moisture to the air in your home, which might help loosen congestion.

7. Echinacea

Echinacea is commonly used in herbal medicine. (Photo: iStock)

Does it work? Not yet clear.

How? Echinacea is thought to strengthen the immune system by stimulating the activity of white blood cells. But studies have not shown consistently that it can prevent colds in particular. Echinacea interacts with a number of different drugs, so check with your doctor first.

Related: Do You Have a Cold … or the Flu?

8. Nasal spray

Relying too much on decongestant nasal sprays can actually lead to more congestion. (Photo: Getty Images)

Does it work? Yes.

How? Nasal sprays with the decongestant pseudoephedrine work within seconds to clear up a stuffy nose, but they should only be used intermittently and never for more than three days. Long-term use causes a rebound effect in which the nasal passages swell unrelated to the illness.

9. Neti pot

Neti pots work via “nasal irrigation” — clearing out mucus from the nasal passages with water and saline. (Photo: Getty Images)

Does it work? Yes.

How? Effects are minimal, but it does loosen up nasal mucus and congestion without a rebound effect.

10. Antihistamine

Antihistamines are usually taken for allergies. (Photo: iStock)

Does it work? Unclear.

How? Antihistamines primarily treat nasal congestion from allergies by blocking histamine receptors released in an allergic reaction, but some people find them modestly effective for the common cold as well. Some antihistamines, like Benadryl, contain diphenhydramine, which causes sedation.

Read This Next: The All-Natural Supplement That Keeps Colds at Bay

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