5 home cold remedies
The cold weather probably isn’t to blame for that newly arrived scratchy throat or dripping nose even though winter is a time when many people get sick.
Contrary to the popular old wives’ tale that cold weather gets you sick, a cold is caused by close contact with people who are sick — and close contact happens more often when everyone’s stuck inside when the weather is chilly.
Here are cold symptoms to watch out for, preventive measures to take and homemade remedies to use to soothe a cold if you do get sick this season.
What are the symptoms of the common cold?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists several common symptoms that fall into the territory of a cold and usually peak two to three days into the sickness.
These symptoms include:
Stuffy nose or congestion.
Runny nose.
Sore throat.
Coughing.
Fever.
Allergy-like symptoms including sneezing or watery eyes.
Symptoms like congestion, runny nose or a cough can last up to two weeks, per the CDC.
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How do you stop a cold naturally when you feel it coming on?
Prevention, like washing your hands regularly, is the best medicine for a cold. Here are some other steps to take to avoid getting sick.
Both honey and garlic have antimicrobial properties that can support and strengthen the immune system, according to Healthline. Combined, these ingredients can not only fend off a cold or the flu, but can be good for memory and brain health and heart health.
Beeya, a hormonal health account on Instagram, recommends combining the two ingredients and allowing them to ferment in a jar.
If you are already sick, the honey and garlic mixture can help ease your symptoms.
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What is a good homemade cold remedy?
Although there isn’t a cure for a cold, there are ways to ease the uncomfortable symptoms, including getting plenty of rest, drinking liquids, using throat lozenges or setting up a humidifier, according to CDC recommendations.
If you’re trying to avoid over-the-counter medicine, there are other homemade and natural cold remedies that could help ease symptoms and even shorten the length of the cold, per Healthline.
Vitamin C supplements or foods that are good sources of vitamin C, like citrus fruits, may help shorten the length of the cold and support the immune system. Hot tea with lemon juice can also reduce phlegm.
Warm ginger tea can reduce muscle pain and soothe a sore throat.
Using a neti pot or other form of nasal irrigation system can reduce nasal congestion.
Essential oils such as eucalyptus and peppermint can be put in a warm bath or diffuser to reduce nighttime cough and congestion symptoms and help improve sleep.
Gargling with saltwater could help loosen mucus and flush out bacteria.
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