Top 10 Home Remedies For the Common Cold (These Actually Work!)

Although not life threatening, the common cold is no fun and if you have one, it can sometimes feel like the end of the world!  The common cold is caused by the cold virus – contrary to common belief it is not caused by bacteria.  Therefore, antibacterial soap or antibiotics are not effective against it. 

 

The reason why we get sick is because when we are run down or stressed, our immune system becomes weak and is not able to fight off the virus.  Making sure you have a strong and healthy immune system is the number one preventative measure you can take to make sure you never again get a cold! 

 

Here is a list of some great home remedies for the common cold that are effective in relieving the symptoms of the common cold.  These will help you feel better and get back to your normal routine in no time.


Drink Hot Tea

 

Ttulsi, chamomile, green, or black are recommended. Add the juice of half a fresh squeezed lemon.  Before drinking your tea, swallow 1 tsp of honey and let it coat your throat.  Allow a few minutes for the honey to coat your throat properly and then drink your tea.  This should alleviate your sore throat and soothe your coughing.

 

Eat More Garlic!

 

Garlic soup is a great way to get a good amount of garlic into your system without scaring your family with your breath!  Look online for your favorite garlic soup recipe, there are plenty available.  You can also take garlic tablets.  Research the brand and ingredients of the supplement you are taking to make sure you are getting high quality ingredients.  You can also try mixing 5 drops of garlic oil and 1 tsp of onion juice and mix it with any drink of your choice (avoid sugary drinks which will make your sore throat worse by feeding the bacteria in your throat).


Boil Some Ginger 

 

Go to your local grocery store and purchase 2 fresh ginger roots (preferably organic).  Peel them and cut them into medium-small pieces.  Bring them to a boil and let them cook for about 3 minutes.  Add some honey and drink it hot!  You can also purchase some organic ginger tea if you prefer your tea ready-made.

 

Make a Neti Pot Nasal Rinse

 

This water and salt nasal rinse is extremely effective and easy to make at home.  You can purchase a set that already comes with the salt and instructions on how to use at your local grocery store or online.  Make sure that you don’t use the neti pot right before bed otherwise it will keep you up all night.  Use it at least 1 hour before, to allow the rinse to cleanse your nasal passages out and provide you with a restful sleep.

 

Try Some Turmeric

 

Mix ½ tsp of turmeric powder in 30ml of warm milk.  The turmeric should be placed in a hot ladle, and then the milk should be poured in with it and boiled over low heat.  Consuming turmeric on a daily basis is a great way to prevent the cold from coming back, as this well-known Indian spice does wonders to boost your immune system. You can get turmeric in pill form from a vitamin store or an Indian food store if you don’t like the spicy taste.

 

Relax!

 

Relaxation is important.  Prepare a hot water scented soak; run a hot bath, and add a few drops of organic peppermint oil and 4-5 tbsp of sea salt.  This will not only help you relax and sleep soundly, but it will help you breathe better (peppermint oil) as well.

 

Make a Date With a Date

 

Dates are not just a great source of iron, but they can also help eliminate phlegm (mucus).  Eat about 5 dates a day when congested and you’ll find you breathe much easier.

 

Zap a Cold With Zinc

 

Suck on some zinc lozenges (don’t swallow) and this will reduce the duration of the cold by about 7 days!  Zinc is a natural antibacterial agent and can even damage the cold virus.  If you feel yourself just starting a cold, get some zinc spray from your local drugstore and spray the back of your throat three times a day. If caught early enough, this may even stop a cold or sore throat in its tracks!

 

Drink plenty of water

 

Keeping your body hydrated is extremely important when you are suffering from the common cold and it will help you recover much faster. Drinking plenty of water makes the mucus in your nose and throat more watery, aiding elimination by your body and through nose-blowing.  Drinking extra water will hydrate the tissues in your throat when you swallow it, keeping your throat moist and preventing soreness.

 

These are just a few home remedies for the common cold.  Get plenty of exercise, have a balanced healthy diet and consume your daily intake of vitamin C and D to maintain a strong immune system, and you’ll find that your body fights off your next cold all by itself.

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