Cold Remedies: What Works and What Doesn’t

Although the rainy season gives us relief from the scorching heat, it also creates conditions for germs to proliferate. A common cold is a viral infection that affects the respiratory tract, and the chances of catching it are certainly higher in rainy weather. 

The most common virus causing the common cold is rhinovirus. It can easily move from surface to surface, person to person. These viruses can make the average Joe feel sick for a week on average.

A runny or blocked nose and headaches are some of the most annoying symptoms of the common cold. While most prefer paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets to help them recover, others also find that drinking herbal tea such as Himalayan green tea helps ease the symptoms.

In this article, we’ve covered which remedies work and which don’t. Let’s find out!

 

Cold Remedies: What Works, What Doesn’t, What Can’t Hurt

Managing a common cold with home remedies can seem like a hit-and-miss process, but there are some effective remedies that almost always help. Let’s begin there:

 

Cold Remedies That Work

 Common cold can last for 7-10 days. There is no need to panic. There are some common cold remedies that can help ease symptoms.

 

Keep Yourself Hydrated

When someone has a cold, they feel thirstier than usual. Don’t ignore your body’s needs. Constantly drinking warm water, juice, and green tea prevents dehydration. 

If you’re well enough to work, you can keep himalayan green tea packs and enjoy them in your office. The tea has antioxidant properties and will help your body detox. 

Avoid alcohol and carbonated beverages as they cause dehydration. 

 

Combat Stuffiness

There are many nasal drops and sprays available to ease stuffiness. When using nasal drops for infants, consult your doctor. 

 

Take Rest 

Rest is essential for your body's healing and immune function support. You will feel weak and sleepier than usual when you are ill. This is not a cause for concern but rather an indication that your body is actively battling the illness.

In the interest of your health and also to avoid infecting others, it’s best to take some time off your typical routine – whether it involves school or work – and rest. 

 

Use a Humidifier

By exposing your nasal tube to moisture, you can ease inflammation, reduce congestion and soothe your body. Some doctors recommend using the humidifier two to three times a day to keep congestion at bay.

It’s important to keep your humidifier spotless. Keep the filter clean in the humidifier and maintain it tidy, mold can grow and release airborne spores that are harmful to the human body.

 

Go for OTC Medicines

There are many different types of cough treatments and suppressants available, from syrups to drops. Consulting with your health practitioner is the best way to determine what medicine to take.

Some medications may help with coughing and stiffness but will also leave you sleepy. It's important to be especially cautious when using pseudoephedrine, a stimulator with negative impacts.

 

Use Neti Pots

A neti pot could help you if severe sinus problems accompany your sickness. The nasal tube is cleared of accumulated mucus and allergens by the pot's warm salt solution, which is poured into your nose. 

There are plenty of different neti pots to pick from, but using one requires more than merely tilting your face back and spraying water into your nose. Make sure you follow these instructions while using a neti pot:

• Avoid using water from the tap. Use cooled down to room temperature purified, filtrated, bottle, or boiled water. Avoid taking the chance of spreading bacteria via your nose tube. 
• After each usage, make sure to completely cleanse the neti pot. Not doing this will make the pot a breeding ground for microbes that may exacerbate your illness.

 

Cold Remedies That Don’t Work

Not every remedy you come across will be helpful. This is certainly the case for homoeopathic remedies. Homoeopathic medicine has little credibility behind it, and there is no good evidence indicating that the medicine does work.

Cold Remedies That Might Work

There are some remedies that may or may not help you, but are worth taking a look at and trying in a dire situation:

Echinacea

Echinacea may either prevent or shorten colds – different studies indicate different things. Some research indicates no benefit. When taken for seven to ten days after the onset of cold symptoms, echinacea does seem to work best in decreasing future illness.

Among healthy individuals, it seems to be harmless, however, a lot of medications can interfere with it. Whenever taking herbal remedies or any other vitamin, make sure you consult your physician.

 

Zinc 

Zinc supplementation may shorten the duration of a cold, according to a lot of different research. One of the studies proves that taking zinc within 24 hours of onset of symptoms reduces the duration of the symptoms by about a day. 

 

Vitamin C

It seems that the common individual won't typically benefit from taking vitamin C to avoid colds. Furthermore, some research indicates that ingesting vitamin C prior to the onset of coughs and colds might reduce the duration of your symptoms.

Individuals who've been frequently exposed to colds can receive advantages by taking vitamin C, such as school children in the wintertime.

 

Conclusion

Relying on the natural wellness of healthy food and taking ample rest is a sure-shot way to recover from a common cold. Cold symptoms may annoy you at times, but your body is equipped to fight the illness off. The remedies given above will ease the symptoms of a cold. 

Make sure you wear a mask and wash your hands regularly. This will prevent the cold from spreading. Whenever you catch a common cold, drink fluids and keep the surrounding air moist. Himalayan Green Tea is one of the best Pahadi Ayurveda solutions for colds.