What is a cold?
Colds are very common. A type of microorganism called virus causes most colds. There are many types of viruses can cause a cold. According to the virus you have, your symptoms may vary. It is important to treat a cold before it leads to other infections like strep throat, bronchitis and pneumonia.
What is the difference between common cold and flu?
The cold is a mild infection of the nose and throat that may be caused by more than 200 different types of viruses, while the flu is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Flu is a viral respiratory infection that begins in November and ends in early spring and colds can occur all year round but in summer they are less frequent.
Common symptoms of cold include:
- Low Fever (100 ° F or 37.7º C or above) with chills
- Headache
- Cough
- Nasal symptoms, including nasal congestion, runny nose, yellow or green mucus and sneezing
- Sore throat
There is no cure for a cold or flu. Antibiotics do not treat viruses although there are some home remedies to relieve symptoms.
The main medicines used when colds are:
- Nasal decongestants, against a stuffy nose
- Antitussives against an irritating cough
- Expectorants and mucolytics, to expel mucus
- Analgesics and antipyretics, to reduce fever and generalized aches and headaches.
Here are the best natural remedies for cold without side effects:
BEST HOME REMEDIES FOR COLD:
Lemon juice with water and honey: Honey soothes the throat and has antibacterial properties. Lemon contains Vitamin C that strengthens the immune system and has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Vitamin C also reduces histamine and therefore throat swelling.
Mix the lemon juice with a cup of warm water and add a tablespoon of honey. Drink 3 cups a day.
Raw Garlic: is a natural antibiotic and antibacterial which strengthens the immune system against viruses. Powerful expectorant. Contains Zinc, Vitamin C and quercetin that helps fight against cold viruses.
Try cutting cloves into pieces and swallowing them down like pills with water.
Honey: Honey has antibacterial properties. Acts coating and soothing those irritated mucous membranes.
Take 1 tablespoon of honey 1-3 times daily
Thyme tea (Thymus Vulgaris): Is a potent expectorant that helps loosen the mucus in your lungs and is an antibacterial agent. Rich in flavonoids that relax tracheal and ileal muscles involved in coughing and also reduce inflammation.
Use one tablespoon of dried herbs per 1 cup of water. Drink 2 cups daily.
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis):contains mucilage, which coats the throat and soothes irritation and inflammation. Has antibacterial properties that help treat infections. Is an excellent expectorant that helps to clear the lungs of mucus . Has antitussive effect that inhibits cough reflex.
Gargle for mouth and throat irritation: 2 grams of marshmallow has been soaked in one cup of cold water for two hours before gargling (do not drink)
Drink two cups a day of infused herb. Use 1 tablespoon of dried herbs per 1 cup of water.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): Is an herbal remedy known to strengthen the immune system by stimulating white blood cells and increasing production of virus-fighting substances. Reduce the severity and duration of the common cold. Acts as a natural antiseptic and reduces inflammation.
Take 20 to 30 drops of Echinacea tincture in half-cup of water three times daily.
Or take 1-2 grams of Echinacea root or herb as a tea three times daily, but not for longer than one week.
Aloe vera juice (Aloe Barbadensis): Is a natural antiviral and antibacterial agent that inhibits the functioning and spread of certain viruses, including influenza. Aloe vera is rich in a variety of essential vitamins and minerals especially effective to enhance immune system response, stimulating white blood cell activity. Also helps soothing and healing the throat and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Take aloe vera juice 1 oz. 4 times a day
Mullein tea (Verbascum thapsus): a mucolytic agent used for lung-related problems acts as an excellent expectorant, helps to clear the lungs of mucus. Has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Demulcent, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antitussive effect; soothes and relaxes the bronchial tubes and lungs. It is also effective in relieving headaches due to tension
Drink 3 cups a day of infused Mullein. Use 1 tablespoon of dried plant per 1 cup of water.
Elderberry (Sambucus Spp.): Elderberries have been used in Europe and North America for centuries as a treatment for colds and flu because of their antiviral activity. Contains high levels of vitamin A, B, and vitamin C so helps to boost the immune system and provide antioxidant support. May shorten the duration of a cold.
At the first sign of the cold, take 20 to 30 drops of elderberry tincture three or four times daily for three days.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L): contains alkaloids called hydrastine and berberine which kill viruses and bacteria and reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes. Stimulates the immune system and it has also been used to help reduce fevers, stop recurrent ear infection, relieve congestion and excess mucus.
Warning: this is a potent herb please do not use goldenseal without consulting a physician.
Recommended dosage: Take 250 mg three times a day for five days
Or take 10 to 30 drops of the extract 2 to 4 times a day .
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus):This ancient Chinese herb has been used for thousands of years to strengthen the immune system and seems to be highly effective at fighting viruses and infections.
Take one capsule of 250 mg astragalus root powder twice daily until you feel better.
Astragalus can be taken daily to prevent illness during cold and flu season.
Winter savory (Satureja montana): Rich in important essential oils like thymol and carvacrol with an expectorant effect that helps to expel bronchial mucus. Also have antibacterial and antiviral properties that inhibit the growth of several bacteria strains. Has antispasmodic properties to treat a cough and reduces inflammation when a sore throat. Contains Vitamin A that acts as antioxidant and Vitamin C that helps the body develop resistance against infections
Make a tea with a teaspoon of dried herb per cup of water, cover and let stand 5 minutes, strain and drink.
Yarrow (Achilea millenfolium):considered a sacred herb by many cultures. Yarrow kills many species of pathogens – bacteria, fungi and viruses. Is rich in cineole and eucalyptol which act as an expectorant (helps to expel bronchial mucus). Rich in flavonoids with antispasmodic properties helps to relieve a cough. Is also an effective sweating remedy to bring down fevers and reducing inflammation. Rich in vitamin C that helps to shorten the duration of cold and flu.
Make a Yarrow tea with 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of water. Drink 3 cups a day.
Essential oil reduces congestion in the chest and helps to throw out the phlegm.
Make a chest rub adding 5 drops of yarrow essential oil in a cup of base oil like olive oil and massage this into your neck and chest.
Not for use during pregnancy.