A head cold, aka the common cold, can be caused by more than 200 viruses. For example, it can be caused by a rhinovirus, coronavirus, or respiratory syncytial virus.
Common symptoms include a sore throat, congestion, postnasal drip, sinus pressure, and sneezing.
The good news is that your body will eventually be able to get rid of the virus. In the meantime, there are a few things that you can do to soothe your symptoms.
Interested? Looking for some common cold remedies? If so, you’re on the right page. We’ll be sharing some of them below.
Keep reading to learn more!
1. Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup contains minerals and vitamins such as vitamin A and C, both of which can help the body fight off viruses. Not only that, but studies have shown that it can also inhibit neutrophil migration and that can help lessen inflammatory symptoms (e.g. sore throat).
That’s not all—the hot steam from the broth can also reduce nasal congestion.
For the best results, choose a low-sodium soup. That way, your body won’t retain water so you won’t have to worry about bloating. It’ll also lower your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
2. Ginger
Ginger can help ease the symptoms of a sore throat. It contains gingerol, a phenolic compound that has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Studies have also shown that it may stop the replication of respiratory viruses.
The best part? There are many ways that you can use it. For example, you can make ginger tea by adding freshly grated ginger to hot water.
Capsules are another option for those who dislike the taste. As a general rule, you want to start with the lowest effective dose and work your way up (if necessary).
Tip: Adding honey to ginger may produce a stronger antimicrobial effect.
3. Allicin
Allicin is a compound that’s released when garlic cloves are crushed or chewed; it’s what gives it its distinctive odor. Not only is it antibacterial, but it also has antifungal and antiviral properties.
Given that, it’s not surprising to know that it can help with the common cold. For example, chewing on a raw garlic clove can ease a sore throat.
For those who don’t like the taste of garlic, there are supplements (e.g. Allimed 450 mg capsules) that you can take instead.
Keep in mind, however, that they can interact with certain medications such as blood thinners. For this reason, it’s highly recommended that you consult with your doctor first.
Common Cold Remedies That Work
As you can see, there are several common cold remedies that can help with your symptoms—from ginger to garlic. In other words, you don’t always have to rely on medications!
Did you find this article helpful? For more posts like this, be sure to check out the rest of our lifestyle and health section!
