If you are suffering from a cold, you can find effective ways to relieve your symptoms. Common cold symptoms include a scratchy throat, runny nose, and congestion. A cold can also cause a bad headache. Drugstore aisles are filled with products claiming to cure colds. You can also make use of some simple remedies.
Hot water with honey and cinnamon
Honey and cinnamon are known to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties, and both can be taken in a variety of ways to help relieve symptoms of a cold. A drink made by boiling a couple of cinnamon sticks and mixing them with 1 tsp of honey can be taken two or three times a day for relief from a cold or cough. Another method is to apply cinnamon paste to the gums.
A warm glass of water with a tablespoon of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon can help ease a cold by coating the throat, and honey can help alleviate cough symptoms as well. It can also boost the immune system and help prevent future colds. Adding cinnamon to the water can also help ease inflammation.
Avoiding conventional dairy
Avoiding conventional dairy can be beneficial when you’re trying to get rid of a cold fast. Some studies show that dairy can increase the production of mucus, which can aggravate cold symptoms. Others say that dairy can help clear the congestion. Either way, skipping it can greatly reduce the symptoms of your cold.
Another benefit of avoiding conventional dairy is that it can boost your immune system. The body needs to boost its defenses against viruses and bacteria, and dairy can lower it. Dairy products can also be irritable to your stomach. Choosing low-fat or vegan dairy products may help your body feel better, and they’re available at most grocery stores.
Avoiding processed and fast food
While many fast foods and processed snacks may taste good, these foods are bad for the body, especially when you’re sick. These foods tend to be high in sugar and contain preservatives and nutrients that can impede recovery and exacerbate symptoms. In addition, these foods often contain high levels of histamine, which aggravates cold symptoms.
Another food to avoid while suffering from a cold is conventional dairy. It can exacerbate symptoms and increase the buildup of mucus. It’s better to stay away from dairy, which is high in fat and can make mucus thicker and more irritating.
Gargling with salt water
Gargling with warm salt water is a common home remedy to relieve a sore throat. This treatment can help relieve the pain and speed up recovery. It may also help kill bacteria. The warm liquid also helps loosen mucus. To perform this remedy, mix warm water with a pinch of salt.
Gargling with salt water may help reduce swelling and loosen mucus. It is believed to reduce the amount of mucus that constricts the nasal passages. There are several studies examining the effectiveness of this remedy. For home use, simply dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water and gargle as often as necessary.
Drinking bone broth
Drinking bone broth to get rid of a cold quickly is a natural way to combat this common ailment. It is hydrating and contains important nutrients. It is also soothing and comforting for people who are suffering from a fever. This soup is also an excellent source of electrolytes, which help your body absorb more water.
During a bone broth fast, you can consume one or two cups of the soup several times a day. You should also eat healthy foods, like vegetables and whole grains. Avoid processed snacks, added sugar, dairy products, and refined vegetable oils. You can also add healthy fats and clean proteins to your diet in addition to drinking water.
Taking antihistamines
You may be wondering whether taking antihistamines will help you get rid of a cold fast. While most colds go away without treatment, you might want to do everything you can to make the recovery process more comfortable. Taking vitamin C or echinacea supplements can also shorten the duration of the cold. However, the evidence for their effectiveness is not conclusive. Of course, the best way to avoid catching a cold is to stay away from people who are sick and to wash your hands regularly.
Antihistamines work by blocking the release of the chemical histamine, which triggers the symptoms of colds. They also work by helping to dry up postnasal drip, which irritates the throat and contributes to coughing. Antihistamines are often prescribed alongside expectorants, which thin mucus.
Taking zinc
Taking zinc for colds may shorten your symptoms and make you feel better, but it may not work as quickly as you might hope. Zinc is a toxic metal, so there are risks associated with taking it. It can make you feel nauseous and may reduce the effectiveness of some cold medicines, like antibiotics and diuretics. It is available in pill form and as a nasal spray.
Studies have shown that taking zinc for colds can reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms by 40%. However, it is important to remember that the effectiveness of zinc for colds is variable, and the amount and type of zinc in each dose will determine whether it works or not.