While we are still in the throes of a difficult global health crisis which is only now – finally – showing some sign of ebbing given the rise in vaccination rates, it might be hard to fathom the fact that we actually have yet to find a real cure for the common cold. However, there are different ways of treating it, and there are many tried and true remedies available. At the same time, some treatments available out there are nothing more than snake oil, not entirely useful or even safe to use. Here are a few vouched for remedies to help you get through a run-of-the-mill yet tiresome cold.
Best Practices
First off, you will need to take care of yourself and do some of the basic self-care remedies that can help you get better fast. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, juice, warm tea with lemon and honey, as well as lots of warm soup with clear broth – nothing creamy. This will prevent you from getting dehydrated, which will only make you feel worse. You should also be mindful about avoiding alcohol, coffee, or things like soda, and also rest as much as possible to give your body a chance to heal. If your throat is scratchy, then you can try lozenges, or a saltwater gargle, which isn’t as painful as it sounds. Although the effects aren’t terribly long-lasting. Taking care of yourself is the best remedy in ensuring that you beat the cold fast.
Natural Remedies
There are a few natural remedies that do work, and not all of it is a bunch of hocus pocus. A mug of hot tea with lemon and honey is a definite no-brainer, although you can also get things from an apothecary to help boost your immune system. Echinacea and oregano oil are two important supplements you can consider trying, as well as herbal remedies with garlic that have proven to be incredibly effective. Zinc and, of course, vitamin C is also important supplements to have ready since they are scientifically proven to help your immune system combat colds.
Things to Avoid
There are so many things to avoid when thinking about cold remedies, especially those that aren’t recommended by your own physician. Antibiotics are of absolutely no value when you have a cold since they attack bacteria, but don’t help against any cold viruses. Only take antibiotics when you have the flu, and your doctor recommends that. Otherwise, you may be using antibiotics very badly, and that could lead to your body protesting by spawning a bunch of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Also, take it easy on the over-the-counter medications. While they may be helpful in moderation, try not to take them for too long, or as a misguided preventative measure. They are actually terrible for your health and may make you incredibly sick over time. Be sure to check in with a doctor and try not to take over-the-counter meds for longer than recommended.
While dealing with a cold can be tiresome, and at times painful, don’t make things worse by taking medicine that has not been accounted for by health experts as actually being able to solve the problem. Just practice good sense, and try natural remedies if you want to feel better soon with minimal fuss.
A fervent champion for holistic well-being, graces this community with her expertise in health and fitness. With a solid educational foundation in physical fitness and a commitment to empowering others, Sara distills her extensive knowledge and experience into actionable insights. Her writing, firmly grounded in evidence-based practices, aims to demystify health complexities and inspire readers to cultivate sustainable habits for a balanced life. As a certified fitness trainer, Sara offers a well-rounded perspective on wellness. Join Sara on this transformative journey towards a happier, healthier, and more vibrant you.
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