Cold and Cough
A cough and cold, or the common cold, is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract. It is probably the most common illness experienced during the colder months. Individuals of all ages, including children and adults, can get a cough and cold.
The common cold is caused by viruses called rhinoviruses. Other viruses like coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and influenza can also cause cold-like symptoms. Viruses are commonly spread through the air from respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or touches contaminated surfaces.
Coughing is a reflex triggered by nerve signals from irritated areas, causing muscle contractions to expel the mucus from the airways.
If you are sick with a cough and cold, prevent the spread of cold viruses to protect others.
- Wear a mask around others.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces.
The illness usually lasts 7-10 days.
Cold Symptoms:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Mild headache
- Mild body aches
- Mild fever (more common in children)
Because a virus causes the common cold, antibiotics will not help. The best treatment is to manage the symptoms and allow the body's immune system to fight off the infection. Several at-home remedies can help reduce symptoms and make you feel more comfortable.
Home Remedies for a Cough and Cold (Common Cold)
Cough and cold symptoms can sometimes overlap with other respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19. If you have any doubts or concerns about your symptoms or if they are severe, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.
Here are some home remedies to help relieve cough and cold symptoms.
Rest
Sleep is a tried and true remedy. Get plenty of rest to allow your body to recover and strengthen the immune system.
Drink Fluids
The most important remedy to treat the common cold is to increase your intake of fluids. Water and herbal teas are top of the list.
Fluids help to keep your throat moist and less irritated and relieve congestion by thinning the phlegm in your respiratory tract, making removal easier.
Lemon and Honey
Lemon in the form of the fruit itself or as juice is loaded with Vitamin C, and this is an immune system booster and a great natural cure for a common cold. Honey coats the throat, is soothing, and can help relieve throat irritation.
Mix a tablespoon of honey with freshly squeezed lemon juice in warm water or herbal tea to try this remedy and soothe a cough.
Honey should not be given to children under one year of age due to the risk of infant botulism.
Ginger Tea
A home remedy for the common cold is to take fresh ginger, slice it up, and put it in hot water.
This is an easy natural cure for a common cold that works well and is easy to try. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.
Drinking ginger tea can help reduce discomfort with a common cold. Add honey to sweeten if preferred.
Vitamin D
A recent study shows that Vitamin D is a potent immune enhancer that could prevent the common cold. Study participants with the highest Vitamin D levels were less likely to get sick. If they did get sick, they were ill for less time than those with lower levels of this vitamin.
Steam Vaporizer or Humidifier
Another excellent home remedy for the common cold is to place a vaporizer or humidifier in the room where you sleep. A vaporizer or humidifier will add moisture to the air and help you breathe easier and get better rest. Add eucalyptus, menthol, or camphor to help clear sinus congestion.
If you have a sick child, use a cold mist humidifier instead of a steam vaporizer which gets hot and could burn a child if they get too close.
Use bottled or filtered water from the refrigerator as they contain less minerals. If used daily, clean them frequently to remove mineral and bacteria buildup.
If you don't have a vaporizer or humidifier, place a towel over your head to trap the steam and breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes.
Salt Water Gargle
An easy natural cure is to use a saltwater gargle to ease throat pain and inflammation. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle, then spit it out several times daily, and your sore throat symptoms will be relieved.
Chicken and Bone Broth Soup
Hot chicken soup or bone broth is a popular home remedy for the common cold. This well-known home remedy has been used for hundreds of years. The warm liquid helps clear the mucus from your throat and nose. Chicken broth nutrients can help reduce inflammation and reduce cold symptoms.
Onion and garlic have natural antibacterial properties. They taste delicious in soup and help soothe a cough and boost your immune system.
Turmeric Milk
Turmeric mixed in milk has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder in warm milk and drink it at night to soothe your throat and sleep easier.
Garlic Supplement
As well as other medicinal properties, garlic has antiseptic and antibacterial properties helping to boost the immune system. Take a garlic supplement daily for general health, and increase garlic consumption when symptoms start.
Ginger Supplement
Ginger supplements have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can help immune system health to help to heal from a cold. Ginger supplements are helpful to get increased levels of active ingredients and benefit more quickly.
Vitamin C Supplement
No surprise, Vitamin C is an excellent home remedy for a cold. Eating foods rich in Vitamin C, such as citrus, should be a daily priority. Increase Vitamin C levels quickly by adding a supplement to help your immune system.
Elevate your Head
Use extra cushions or pillows on your bed at night. Keeping your head slightly elevated while sleeping can help prevent and reduce coughing and congestion at night.
Cautions
These home remedies help relieve cough and cold symptoms and do not cure the underlying viral infection. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or you have concerns about your health, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
