Nothing is more annoying and weakening to your body than the onset of the common cold.The common cold spreads primarily through respiratory droplets released in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can be inhaled by others who are close to the person infected or can contaminate surfaces,including door handles, and all forms of human contact which can then transfer the virus to your eyes, nose, or mouth if you touch them. It can begin with a sore throat, congestion and overall feeling of discomfort. You may suffer from a higher than normal temperature, headache and loss of appetite. The intensity of suffering also depends upon your health and the weather.
Mum’s homemade chicken soup has been used for generations to successfully alleviate the symptoms of a cold, but there are other home remedies that are also effective. Some include:
- Vitamin C – Taking on a regular basis will help to prevent the common cold. If you already have a cold, take large doses of this vitamin to lessen the symptoms and shorten the time you’re ill. Vitamin C can be taken by a vitamin tablets which can be purchased on-line or from your local health shop. a drink in the form of pure orange juice, or by fruits which are high in vitamin C content which can be perchased from your local supermarket or convenience shop.
- Watch your diet – Drink plenty of liquids – especially fruit and vegetable juices. Avoid foods with starches, cheese, meat and eggs, but eat lots of vegetables, fruits, seeds, and nuts.
- Ginger Tea – Hot tea made from ginger root, leaves and a bit of sugar added to hot water is an excellent remedy for a cold. It soothes the throat and helps to reduce fever.
- Lemon – Loaded with Vitamin C, lemon juice helps the immune system to resist all illnesses and decreases the toxicity of the common cold. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a glass of warm water (and a spoonful of honey) to realize the best results.
- Garlic – Contains oil and beneficial antiseptic qualities that help with respiratory problems and also flushes toxins from the body. Make a soup by boiling about four cloves of garlic in a cup of water – or use garlic oil and ingest it two or three times per day.
- Salt Water – Warm salt water, when gargled, can help reduce and clear mucus out of your throat and airways. Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Gargle for 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat three or four times a day depending on the serverity of the infection for the best results.
- Apple cider vinegar – An effective remedy for a stuffy nose associated with the common cold. Prepare a solution of equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. When the solution begins to boil, lean over the pan and inhale the fumes.
Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Gargle for 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat multiple times a day for the best results.
Environmental factors such as dust or pollen in the air and drastic changes in temperature have a lot to do with the likelihood that you’ll catch a common cold. How healthy you are can also be a determining factor in how susceptible you are to catch a cold.
You can also be more at risk if you’re tired, depressed or suffer from depression or sleep deprivation. Keep healthy habits such as a balanced diet, plenty of sunshine and rest and relaxation and you’ll be much more successful in keeping the common cold at bay.
