Viruses are responsible for colds and flu, so antibiotics are not able to cure or prevent these illnesses. Plenty of rest, fluids, and home remedies can help relieve symptoms.
Colds and the flu are common illnesses that can cause many uncomfortable symptoms, such as:
a runny nose
blocked sinuses
a sore throat
coughing
headaches
body aches
fever or chills
The following home remedies may help prevent illness, reduce symptoms, and shorten the duration of a cold or the flu:
1. Zinc
A zinc supplement may help treat a cold.
Studies suggest that zinc supplementation may help shorten the length of a cold and lessen symptoms.
Experts believe that this is because zinc prevents rhinovirus, the virus that causes the common cold, from replicating in the body.
People can take zinc as a tablet, lozenge, or syrup, but should always follow the dosage advice on the packaging. Too much zinc can cause nausea and stomach aches.
Zinc is available online and in pharmacies as a supplement or nasal spray. Using a zinc nasal spray can cause people to lose their sense of smell temporarily.
. Honey
Honey has antimicrobial properties, which may allow it to fight some bacteria and viruses.
One study found that honey was effective in relieving coughing as a symptom of a cold in children over the age of 1 year. People can try stirring some honey into hot water to soothe a sore throat or cough. Adding lemon provides extra flavor and vitamin C.
People can find honey in grocery stores, local markets.
Garlic
Garlic may help fight off a common cold because it has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Garlic has long been a home remedy for colds and the flu. People can eat raw garlic, incorporate cooked garlic into meals, or take a supplement. Unless a person has a garlic allergy, it is usually safe to use.
. Menthol
Share on PinterestA person can use menthol leaves for steam therapy.
Blocked sinuses and congested airways are common symptoms of a cold, which menthol can help relieve. Menthol comes from many types of mint plant. It has antibacterial and pain-relieving effects and is an ingredient in many vapor rubs.
People can also add menthol to hot water for a steam inhalation. Although a study found that menthol inhalation helped reduce coughing due to environmental irritants, there is limited research on its effectiveness in clearing congested airways.
6. Vitamin D
Vitamin D-3 may be a useful supplement to prevent or reduce the chances of getting a cold.
Research has found a link between vitamin D supplementation and a reduced frequency of colds
People living in colder climates may also find that a supplement boosts their vitamin D levels during the winter months, when their skin may not get much exposure to sunlight.
8. Reducing stress and sleeping well
Stress or poor sleep may increase the risk of getting a cold or the flu.
One Study suggests that lowering stress levels through mindfulness meditation practices or exercise reduces the risk of getting one of these illnesses.
People who participated in a mindfulness meditation or exercise program lost fewer work days due to illness than people in the control group.
Vitamin C, is vital for keeping the immune system healthy. Many people believe that it may help reduce the frequency of colds. Although there ,is no scientific evidence to show that taking vitamin C prevents colds or reduces symptoms during a cold, research have suggested that a regular intake of vitamin C could benefit some people in these ways. They stated that while more research is necessary, the general safety and low cost of vitamin C mean that it is a low-risk method for people to test individually.
Citrus fruits and avocados contain high levels of vitamin C. People can also buy vitamin C supplements in pharmacies.
BY STEPHANIE E. HEMEN
Colds and the flu are common illnesses that can cause many uncomfortable symptoms, such as:
a runny nose
blocked sinuses
a sore throat
coughing
headaches
body aches
fever or chills
The following home remedies may help prevent illness, reduce symptoms, and shorten the duration of a cold or the flu:
1. Zinc
A zinc supplement may help treat a cold.
Studies suggest that zinc supplementation may help shorten the length of a cold and lessen symptoms.
Experts believe that this is because zinc prevents rhinovirus, the virus that causes the common cold, from replicating in the body.
People can take zinc as a tablet, lozenge, or syrup, but should always follow the dosage advice on the packaging. Too much zinc can cause nausea and stomach aches.
Zinc is available online and in pharmacies as a supplement or nasal spray. Using a zinc nasal spray can cause people to lose their sense of smell temporarily.
. Honey
Honey has antimicrobial properties, which may allow it to fight some bacteria and viruses.
One study found that honey was effective in relieving coughing as a symptom of a cold in children over the age of 1 year. People can try stirring some honey into hot water to soothe a sore throat or cough. Adding lemon provides extra flavor and vitamin C.
People can find honey in grocery stores, local markets.
Garlic
Garlic may help fight off a common cold because it has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Garlic has long been a home remedy for colds and the flu. People can eat raw garlic, incorporate cooked garlic into meals, or take a supplement. Unless a person has a garlic allergy, it is usually safe to use.
. Menthol
Share on PinterestA person can use menthol leaves for steam therapy.
Blocked sinuses and congested airways are common symptoms of a cold, which menthol can help relieve. Menthol comes from many types of mint plant. It has antibacterial and pain-relieving effects and is an ingredient in many vapor rubs.
People can also add menthol to hot water for a steam inhalation. Although a study found that menthol inhalation helped reduce coughing due to environmental irritants, there is limited research on its effectiveness in clearing congested airways.
6. Vitamin D
Vitamin D-3 may be a useful supplement to prevent or reduce the chances of getting a cold.
Research has found a link between vitamin D supplementation and a reduced frequency of colds
People living in colder climates may also find that a supplement boosts their vitamin D levels during the winter months, when their skin may not get much exposure to sunlight.
8. Reducing stress and sleeping well
Stress or poor sleep may increase the risk of getting a cold or the flu.
One Study suggests that lowering stress levels through mindfulness meditation practices or exercise reduces the risk of getting one of these illnesses.
People who participated in a mindfulness meditation or exercise program lost fewer work days due to illness than people in the control group.
Vitamin C, is vital for keeping the immune system healthy. Many people believe that it may help reduce the frequency of colds. Although there ,is no scientific evidence to show that taking vitamin C prevents colds or reduces symptoms during a cold, research have suggested that a regular intake of vitamin C could benefit some people in these ways. They stated that while more research is necessary, the general safety and low cost of vitamin C mean that it is a low-risk method for people to test individually.
Citrus fruits and avocados contain high levels of vitamin C. People can also buy vitamin C supplements in pharmacies.
BY STEPHANIE E. HEMEN