How to Treat a Catch a Cold Naturally

Table of Contents

C atching a cold is one of the most common health problems that people face every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults have an average of 2 to 3 colds per year, and children have even more1. A cold is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, headache, and fever2.

While there is no cure for a cold, there are many natural remedies that can help you relieve the symptoms and recover faster. In this blog post, we will show you the best home remedies for a cold, based on scientific evidence and traditional wisdom. We will also explain what causes a cold, what foods to eat and avoid when you have a cold, and how to prevent catching a cold in the future. By following this guide, you will be able to treat a catch a cold naturally and effectively.

What Causes a Catch a Cold?

A cold is caused by a virus that infects the cells lining the nose and throat. There are more than 200 different types of viruses that can cause a cold, but the most common ones are rhinoviruses3. These viruses are spread through the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes, or talks. They can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces or objects, such as doorknobs, keyboards, or phones, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth4.

The virus enters your body and attaches to the cells in your nose and throat, where it starts to multiply and cause inflammation. This triggers your immune system to produce mucus, antibodies, and white blood cells to fight the infection. The mucus helps to trap and flush out the virus, but it also causes congestion and runny nose. The antibodies and white blood cells help to kill the virus, but they also cause inflammation and swelling, which can lead to sore throat, cough, and headache. The fever is a sign that your body is raising its temperature to make it harder for the virus to survive5.

The symptoms of a cold usually last for 7 to 10 days, but they can vary depending on the type of virus, your age, your health, and your immune system. Some people may have mild symptoms, while others may have severe ones. Some people may recover quickly, while others may take longer. Some people may have complications, such as sinus infections, ear infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia, especially if they have other medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease6.

How to Treat a Catch a Cold Naturally

There is no specific treatment for a cold, as antibiotics do not work against viruses. The best way to treat a catch a cold is to support your immune system and ease your symptoms with natural remedies. Here are some of the most effective home remedies for a cold that you can try:

Drink plenty of fluids

One of the most important things to do when you have a cold is to drink plenty of fluids. This helps to keep you hydrated, thin the mucus, and flush out the virus from your body. Fluids also help to soothe your throat and reduce inflammation. You can drink water, juice, broth, tea, or warm lemon water with honey. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, as they can dehydrate you and worsen your symptoms7.

Eat healthy foods

Eating healthy foods can also help you recover from a cold faster. Foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds can boost your immune system and fight the infection. Some of the best foods to eat when you have a cold are:

• Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes. They are high in vitamin C, which can help to reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms8.
• Berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and cranberries. They are packed with antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from oxidative stress and inflammation9.
• Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, lettuce, and cabbage. They are rich in vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, and iron, which can help to support your immune system and blood health10.
• Garlic, onion, ginger, and turmeric. They are powerful natural antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, which can help to kill the virus and reduce the swelling and pain in your throat and chest11 12  .
• Chicken soup. It is a classic comfort food that can help to hydrate you, clear your nasal passages, and reduce inflammation. It may also have some antiviral and immune-boosting effects, thanks to the chicken, vegetables, and broth.

Use a humidifier or a steam inhalation

Another way to relieve your congestion and cough is to use a humidifier or a steam inhalation. This helps to moisten the air and loosen the mucus in your nose and lungs. You can add some essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender, to enhance the effect and make you feel more relaxed.

You can use a humidifier in your bedroom or living room, or you can inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or a shower. Be careful not to burn yourself with the hot water or steam, and keep children and pets away from the humidifier or the bowl.

Gargle with salt water

Gargling with salt water can help to soothe your sore throat and reduce the inflammation and bacteria in your mouth. Salt water can also help to flush out the mucus and virus from your throat and prevent further infection. To make a salt water gargle, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for a few seconds. Spit out the water and repeat several times a day. You can also add some honey, lemon, or apple cider vinegar to the salt water for extra benefits.

Use nasal irrigation

Nasal irrigation is a technique that involves flushing out your nasal passages with a saline solution. This helps to clear the mucus, virus, and allergens from your nose and sinuses, and improve your breathing. You can use a neti pot, a squeeze bottle, or a syringe to perform nasal irrigation. You can buy a saline solution from a pharmacy or make your own by mixing one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of baking soda in a liter of boiled or distilled water. Tilt your head over a sink and gently pour or squirt the solution into one nostril, letting it drain out of the other. Repeat with the other nostril and blow your nose gently. Do this once or twice a day until your symptoms improve. Make sure to clean your device and use a fresh solution every time.

Take over-the-counter medications

If your symptoms are very bothersome, you can also take some over-the-counter medications to help you feel better. These include:

• Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin. They can help to reduce your fever, headache, and body aches. Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years old, as it can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.
• Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, or oxymetazoline. They can help to shrink the blood vessels in your nose and sinuses, and relieve the stuffiness and pressure. Do not use them for more than a few days, as they can cause rebound congestion and side effects, such as increased blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety.
• Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, or loratadine. They can help to block the histamine, a chemical that causes allergy-like symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. They can also make you sleepy, which can help you rest better. Do not use them if you have glaucoma, prostate problems, or urinary retention.
• Cough suppressants, such as dextromethorphan, or expectorants, such as guaifenesin. They can help to reduce or thin the mucus in your chest, and make it easier to cough it up. Do not use them if you have asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

Always read the label and follow the directions of any medication you take. Do not take more than the recommended dose or combine different medications without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Be aware of the possible interactions and side effects of any medication you take. Do not give any medication to children under 6 years old without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Try herbal remedies

Some herbal remedies may also help to treat a catch a cold naturally. These include:

• Echinacea. It is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat infections and boost immunity. It may help to reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, but the evidence is mixed and more research is needed. You can take echinacea as a tea, a tincture, or a capsule. Do not use it if you are allergic to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, or marry. Do not use it if you have an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis.
• Elderberry. It is a berry that has been used for centuries to treat respiratory infections and boost immunity. It may help to reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, but the evidence is limited and more research is needed. You can take elderberry as a syrup, a lozenge, or a capsule. Do not use it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications that affect your immune system.
• Ginseng. It is a root that has been used for centuries to enhance energy, vitality, and immunity. It may help to prevent or treat colds, but the evidence is inconsistent and more research is needed. You can take ginseng as a tea, a tincture, or a capsule. Do not use it if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or bleeding disorders. Do not use it with caffeine, alcohol, or anticoagulants.
• Zinc. It is a mineral that is essential for your immune system and wound healing. It may help to reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, but the evidence is mixed and more research is needed. You can take zinc as a lozenge, a syrup, or a tablet. Do not take more than 40 mg of zinc per day, as it can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and copper deficiency. Do not use it with antibiotics or antacids.
• Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any herbal remedy, especially if you have any medical condition, allergy, or medication. Be aware of the possible interactions and side effects of any herbal remedy you use. Do not use any herbal remedy for more than a week without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
• The best herbal recipes I including below

How to Prevent Catching a Cold

The best way to prevent catching a cold is to avoid exposure to the virus and to strengthen your immune system. Here are some tips to prevent catching a cold:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. This can help to remove the virus and other germs from your hands and prevent them from entering your body.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. This can help to kill the virus and other germs on your hands and prevent them from entering your body.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. This can help to prevent the virus and other germs from entering your body through these mucous membranes.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. This can help to prevent the virus and other germs from spreading to you through the air or through direct contact.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. This can help to prevent the virus and other germs from spreading to others through the air or through direct contact.
• Dispose of used tissues in a trash can and wash your hands afterwards. This can help to prevent the virus and other germs from spreading to others through contaminated surfaces or objects.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs, keyboards, phones, and toys. This can help to prevent the virus and other germs from spreading to others through contaminated surfaces or objects.
• Get enough sleep and rest. This can help to boost your immune system and make it more resistant to infections.
• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet. This can help to provide your body with the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that it needs to fight infections.
• Exercise regularly. This can help to improve your blood circulation, oxygen delivery, and lymphatic drainage, which can enhance your immune system and make it more efficient at fighting infections.
• Manage your stress. This can help to lower your cortisol levels, which can suppress your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections.
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. This can help to improve your lung function and reduce your inflammation, which can make you more vulnerable to infections.
• Stop Drink alcohol. This can help to prevent dehydration and inflammation, which can impair your immune system and make you more prone to infections.

Recipe for Treat a Catch a Cold / Nausea / Motion Sickness

First Recipe with Cinnamon

Ingredients

• Cinnamon powder or sticks to taste
• Ginger 1 segment (the size of an adult's thumb)
• 1 tbsp cloves
• 1 tbsp cardamom

Method

Boil all the ingredients until the aroma and color change. Then, let stand until slightly warm. Once warm, strain and add honey. This herb is better to drink 1 -2 times a day before meals.

Conclusion of

Catching a cold is a common and annoying problem that can affect your health and well-being. However, by following this guide, you can learn how to treat a catch a cold naturally and effectively with home remedies. You can also learn how to prevent catching a cold in the future by avoiding exposure to the virus and by strengthening your immune system. By doing so, you can enjoy a healthier and happier life.

We hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading and stay well!

References:
1. 15 Cold and Flu Home Remedies - Healthline
2. Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt
3. Chest infection - NHS
4. Common cold - NHS
5. Common cold - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
6. Common Cold | Johns Hopkins Medicine
7. The 12 Best Foods to Eat to Help Recover From a Cold - GoodRx
8. 17 Magic Foods That Relieve Cold Symptoms | Eat This Not That
9. What to Eat and Drink When You Have a Cold | UPMC HealthBeat
10. How to get rid of a cold | BBC Good Food
11. Common cold - Illnesses & conditions | NHS inform
12. 11 Popular Natural Remedies for the Common Cold - Verywell Health