A bout with the common cold can last for as long as two weeks, according to Mayo Clinic. However, there are some natural methods to treat cold symptoms that may help a person recover a lot faster. Some common cold remedies offer help with congestion, while others can help shorten the duration of a cold.
Nasal Relief Tips
According to WebMD, people who have colds can get nasal relief from pressure and congestion by properly blowing their nose. This is better than sniffling, which forces mucus to go back into the head. It is important not to blow too hard because this can allow phlegm and germs to make their way into the passages of the ear. The recommendation is to place the index finger over one nostril and then carefully blow the other nostril.
Another way to reduce and treat cold symptoms is to sleep slightly elevated. WebMD recommends resting on two pillows in order to clear the nasal passages for cold and sinus allergy relief. If using extra pillows doesn't feel comfortable, try slightly raising the mattress by putting the pillows on top of the box spring underneath the mattress.
Treat Cold Symptoms With Hyssop
Hyssop is one of the most effective herbal cold treatments, according to the book Prescription Alternatives by Earl Mindell and Virginia Hopkins (Keats, 1998). The authors say hyssop is ideal for healing any condition that causes congestion in the chest or lungs because it loosens mucous and helps eliminate it from the body.
The authors recommend taking hyssop as a tea. Boil two teaspoons of dried hyssop in one cup of water. Let it sit for about 20 minutes. Drink the tea up to three times daily as needed. This cold home remedy is safe for children who are at least six years old. Give them a half cup of hyssop tea three times a day.
Vitamin Cold Treatments
The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies by Joe and Teresa Graedon (Hardcover, 1999) recommends using vitamin C to treat cold symptoms. According to the authors, the ascorbic acid in vitamin C boosts the immune system and speeds up the recovery process. To maximize the effects of vitamin C as a cold home remedy, take 1,000 mg each day.
Zinc is also on the list of cold treatments recommended in the book. It notes a Cleveland Clinic study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine that suggests that zinc gluconate lozenges cut the duration of the cold in half. However, the authors point out that zinc lozenges are not among the most popular common cold remedies because they don't taste good and have side effects such as nausea.
For more information on cold and sinus allergy relief, see the article titled Bronchitis Remedies. The article Natural Remedies for Toddler Allergies includes home remedies for allergy and cold treatments.
Resource:
Mayo Clinic
Jennifer Graham - Jennifer Graham is a Writer/Producer for a video production company. She helps create videos that raise awareness to health related ...
