6 Natural Cold Remedies That Work
I am currently sick with a cold while writing this post so I am using all of these tips. I like to use natural cold remedies when I am trying to beat the common cold. This is because over-the-counter medicines are full of chemicals and they may make you feel better but it is just not worth it to me.
But don’t get me wrong when I have a really bad cold I will take nighttime cold medicine from time to time. As I always say everything is about balance.
I would recommend these natural cold remedies to help with your symptoms but if they persist definitely see a doctor. It is also important to remember that these tips are not going to treat or prevent a cold but will help with symptoms and will hopefully help you feel better faster.
We all know having a cold sucks! I mean you can’t breathe, your body hurts, and you just feel like crap. I hope this helps you during the winter season or anytime you might be struggling with a cold.
Natural Cold Remedies
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is very important when you are sick. You want to make sure you are consuming lots of liquids throughout the day. Being properly hydrated improves your oxygen flow, which flushes out toxins that are harmful to your body. I try to drink tons of water, especially when I am sick because it helps to fight off infections.
Fluids could be:
- Water
- Soups
- Juices (stay away from ones with sugar)
- Tea
Ginger
Ginger is always my go-to when I have a nasty cold. I usually grate organic ginger for tea or I will use it in my homemade juices. The root of ginger contains anti-inflammatory gingerols and shogaols that help to relieve sore throats. They also kill rhinovirus, which causes colds.
According to HealthLine, a study showed that ginger stimulates the immune system to kill viruses.
People have been using ginger to help with sore throats and loosen congestion for centuries. Ginger is also known for helping with nausea caused by an upset stomach.
Cayenne
When I am sick, I like to eat a lot of spicy food because I feel like it helps with being congested and gets all that nasty mucus out. There are no studies proving that cayenne helps with congestion or the common cold but I personally think it helps a lot for me. This may be because cayenne can help to shrink the blood vessels in your nose and throat.
Honey
This is one of my favorite tips simply because honey feels SO good on your throat when it’s sore. It is honestly one of the only things that help soothe my sore throat.
Honey has antimicrobial properties that can help to fight off bacteria and viruses. You can add honey into any tea but I love it in green tea with a little bit of lemon.
Here is my favorite tea when I am sick.
Sweat it out
This cold remedy is more for the third or fourth day. You need to make sure you rest the first few days so your body is not working even harder. However, I love going to the sauna when I am really congested because it loosens up all the mucus and you can actually breathe again!
Another option is going into a steam room which I have not tried yet. I like to do light workouts after I am feeling a little better to get in a little sweat and add in some physical activity.
The sauna or steam room is also a great option when you are feeling yourself getting sick. There are some studies that show going into the sauna can help to prevent colds.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for your immune system and your ability to be able to fight off colds. It might not prevent your chances of getting a cold but it will definitely help you recover faster.
My favorite source of Vitamin C is lemons and leafy greens. As I said before I love putting honey and lemon into green tea when I am sick.
To be honest I usually have this every day but a lot more when I feel like I am getting or have a cold.
