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What’s a fast, natural way to cure a cold?
It may not be as severe as the flu, but the sneezing, stuffy nose, and sore throat that come with a common cold still make basic day-to-day activities harder.
Over-the-counter medications can help with some cold symptoms. But maybe you don’t want to deal with side effects. Or you have prescriptions that may not pair well with other drugs. No matter your reason, here are 6 natural cold remedies that can ease some of the pain.
Stay hydrated
Proper hydration can help your body fight infection. To make sure you’re staying hydrated, try to:
- Drink lots of fluids. This can include water, decaffeinated tea, juice (but skip anything with too much sugar), and soup.
- Avoid beverages that dehydrate you [EB1] — like sodas, alcohol, or coffee.
- Set yourself reminders to drink water.
- Fill up a water bottle in the morning and make sure to sip it throughout the day.
- Watch out for signs of dehydration, like bad breath and less urine than usual.
Get some good rest
Fighting an illness can take a toll on your body. Giving your body the rest it needs can help your immune system fight off the cold virus. Here are a few ways to let your body naturally heal itself:
- Put down your mobile devices. Too much screen time can affect your health.
- Take a nap.
- Read a lighthearted book.
- Try different types of meditation.
- Watch a heartwarming movie.
Spice up your food
When your body is building defenses against a cold virus, inflammation can occur. Try adding some spices to your food to help reduce inflammation — while giving your meal an extra kick of flavor:
- Add some turmeric, ginger, and garlic to your soup recipes.
- Sprinkle some cinnamon and clove in decaf tea.
- Use a dash of cayenne pepper in a dish to help temporarily clear a stuffy nose.
Manage your cold symptoms at home
The most common symptoms of a cold are sore throat and congestion. You can try a variety of soothing ways to address them.
How to ease your sore throat
A sore throat can be a constant irritation when you have a cold. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies for a sore throat.
- Make your own honey, lemon, and ginger cough drops. There are several recipes available online — find one that works for you.
- Sip warm honey and lemon for your sore throat.
- Gargle warm saltwater.
- Drink warm, clear broth.
- Enjoy a cold treat like cherry ice pops.
How to reduce congestion
When mucus builds up in your nasal passages and lungs, it causes congestion and a general feeling of stuffiness. Most congestion from a cold will clear up on its own over time, but some home remedies for a cold can reduce it:
- Use a cool mist vaporizer.
- Run a hot, steamy shower.
- Try a sinus rinse with saline solution.
- Place a warm compress on your face.
- Prop up your head with pillows before bed. This may allow some of your congestion to drain from your nose while you sleep.
Practice prevention
One of the best ways to manage a cold is to avoid getting sick in the first place. Easier said than done, right? While it’s impossible to avoid ever catching a cold, there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk, like:
- Learn how to boost your immune system naturally. Exercise regularly. Eat healthy foods — especially dark green leafy vegetables. And take good care of your mental health.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often.
- Avoid touching your face. Cold viruses can live on your hands for up to 24 hours, and they can enter your body through your nose, mouth, and eyes.
- If possible, stay away from people who are sick.
How long does a cold last?
Colds usually last 1 to 2 weeks, and the old saying is true: There’s no cure for the common cold. So keep in mind that the above remedies are meant to help treat the symptoms, not the infection. The only thing that will truly make colds go away is time.
When to see a doctor for a cold
If you still aren’t better or start to feel worse after a week or 2, it may be time to see a doctor. Seek medical attention right away if you develop serious symptoms, like:
- Persistent high fever
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme weakness
- Lightheadedness