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It takes around 7 to 10 days for a general cold to go away. For the person affected by the cold, this feels like a lifetime.
In the world where everyone is always so busy, being out for the count for over a week is not possible. But what choice is there other than to wait it out?
Lucky for us all, there are natural cures for colds that help shorten the span of that evil cold and give relief to common symptoms. The best part is that these cures are items many households have on hand at any given time.
Keep reading to find out more!
1. Water
In order to get healthy again, your body needs to stay hydrated. This is good advice even when you’re not sick, but it’s extra important during those sick days.
When you’re stuffed up and breath through your mouth a lot, you’re ridding yourself of a lot of hydration. Same when you cough or sneeze. On top of all that, your body works overtime in order to fight off the cold, so it needs help staying hydrated throughout that process.
Water is the best choice for this, whether you take it cold or warm it up to soothe your throat. If you want some more variety, add lemon to the water, or drink clear broths and juice as well.
Even if it feels like you’re unable to hold down anything at all, at least take a few sips of water whenever possible. Getting dehydrated while you’re sick will make all of your symptoms much worse.
2. Vitamin C
Taking in a regular dose of Vitamin C every day is always beneficial. But when you’re feeling ill, it’s one of your best friends.
Vitamin C boosts your immune system and keeps it running strong. This makes it a great asset to both prevent future illnesses as well as combating the one you’re suffering from now.
Make sure to eat a lot of different fruits and veggies that are high in this vitamin. Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and greens are perfect foods to have during a cold.
If you’re unable to eat much, then a supplement is a good alternative. Let your doctor know before you start taking supplements of any kind, however!
3. Essential Oils
Using a humidifier is one of the best things to do when you have a cold. The extra moisture helps with congestion and sore throats.
To make this even better, add a few drops of essential oils into the water before you turn on the machine. Not only do they smell nice, but they also have extra benefits.
If you don’t have a humidifier, take a bowl of hot water and breathe in the steam from there. Cover your head with a towel to help trap the steam in a more condensed area for a better effect.
Make sure you always purchase your essential oils from a reputable source, such as Dusk.
4. Honey
Drinking a cup of warm water mixed with raw honey is one of the best ways to help a cold. Honey is full of antioxidants and has a lot of antibacterial properties. This strengthens your immune system and helps your body fight off the cold.
As an added bonus, a cup of warm water sweetened with honey soothes a nasty cough and a painful throat. Plus, it’s nice and sweet which is always a treat when you’re feeling ill.
If adding it to water isn’t your preference, then add a spoonful or two to your favorite tea.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar isn’t the most palatable option listed here, but it is a powerful one. It helps to alkalinize the imbalances in your body which aids in getting rid of the harmful bacteria. The sooner that bacteria gets out of your body, the sooner you’ll feel much better.
Either gargle the apple cider vinegar straight in order to help cure a sore throat, or add a small amount to a cup of water. Warm up the water to make a kind of apple cider vinegar tea. Adding in some lemon gives some extra Vitamin C and helps to mask the flavor.
The more vinegar you add, the better it is for you. But don’t overdo it if you can’t handle the flavor, that will end up making you feel worse. Repeat a couple of times throughout the day for the best effects.
6. Ginger
This spicy root is a great way to help fight against that awful congested feeling. It brings down inflammation and helps give an extra boost to your immune system.
Drinking ginger tea is a great way to soothe the throat as well. The spicy warmth lingers, giving you lasting relief.
If you don’t have a specific ginger tea available, heat up a cup of water and add in a teaspoon or two of ground up ginger.
7. Garlic
Another staple in the kitchen that works wonders against colds. Garlic does best when it’s working to prevent colds, although it does aid the battle against illnesses as well.
It contains a compound called allicin, which strengthens your immune system and fights against colds.
Cooked garlic is less effective than raw, as the cooking process weakens the allicin. Some people like to eat a teaspoon of raw garlic to get the most into their system at one time. Otherwise, whenever its dinner time, be sure to add some raw garlic to the dish.
All of These Cures for Colds Work Best With Rest
With the help of natural cures for colds, your illness won’t stay around for long at all. But the secret to helping the cold disappear as fast as possible is to get lots of rest alongside these cures.
Your body needs rest in order to fight off the cold, no matter how many cures you’ve used. Remember to get as much rest as possible whenever your cold is at its worst. Don’t push yourself too much, even if you’ve used every trick in the book to get better.
Proper rest is one of the best things for a cold, so don’t neglect it!
Looking for more health tips? Check out the rest of our blog!
