When you are suffering from a scratchy throat, a runny nose and non-stop sneezing that means cold has got a hold on you. When you have a cold, your daily tasks become much harder. A common cold is a group of upper respiratory symptoms which is caused by various different viruses. It is highly contagious virus. You can catch a cold from another infected person. It is not a serious virus and can make you feel miserable. There are some remedies that will help you to ease symptoms of a cold and will make you feel better. Read this article and get some useful tips to get rid of a cold fast.
A cold starts when a virus attaches to the lining of your throat or nose. It is a viral infection of the throat, sinuses, nose and upper airways. It is very common and will clear up on its own within a week or two. A common cold infects the upper respiratory system. Soothing your throat and clearing your nasal passages is really helpful for treating a cold. These will help to strengthen your body’s ability to fight off the cold and reduce its duration.
How Long Does a Cold Last?
In the US, cold is very common in the fall and winter. A cold goes away within 4 to 7 days. However, if it does not, it could be a sign of a serious health condition and you need to consult the doctor as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a Cold:
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Flu
- Headache
Best Remedies to Get Rid of a Cold:
1.) Steam to Treat a Cold Fast
The best treatment for stuffy nose and cold is to steam. You can take the benefits of steam by breathing it in from a cup of tea. You can add any essential oil like peppermint, tea tree or eucalyptus oil to a bowl of warm water.
Directions to Use Steam:
- Take a heat proof bowl and then add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil in a mug of boiling water.
- Put your face over the bowl at some distance and take steam carefully.
- Drape the towel over your head to cover the healing steam and take deep breaths.
- Take the steam 2 to 3 times daily.
- You can also take a hot shower bath to relieve the cold and its symptoms.
2.) Hot Ginger Tea to Get Rid of a Cold Fast
Ginger is one of the best home remedies for treating a cold fast and naturally. The aromatic ingredients such as piperine or capsaicin found in ginger have numerous healing benefits. Ginger helps to lessen the inflammation of mucous membranes line, the sinus cavity, and the nasal passages. The tea works great in loosening up any congestion.
Directions to Use Ginger Tea:
- Take 6 to 8 tbsp of freshly grated ginger tea in a glass of water and add a little amount of cinnamon to it.
- Bring this water to boil and pour it into the jar and cover it.
- Steep it for 40 minutes because it will keep all that evaporating essential oil.
- Strain it, add a little honey and lemon to it.
- Sip it and inhale the steam.
- You can store the rest of the tea in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- Then you can reheat it and drink it 3 times throughout the day.
3.) Garlic to Get Rid of a Cold Fast and Naturally
Garlic is one of the best and effective home remedies for treating a cold. The antiviral and antibacterial properties of garlic can be beneficial in getting rid of cold symptoms. It is good for your immune system and will help to open up the respiratory passages and also help to flush out toxins from your body.
Directions to Use Garlic:
- Crush the 1 garlic clove and mix it with a tsp of lemon juice.
- Also, add 1 tsp of honey to it and add warm water.
- Stir it well and then drink it. Repeat this remedy twice or thrice a day to reduce the symptoms of a cold.
4.) Honey and Onion Syrup to Cure a Cold Fast and Naturally
Honey and onion are the best and effective remedies for cold and cough. The honey works great for healing a sore throat while the onion will work wonders with its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It will help to loosen the phlegm deep in the chest.
Directions to Use Honey and Onion Syrup:
- Cut the onion into slices.
- Place the slice of the onion into a jar and then add a layer of honey over it.
- Continue to layer the onion and sweetener.
- Once you are finished, cover the jar tightly and allow it to sit overnight.
- After that, you will see that there will be only liquid in the jar.
- Take a spoon of this solution to control your cold and cough.
- You can use both the brown sugar and honey.
5.) Make Syrup to Treat a Cold Fast and Naturally
Medicinal healing syrup works wonderfully. It helps to relieve cold and its symptoms. Syrups are basically a strong medicinal tea with some honey. This syrup includes licorice root, marshmallow root, ginger, and cinnamon. It is very easy to take and when your throat is aching, it is very helpful. Licorice root and marshmallow root are infamous for soothing coughs and sore throat as they are high in mucilage which soothes the mucous membranes. Cinnamon and ginger will help with congestion and pain relief.
Directions to Use Syrup:
- Mix 1 tbsp of licorice root, 1 tbsp of marshmallow root, 1 tbsp of ground cinnamon or 6 cinnamon sticks, 1 tbsp of chopped ginger and 1 cup of organic honey.
- Add these herbs in a saucepan with 4 cups of cold water.
- Heat it until it is reduced by its half.
- Strain the herbs and then pour the liquid into the pot.
- Over the lowest heat, stir the honey and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Remove it from the heat.
- Consume it 1 to 2 tbsp of this syrup 3 times daily to get relief from coughing, congestion and sore throat.
- Keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks.
6.) Chicken Soup to Get Rid of a Cold Fast
The soup contains many essential vitamins and nutrients to treat common cold symptoms. Chicken soup is high in antioxidant properties that will help to speed up the healing process. It will restore strength in your body and boost immunity. For best and effective results, prepare homemade chicken soup with organic vegetables and chicken.
7.) Spice Tea to Get Rid of a Cold Fast
Spice tea is highly beneficial for treating the common cold and its symptoms. It is an ayurvedic remedy for common cold. It has benefits of all the natural spices that helps to heal a sore throat, strep throat, runny nose, cold, and cough.
Directions to Use Spice Tea:
- Dry roast and grind one and half tbsp of cumin and fennel seeds, a quarter cup of coriander seeds and a quarter tsp of fenugreek seeds.
- Boil a cup of water and add 1 and a half tbsp of this spice powder and one and a half tsp of rock candy.
- Allow it to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add 2 tbsp of milk to it.
- Bring it to boil and then strain the solution. Drink it slowly while it is warm.
- Drink this tea daily until the cold symptoms are gone.
8.) Chest Salve to Prevent a Cold Overnight
This works great because of the menthol present in the essential oil. It creates the cool sensation that will make you feel like you can breathe easier. It helps to relieve congestion and other cold symptoms.
Directions to Use Chest Slave:
- Take half cup of coconut oil and melt it down.
- Remove it from the heat and pour it into an airtight container.
- Add 15 drops of essential oil to it, stir it and seal it while it cools.
- Once it has cooled, simply rub a little under your nose or on your chest.
- You can keep it in a cool dark place out of direct sunlight up to 3 years.
9.) Mullein Tea to Get Rid of a Cold Fast
Mullein tea is one of the best home remedies for a cold treatment. You can cure a cold by drinking lots of fluids and nothing can be better than a cup of mullein tea. The expectorant properties of mullein tea can relieve chest congestion which often accompanies a cold.
Directions to Use Mullein Tea:
- To prepare mullein tea, take some dried mullein herb and put it in a cup of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add a little honey to it and drink it 2 or 3 times in a day.
- You can also have green tea to treat symptoms of a cold.
10.) Pepper to Get Rid of a Cold Fast
Pepper is one of the most effective natural remedies for its various symptoms of a cold. The capsaicin compound present in pepper helps to thin the mucus and will provide relief from congestion. It will help to get rid of a cold fast.
Directions to Use Pepper:
- If you are suffering from a runny nose, put pepper in your meal when you eat a meal.
- You can also gargle with a tsp of black pepper mixed with a glass of warm water.
- If you can’t eat or drink pepper then you can take benefit from smelling pepper throughout the day.
