Methods to Help You Deal with a Cold at Home
Cold weather and seasonal changes often bring on the common cold, causing discomfort and disrupting daily life. While modern medicine offers treatments to ease cold symptoms, there are plenty of natural remedies that can be just as effective. If you prefer a more natural approach, here are several methods you can use at home to relieve the symptoms of a cold and speed up your recovery.
1. Inhale the Steam from Fresh Onion
Onions are known for their antibacterial properties and can help clear your airways. When you notice the first signs of a cold, cut a large fresh onion into pieces and inhale the steam. This method is especially helpful for easing nasal congestion and soothing sore throats. Repeat this process 3–4 times a day.
The sulfur compounds found in onions have been shown to help reduce the severity of cold symptoms by thinning mucus and promoting drainage. Additionally, the act of inhaling steam can help clear up sinus congestion, making it easier to breathe.
2. Garlic Infusion with Alcohol
Garlic is another powerful natural remedy for colds due to its antimicrobial and antiviral properties. To make a garlic infusion, finely crush 100 grams of garlic and add it to 1 cup of vodka or another type of alcohol. Shake well and let the mixture sit for several hours.
After that, take 1 drop of the mixture on your tongue, hold it in your mouth for a few seconds, and then swallow. Repeat this process 3–4 times over the course of 3–4 days. This method can help your body fight off the viral infection causing the cold. Garlic helps boost your immune system, and alcohol acts as a solvent, making the beneficial compounds in garlic easier to absorb.
3. Lemon and Vegetable Oil Nasal Treatment
Lemon is a natural disinfectant and an excellent source of vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system and fight off infections. Grate a lemon with its peel and cover it with vegetable oil. Use this mixture to lubricate your nostrils multiple times a day.
You can also apply this mixture to your gums before meals and to your ears at night. This treatment can help clear nasal passages, prevent throat irritation, and enhance overall respiratory health.
4. Salt Water Drink
A saltwater solution can help clear congestion, soothe a sore throat, and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. In 1.5 liters of boiled water, dissolve 1 tablespoon of coarse salt, the juice of 1 lemon, and 1 gram of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Mix well and drink this solution over the course of 1.5 hours.
This method is excellent for flushing out toxins and bacteria from your body, helping to reduce the intensity of your cold symptoms. Vitamin C boosts your immune system, while salt helps reduce swelling in the throat and nasal passages.
5. Hot Lemon and Butter Drink
If you’re suffering from a cold and a sore throat, this hot lemon drink can provide soothing relief. Place 1 lemon in hot water for 1 minute, then zest the lemon. Mix the zest with 100 grams of butter and 1–2 tablespoons of honey. Stir well and take 1 tablespoon of this mixture every 2–3 hours throughout the day.
The butter acts as a soothing agent, while honey provides antibacterial properties. Lemon offers a burst of vitamin C, which is essential for fighting off viruses and enhancing your immune response.
6. Potato Compress for High Fever
If you’re experiencing a high fever, a potato compress can help reduce your body temperature and provide relief. Grate 2 fresh potatoes and mix them with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to form a paste. Spread this mixture onto a cloth and place it on your forehead. Leave the compress in place for about 2 hours before replacing it with a fresh one.
The potatoes help to absorb excess heat from your body, while the vinegar helps balance your body’s pH and cools you down. This method is especially effective if you’re suffering from a fever associated with a cold or flu.
7. Hot Beer and Spice Remedy
An old folk remedy for treating colds involves a hot drink made from beer and spices. To make this, take 2 bottles of beer, add a small amount of cinnamon, 3–4 cloves, and the peel of 1 lemon. Beat 3 egg yolks and pour the spiced beer mixture into it. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, but be sure not to bring it to a boil.
Once the mixture thickens, drink 1 to 1.5 cups of this brew. This remedy can help relieve congestion, improve circulation, and speed up recovery from a cold. The beer acts as a carrier for the spices and helps you sweat out toxins, while the egg yolks provide protein to strengthen your immune system.
8. Mulberry Leaf Tea for Sore Throat
Mulberry leaves have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation. To prepare a tea, pour 500 ml of boiling water over 4 tablespoons of mulberry leaves. Let the tea steep for 20 minutes, then strain it. Drink 2 cups of this tea before bedtime to ease your throat pain and reduce coughing.
This tea is not only soothing, but the antioxidants in mulberry leaves can help boost your immune system and reduce the severity of cold symptoms. The tea also serves as a great sleep aid, helping your body rest and recover overnight.
9. Daily Garlic Tooth Brushing
Garlic is known for its strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it a great addition to your cold-fighting regimen. To protect yourself from cold and flu viruses, brush your teeth daily with a mixture of crushed garlic. The antimicrobial properties of garlic can help eliminate harmful bacteria in your mouth and throat, which might otherwise lead to illness.
For extra protection, you can also make a garlic mouthwash by steeping a few crushed garlic cloves in warm water and using it as a gargle. This will help kill any bacteria in the throat and reduce the chances of a cold developing into a more severe infection.
Conclusion
These natural remedies provide a variety of ways to treat cold symptoms at home, helping you recover quickly without relying solely on over-the-counter medications. Whether you are looking to relieve a sore throat, reduce congestion, or boost your immune system, these time-tested methods can be just as effective as pharmaceutical options.
It’s important to note that while these remedies can help alleviate symptoms, they should be used in conjunction with proper hydration, rest, and a balanced diet. If you experience severe symptoms or if your cold lasts longer than usual, it’s always advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Source: This article is based on natural remedies and home treatments for cold, compiled from trusted sources and folk medicine. For more information and additional remedies, visit Kop.ge
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