Coughing, sneezing, aching body, it's what goes around this time of year. Whether you're sick or it's your kids or the whole office, everyone has a method to cure their cold. Some swear by grandma's chicken noodle soup or gatorade and toast or lots of NyQuil. What natural cures for the common cold actually do work? Here's a few methods that the experts swear by.
ZINC
Why it works: It blocks receptors on your cells to the cold virus, which stops it from spreading to more cells making you feel worse.
How to use it: Naturopathic doctor Read Weaver Schusky says, "Zinc lozenges have to be a specific form: zinc gluconate, zinc glycinate, or zinc acetate. There can also be no citric acid, ascorbic acid, xylitol, or mannitol in the product." Be sure to let the lozenge dissolve slowly.
VITAMIN C
Why it works: Taking vitamin C supplements regularly (not just at the beginning of a cold) produces only a small reduction in the duration of a cold (about 1 day) according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is an antioxidant and can block out some damage caused by free radicals.
How to use it: You can take vitamin C tablets, drink orange juice (not the artificial stuff), take an airborne or other non-prescriptive medication.
GARLIC
Why it works: Who cares if your breath stinks, you probably stink too from not feeling well or showering for a few days while you're home sick. "Raw garlic especially has anti-viral and anti-bacterial fighting ability," according to nutrition and wellness coach Ling Wong.
How to use it: Make some toast, add a little olive oil or butter, and some minced raw garlic on top. It'll get into your system quicker than popping a garlic pill.
SWEAT
Why it works: You're probably having cold sweats, but sweating more could actually be a good thing. When our immune system wins, we break a sweat and drive out the pathogen. "Our fever is a function of our own bodies defenses that helps weaken the invading pathogen and not a function of the infection itself. It is said when the pores open and sweat comes out, it carriers away the invader and your immune system wins," says licensed acupuncturist Tom Ingegno.
How to do it: Wrap yourself in warm layers, drink hot beverages or even exercise, once you have a good sweat going you should be on your way to recovery. You can also head to the steam sauna at your gym or make your own at home in your shower. Another way is to boil a pot of water on the stove, remove it, then put a towel over your head and breathe in the steam, just don't burn yourself.
TEA
Why it works: Dr. Julie T. Chen explains, "Warm green tea is full of antioxidant flavonoids. They help us to strengthen our immune system and have some potential anti-viral and anti-bacterial benefits as well."
How to use it: Boil some hot water, insert your favorite green tea bag, let it steep, and then sip away.
HONEY
Why it works: "The natural sugars prevent fatigue and provide immediate energy boost while the antioxidants help improve digestive system and fight disease. Plus the antimicrobial properties kill bacteria and soothe the throat better than over the counter cough syrup," according to Honeydrop Beverages.
How to use it: Grab a jar from the supermarket and add it to your tea or have a spoonful. It's even better if you buy local honey because it's said to help combat allergies too.
AJWAIN SEEDS
Why it works: Ajwain seeds which are an Indian spice. Its most common use is actually not for colds, but you can either ingest the seeds or create the warm pouch and place over the abdomen for gas and bloating. They do help with congestion.
How to use it: Chiropractic Doctor Nimira S. Alibhoy recommends you, "Take a handful and place it in a "cheese cloth" or a clean sock. You can warm the pouch and place it on skin in the area of the lungs to help with congestion. Also, you can make a slightly larger pouch and draw a hot bath, and soak in the water and sit in that for a while."
Sleep is also crucial in combating sickness. While we catch our zzz's our body recovers and regenerates.
What natural remedies do you use to cure colds?
