Household Remedies for the Common Cold

The common cold has been around for possibly thousands of years. Naturally, home remedies have been developed over time to help ease the symptoms of this pesky bug we call "the cold." Many herbs have antimicrobial properties which can help. Simply ingesting these helpful herbs can reduce the length and severity of cold symptoms.

Household remedies for the cold

• Decide wether or not your cold symptoms are severe enough for a trip to the doctor. Do not hesitate on checking into the hospital if your condition deteriorates rapidly. Those with unhealthy immune systems should take extreme caution whenever cold symptoms are evident. Try eating a bowl of old fashioned Campbell's Chicken Noodle soup. This has long been a favorite home remedy. The herbs in the chicken broth release a pleasant vapor and this is good for clearing up the sinuses.
  Buy some fresh Thyme and make a tea to drink once or twice a day during your illness. Thyme possesses natural antibiotics and is always good to take in supplements. You must note that ingesting the thyme oil could cause health problems so making a tea or a dish including thyme as a seasoning is the best way for consumption.
  Take a garlic supplement or prepare a dish with heavy fresh garlic. Garlic is another member of the antimicrobial family of herbs and spices and helps to give your immune system a healthy boost.
  Try a dish made with fresh sage as an ingredient. Like thyme, sage contains a natural antibiotic property and has been used to sooth sore throats when made into a tea with honey and lemon. To reduce a fever associated with a cold try using Elder in a tea or meal. Elder has been shown to decrease the duration of a cold and flu and has properties that help to relieve sinus congestion. Get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids containing vitamin C. Drink a glass of orange or apple juice twice daily and you should see your cold symptoms start to disappear.