How to Cure a Cold Naturally

If you suffer from sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and congestion, you probably have a cold. Standard cold medicines contain a variety of warning labels. Try these natural remedies and you will be feeling better without the side effects.

Instructions

• 1

  Prevention. To prevent a cold from sneaking up on you, eat a healthy diet, wash your hands frequently, get plenty of vitamin C, and try probiotics. Probiotics work by ensuring you have enough good bacteria in your digestive system. You can get them at a health food store. Don't buy them if they haven't been refrigerated. Another source of good bacteria in your diet is yogurt!

• 2

  Zinc. Studies have shown that zinc can shorten the life of a cold. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation did a study that showed nasal gel, such as Zicam, works better than lozenges. Take zinc at the first sign of a cold.

• 3

  Drink plenty of water. As with most health problems, ensuring you drink enough water will help. Dehydration will make cold symptoms feel much worse.

• 4

  Humidity. Also, keep your sinuses hydrated by running a humidifier while you sleep. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus to a warm mist humidifier. For a cool mist humidifier, try adding a cup of hydrogen peroxide.

• 5

  Tomato Tea. This is a home remedy that will clear your sinuses quickly. 1 Cup tomato juice or V8. 1 or 2 cloves of crushed garlic. 1 Tablespoon lemon juice. Hot sauce or pepper. You can try tabasco sauce, cayenne pepper, horse radish, dried pepper flakes, etc. Make it just as spices as you can tolerate it. The capricin, found in hot peppers, clears the sinuses.

• 6

  Vitamin C. You can take supplements, but natural food sources are usually better. Natural food sources of vitamin C include: broccoli, bell peppers, strawberries, lemons, papaya, cabbage, spinach, kiwi, oranges, grapefruit, limes, tomatoes, zucchini, raspberries, asparagus, celery, and pineapple.

• 7

  Chicken Soup. Chicken soup is a traditional method of curing a cold. According to WebMD, chicken soup does help clear nasal passages. Homemade broth is the best at curing colds.

• 8

  Sore Throat. If you get a sore throat, try one of these natural remedies: 1. gargle with salt water 2. gargle with lemon water 3. gargle with vinegar 4. eat an onion or garlic.