How to Get Rid of a Cold Without Antibiotics

Most people catch colds throughout their lives and generally tend to feel ill for a period of around two weeks, during which the cold runs its course. Since all colds are caused by viral infections, antibiotic treatments are generally ineffective against infections caused by viruses. While there is no cure for the common cold, natural treatments can effectively alleviate cold symptoms, shorten a cold's duration and bring quick relief.

Things You'll Need

• Saltwater solution
• Tea
• Warm liquids
• Chicken soup
• Echinacea tea and supplements
• Vitamin C
• Garlic, ginger and onion

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Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  Drink warm liquids like water, clear soup or warm lime juice with honey at regular intervals. Warm liquids relieve congested nasal pathways by soothing inflamed membranes and prevent your body from getting dehydrated.

• 2

  Dissolve one fourth to half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle at least twice daily. The saltwater gargle will help to moisten a sore throat and relieve the itchy feeling.

• 3

  Drink echinacea tea and take vitamin C supplements to strengthen your immune system's defenses against cold viruses. According to the MedicineNet website, echinacea and vitamin C shortened the duration of colds in participants during a research study.

• 4

  Drink a bowl of chicken soup to ease the symptoms of a cold. The Mayo Clinic website states that chicken soup works as an anti-inflammatory to soothe and relieve inflamed mucus membranes. It also reduces nasal congestion by speeding the movement of mucus out of the nose.

• 5

  Cook your meals with foods like garlic, ginger and onions, all which contain antiviral properties that help to fight cold infections.