Information on Common Cold Remedies

The common cold is the most common health problem, affecting people of all ages. Also known as acute coryza, the common cold is actually an inflammation of the upper-respiratory system caused by an infection of the rhinovirus, of which there are hundreds of different strains. Some of the most common symptoms of the common cold are nasal congestion, sore throat, running nose, headache, and chills. There are a good number of home remedies to ease the symptoms of the common cold, most of which are easily available and very affordable.

Lemon

• Lemon is one home treatment of the common cold. It can have benefits for anyone experiencing a common cold that is accompanied by a fever. One lemon should be added to a glass of warm water, and flavored with a teaspoon a honey, once or twice daily. The lemon is rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, helping the body naturally defend against the infection. It also works to decrease the toxicity of the blood, another way it will strengthen the body against the virus. Honey itself works against infection, and the added flavor is beneficial, considering that the lemon is very sour.

Garlic

• A second good way to help the body fight off infection is garlic. One remedy for the common cold that was used decades ago is garlic soup. Garlic soup can be made by chopping up three or four cloves of garlic very finely, then adding them to a cup of water. Then boil the water, mixing the oils from the garlic thoroughly through the water. Garlic is a natural antiseptic and antispasmodic, and also has many other medicinal properties. Garlic oil can help open up the respiratory pathways, making breathing easier if congestion is heavy. If garlic is taken through the soup mentioned above, it will work to flush out all the toxins from the system and help bring down a fever. A few drops of garlic oil, mixed with one teaspoon of onion juice can also be mixed together in one cup of warm water to help open the bronchial passages, ease congestion, and control a fever.

Ginger

• Ginger, a common household herb, is a third home treatment for the common cold. Finely chopping about ten grams of ginger and boiling it in a cup of water can bring some relief to colds with coughs. After boiling, strain the hot water and add half a teaspoon of sugar. This mixture should be taken while still hot, for the best effect. This ginger tea can be taken twice daily to ease a cough; it is also another way to help if the cold causes a fever.

Lady's Fingers

• One vegetable, called Lady's Fingers, is helpful in easing the symptoms of a common cold. While ginger can be used as a treatment for a cough with congestion, Lady's Fingers are helpful in bringing relief to a dry, persistent cough. The vegetable acts as a drug against swelling, pain, and irritation; all of which are helpful when a dry persistent cough leaves the throat feeling raw and swollen. Cut up the Lady's Fingers, boil them in water and inhale the fumes. After boiling for three-to-four minutes, let the mixture cool and drink it slowly.

Common Remedies

• Some of the more common remedies for colds are water, humidity and chicken noodle soup. Chicken noodle soup and humidity help loosen mucus, and water helps prevent dehydration.