Natural remedies to fight the common cold

With temperatures dropping, cold air currents arriving suddenly, alternating with very high temperature changes, the risk of cold becomes high. And many, mistakenly, think they can solve the problem very quickly, without allowing the cold to run its course, using drugs, starting with the famous tachypirinHow many of us, these days, due to the constant changes in temperature are struggling with cold and stuffy noseTemporary ailments that, most of the time, do not require medical treatment and can be addressed and cured with simple natural remedies.

Index of topics

Symptoms

The symptoms of a cold are obvious. Being a viral disorder, it manifests with nasal congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing. If the cold is more severe, these symptoms may also be accompanied by other basic symptoms: low-grade fever, sore throat, headache, and muscle aches.

Natural remedies against the common cold

Here are some natural remedies to combat nasal congestion, starting with steam inhalations, a real cure-all for a stuffy nose and cold. And don't forget the importance of Zinc on a preventive level!

Baking soda fumigations

Among those certainly best known and most used is the bicarbonate fumigation, perfect for decongesting the airways. To prepare it, boil a liter of water in a pot. Once boiling, pour it into a basin and add two tablespoons of baking soda. Cover your head with a towel to prevent the steam from escaping, and inhale for about ten minutes.

Eucalyptus essential oil fumigations

Similarly, steam inhalations with eucalyptus essential oil are also an excellent remedy for a stuffy nose. Eucalyptus can be used in addition to or instead of baking soda: just a few drops are enough to feel instantly better.

Fumigations with coarse salt

If then, when you go to prepare the water for the fumigations, you realise that you don't have either the bicarbonate or the drops of eucalyptus No problem: you can replace them with coarse salt. Boil the water and proceed as usual.

Supply

Colds and nasal congestion can also be fought at the table so never miss at least one orange juice rich in Vitamin C, lots of fresh fruit and lots of vegetables. Instead, limit your consumption of dairy products and alcohol.: these can cause dehydration and increase nasal dryness. Prefer herbal teas and hot soups. Finally, make sure there is the right level of humidity in the houseExcessively dry air is not good for colds and stuffy noses.

Thermal baths

Il thermal bath, especially if sulfur-based, is an excellent natural remedy for colds and stuffy noses. Its benefits come from the fact that sulfur liquefies and therefore soothes the mucous membranes and promotes the expulsion of mucus. This also helps decongest the nose. Thermal baths, finally, boost the immune system and were popular among the Romans, for example, due to their therapeutic effects.

Herbal Teas

Another powerful natural remedy against colds is represented by herbal teas. Also effective are the infusions.

Honey and ginger

They are two precious natural ingredients against colds.

Honey: It has antibacterial and soothing properties. You can add it to a hot herbal tea or simply take it alone.
ZENZERO: It has anti-inflammatory properties. You can make a fresh ginger tea, adding lemon and honey.

Hot broth

Even a hot chicken or vegetable broth, taken in the evening, at dinner, is very effective against colds.

The farmer's remedy

The fastest natural remedy for stopping a cold, when it works, is the one used by farmers when many medicines for the flu and stuffy nose did not yet exist.

Tilt your head, alternately from one side to the other.
Insert hydrogen peroxide into both ears.
Leave it to act for a few minutes.
Dry with a tissue.

Acqua e dirty

Several studies, including recent ones, encourage us to rediscover an ancient but highly effective natural remedy for the common cold: nasal rinsing with salt water. First of all, unlike medications, even over-the-counter ones, it has no contraindications. Secondly, it allows for rapid recovery, reducing the duration of symptoms and the viral load of the respiratory tract infection. How is it done? Simply rinse the nasal passages with salt water to remove mucus, hydrate, and reduce swelling. This inexpensive, safe, and effective remedy is even recommended by the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

Prevention

Even a cold, although it is a rather trivial ailment that passes quickly, can be avoided with a few preventive measures.

Wash your hands frequently, and in any case every time you eat.
Drink water regularly: the famous 8 glasses help dissolve mucus.
Don't frequently put your hands in your nose and mouth.
If you have to sneeze, cover your nose with your hands, turn your head, or even use a tissue.
Don't use napkins from other people you're eating with who have a cold. For the first two or three days, a cold infection is contagious.
Avoid sudden changes in temperature.
In winter, dress in layers, and in summer, try not to overdo the air conditioning.

Natural remedies for colds