Being sick with the common cold is no fun. Even when you get to stay home from work and rest at home, you still have to deal with body aches, fever, and chills. While various antiviral medications are available to help, many turn to alternative medicine for treating a cold at home.
The research on home remedies for colds and sneezing is mixed. However, many people still choose them to help support their recovery. Here is a look at some of the most commonly used strategies to battle the common cold at home.
Resting and Staying Warm
If you’re staying home with a cold, the best thing to do is rest. Even doctors agree on this since resting recharges your immune system and allows your body’s energy to go toward fighting the virus.
Staying warm and hydrated is also important when treating a cold at home. Drinking hot liquids may help ease congestion by increasing mucus flow. This is why chicken soup and herbal teas are among everyone’s favorite picks during the cold seasons.
Natural Consumables
The most popular home remedies for colds and sneezing are foods and other consumable options that fight infections. Studies support some of these options, while others don’t have the same research support. It’s important to discuss these options with your healthcare provider prior to using them to ensure that they won’t interfere with any other treatments or medications you’re using.
1. Echinacea
Echinacea is a popular remedy among Native Americans who have been using the roots of this plant for centuries in traditional medicines. The active ingredients in echinacea are flavonoids which may help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
Research on the effectiveness of this plant for treating a cold at home is mixed. Some studies suggest that echinacea does little to help patients. Others show that it can be a helpful remedy for improving symptoms in children. Nonetheless, many of those staying home with a cold use it. While the short-term use of echinacea is deemed as well-tolerated for many people, its long-term use may have risks. Reports show it may cause nausea, stomach aches, allergic reactions, and drug interactions.
2. Ginger
Ginger is another popular home remedy for colds and sneezing. It’s most commonly used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to help with coughs, sore throats, and nasal discharge. Some studies also point to the usefulness of ginger root tea for treating a cold at home. They suggest that ginger may help alleviate nausea which sometimes accompanies the flu.
Despite its health benefits, ginger may cause side effects if taken in high amounts such as heartburn and indigestion.
3. Garlic
Garlic is another natural ingredient with a multitude of potential benefits. One of those benefits may help patients battle the common cold. The cold-fighting properties of garlic are attributed to allicin, the compound that gives this vegetable its characteristic scent.
A 2014 study examined the effectiveness of garlic in preventing and treating a cold at home. In this study, over 100 participants used garlic for 12 weeks in winter. Their risk of catching a cold was lowered by half. Those who did become sick recovered quicker than usual.
Like other home remedies for colds and sneezing, garlic has some potential downsides. The most obvious is the bad breath and body odor you might contend with and others may include dizziness, headaches, and chills.
4. Honey
Another favorite remedy among those staying home with a cold is honey. Honey is a potent antimicrobial ingredient that tastes delicious, but is it effective for when you’re treating a cold at home? Some studies suggest that it is. These studies point to the potential efficacy of honey in reducing coughs and one such study explored the effects of buckwheat honey on children who had a cold.
While it’s safe to enjoy a little honey with your tea, consuming too much of this natural sweetener may cause dental cavities. Another downside is children under one year old cannot consume it due to the risk of infant botulism from bacteria.
5. Vitamin C
Another option people use for treating a cold at home is vitamin C. It’s common knowledge that vitamin C is vital for overall health and wellness, but it wasn’t until 1968 that scientists suggested it may be beneficial for colds.
Later studies showed that vitamin C lowered the risk of colds in people who exercised regularly or lived in colder temperatures. Other studies showed that vitamin C doesn’t prevent colds but rather helps reduce their severity once they occur.
People use all kinds of vitamin C-rich foods as home remedies for colds and sneezing including oranges, limes, and grapefruit. While it may be helpful for treating a cold at home, too much vitamin C may cause diarrhea and gas.
Treat Your Cold At Home With the Help of Online Pharmacies
The jury is still out on using these home remedies for fighting colds, but there are other effective solutions to turn to when staying home with a cold. Scientifically-developed over-the-counter medications are one of them. These drugs have passed countless tests to prove their tolerability and efficacy. Some even use the natural ingredients mentioned above.
You can get the medications for treating a cold at home from reliable online pharmacies. There are so many benefits to telemedicine and virtual pharmacies — one of the most important ones being they remove the need to visit an actual pharmacy when you’re sick and tired. It doesn’t get more convenient than that.
Inhouse Pharmacy, An Online Pharmacy You Can Trust
You can try these home remedies for colds and sneezing, but nothing can replace cold medications for fighting a virus. If you’re looking for a reputable online pharmacy to get them, Inhouse Pharmacy can help!
We carry a selection of authentic and affordable medications for treating a cold at home. With free worldwide delivery and responsive customer service, we help you get the care you deserve. Our next-level care is reflected in our positive customer reviews. If you’re after a similar experience, start your journey with us today. Don’t forget to contact us if you have any questions.
