Feeling under the weather with a runny nose and scratchy throat? The common cold can be frustrating and exhausting, but there are ways to feel better faster. This post covers five effective steps to beat cold symptoms, including over-the-counter medications, home remedies, and lifestyle changes. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to recovery in no time. Read on to regain control and start feeling your best!
What Exactly is Common Cold?
Runny nose, scratchy throat, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes. Sound familiar? These are all classic symptoms of colds and flu, two common ailments caused by viruses. Unfortunately, there is no cure for either one. Part of the reason is that viruses have a knack for mutating quickly, which is why new strains of colds and flu make the rounds every year. The common cold, also known as “acute coryza,” is an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and is causes due to infection with virus. It occurs more often than all other diseases. A person suffers from this disease three times in a year on an average. A cold usually lasts from three to ten days. The patient feels miserable for the first three days or so. The skin around the nostrils may become sore.
Head Cold and Flu Symptoms
The first signs of a cold are a feeling of soreness of the throat and congestion of the nasal passage. Although the disease normally begins in the nose and throat, it affects all parts of the body. Before you start any remedies confirm with diagnosis if you have a cold or flu. Though they share some symptoms, colds causes by different types of viruses. So, how can you tell which illness you’ve got? An old rule of thumb states that if your symptoms tend to be from the neck up, you’ve probably got a cold. With the flu, you may have a runny nose and sore throat, but on top of that, expect body aches, fever, and fatigue. Its usual symptoms are a running nose, sneezing, a rise in temperature, headache, sore throat, chill, aches and pains in the body and loss of appetite.
Root Causes
The common cold results from exposure to a virus. Its intensity however, depends upon the state of health of the person and by environmental factors. Colds tend to last longer, but the flu generally causes more discomfort. Lowered vitality, allergic disorders of the nose and throat, chilling of the body, lack of sleep, depression, fatigue and factors such as sudden changes in temperature, dust and other irritating inhalations are important contributory causes for the development of a cold. Antibiotics are no help they have no effect on viruses. Over-the-counter cold and flu medicines suppress some symptoms but often have undesirable side effects. Home remedies can be a healthier, safer alternative.
How To Cure A Sneezing In One Day?
The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract which causes by any one of up to 200 strains of virus. These are spread either by inhaling droplets coughed or sneezed by others, or, more probably, by direct hand to hand contact with sufferers. When infection occurs, the walls of the respiratory tract swell and produce excess mucus, giving rise to the typical cold symptoms of stuffy or runny nose, throat discomfort, malaise, and occasional coughing. Colds can produce fevers of up to 102°F (39°C) in infants and children, but such fevers in adults indicate that the infection is probably influenza. The incubation period is from 1–3 days, after which symptoms occur, and most colds run their course in 3–10 days. Infants and older people are susceptible to complications such as sinusitis, ear inflammations, and pneumonia.
Common Cold Home Remedies
How To Cure A Sneezing In One Day? To treat a cold by means of customary suppressive drugs like aspirin and code line only paves the way for future trouble of a more serious nature. For such a treatment puts a sudden stop to the eliminative process then taking place and forces the toxic matter back into the tissues again. Moreover, drugs have no effect on the duration of the cold. It has been aptly said that a cold can be cured in a week by taking medicines, otherwise it will subside in seven days. The only real treatment for colds is a proper diet. So here are best common cold home remedies for how to cure a sneezing in one day?
1. Herbal Tea
Combine 1 teaspoonful of ginger and cinnamon with 2 teaspoonful of lemongrass. Steep 1 teaspoon of this formula for about 10 minutes in 1 cup of hot water; strain it, and add honey for sweetness if you like. If you drink this delicious tea several times a day, it will help to take care of cold, congestion, and flu.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric, with its antiseptic properties, is an effective remedy for cold and throat irritations. Half a teaspoonful of fresh turmeric powder mixed in 30 grams of warm milk is a useful prescription for these conditions. Put turmeric powder into a hot ladle. Then pour milk in it and boil over a slow fire. In case of a running cold, inhale smoke from the burning turmeric. It will increase the discharge from the nose and will bring quicker relief.
3. Indian Herbs
Combine sitopaladi and maha sudarshan churna in equal proportions and take 1/4 teaspoon with 1 teaspoon honey 2 or 3 times a day after eating. Ayurvedically speaking, colds are a kapha-vata disorder. The body builds up an excess of cool and moist kapha qualities, resulting in congestion and a runny nose, and at the same time it may suffer from excess vata, which reduces agni (gastric fire), leading to chills, loss of appetite, and/or poor digestion. Individuals often get colds and u during the winter and spring seasons. The symptoms are all too familiar: runny nose, cough, congestion, headache, an achy body, and sometimes fever. You can prevent becoming victim to the next circulating bug by boosting your immune system with healthy foods.
4. Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation can help relieve congestion caused by colds and flu. Even just spritzing your nasal passages with saline nasal drops several times a day can make a difference.
5. Fennel
Fennel is great for kids. It loosens phlegm and eases cramping. A tea made from fennel seeds is a traditional remedy to ease chesty colds, coughs and tummy troubles in children. Make the tea with 1 teaspoon of freshly crushed fennel seeds and 1 cup of almost boiling water, cover and leave to steep for 5 minutes. Sip tea throughout the day. It’s also popular with children to warm the seeds in milk instead of water. OR Try 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed powder mixed with 1 teaspoon natural sugar, 2 or 3 times a day.
6. Steam
Boil 1 teaspoon ginger, or a few eucalyptus leaves, in a pint of water. Turn on the stove, put a towel over your head, and inhale the steam. This will relieve congestion and help you feel much better. Just steam alone, with no herbs added at all, will also be beneficial.
7. Plantain
Plantain (ribwort) eases coughs and acts as an expectorant. Mild but effective enough to be great for children in the form of a syrup. To make plantain tea add 1 teaspoon of dried plantain to 1 cup of almost boiling water, cover and leave ot for 10 minutes to infuse. Sip 3 cups of the sweetened tea throughout the day.
8. Cinnamon
For a cold with cough and congestion, mix 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon honey. Eat this mixture 2 or 3 times a day.
9. Andrographis and Echinacea
Andrographis and echinacea are two herbs that top the list of cold and flu treatments. Research supports Andrographis paniculata’s effectiveness in relieving the symptoms of colds, flu, and some other upper respiratory conditions. Preparations of the dried herb are available in many health food stores and online. Follow package directions. Echinacea is a popular herbal treatment for respiratory ailments for centuries. It is a plant from the plains of North America, and consider powerful to stimulate the body’s ability to resist infection and counter toxicity. Echinacea tinctures (also available at health food stores), used as directed, tend to be more effective than teas for treating the symptoms of colds and flu.
10. Calamus
Calamus powder, derived from the dried root of the Calamus plant, is highly effective in combating the common cold due to its potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It works by reducing nasal congestion, soothing irritated throats, and boosting the immune system. To use Calamus powder for cold relief, mix 1-2 teaspoons of the powder with warm water or herbal tea. Drink this mixture up to three times a day to alleviate symptoms and promote faster recovery. The active components in Calamus powder, such as acorin and beta-asarone, contribute to its effectiveness by combating viral infections and reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract. This natural remedy not only provides relief from cold symptoms but also supports overall respiratory health, making it a beneficial option during cold seasons.
11. Linden Flowers
Linden flowers are well known to induce perspiration and ease muscle aches. Flower tea is useful in the treatment of cold and flu. It also helps ease a sore throat and coughs. Apart from that it is often drunk because it tastes great. Add 1 teaspoon dried linden flowers to 1 cup of almost boiling water, cover and leave for 10 minutes to infuse. Drink twice daily.
12. Ginger
Pour a cup of boiling water over a couple of tablespoons of fresh, shredded Ginger Root. Makes a good hot tea that is effective against the most common cold viruses.
13. Thyme
Once upon a time thyme was the herb used to treat most ailments but particularly anything related to colds and flu. Coughs were treated with steam inhalations and rubbing hot infusions directly onto the chest. Sore throats demanded the gargling of thyme tea and as an early form of aromatherapy thyme was simmered in a pot on the stove during flu season as a preventative measure, adding the many healing properties of this herb to the air. Add 1-2 teaspoons of thyme to 1 cup of almost boiling water, cover and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Strain and drink 3 – 4 cups a day.
14. Lemon Balm
This herb, scientifically known as Melissa officinalis, helps alleviate cold symptoms such as congestion and sore throat by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation. To use lemon balm for cold relief, prepare a soothing tea by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, lemon balm essential oil can be diluted and applied topically to the chest or temples to ease respiratory discomfort and headaches associated with colds. The herb’s active compounds, including rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, contribute to its effectiveness by enhancing immune response and inhibiting viral replication. Overall, lemon balm not only provides symptomatic relief but also supports the body’s natural defenses, making it a popular choice for managing cold symptoms effectively.
15. Garlic
Garlic soup is an ancient remedy to reduce the severity of cold. It contains antiseptic and antispasmodic properties besides several other medicinal virtues. The volatile oil in garlic flushes out the system of all toxins and thus helps bring down fever. Garlic oil combined with onion juice, diluted with water and drunk several times a day, is extremely effective in the treatment of the common cold. If your cold is accompanied by fevers, then wear string cloves of garlic or small onions around your neck at bedtime.
16. Liquids
“Drink plenty of fluids” is the mantra. Water is best, but clear broth, green and herbal teas, ginger ale and diluted juices are also good choices.
17. Chicken Soup
Try Chicken Soup It’s a time-honored treatment backed up with modern research. This is the first thing come in the mind when some one asks how to cure a sneezing in one day? Chicken soup, especially recipes rich in garlic and onions, does indeed provide more than comfort. Some ingredients fight inflammation or thin mucous secretions to help relieve congestion.
18. Ginger
Ginger is widely recognized for its therapeutic benefits in treating the common cold, owing to its potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It effectively helps alleviate cold symptoms such as congestion, sore throat, and cough by warming the body and promoting circulation. To use ginger for cold relief, prepare a comforting ginger tea by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of fresh grated ginger in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Adding honey and lemon enhances both the taste and soothing effects. Alternatively, ginger can be consumed in soups, smoothies, or as a fresh ingredient in meals to bolster immune function and ease respiratory discomfort. Its active compounds, including gingerol and shogaol, are responsible for reducing inflammation, inhibiting viral replication, and providing relief from cold-related symptoms. Ginger’s natural warmth and therapeutic properties make it a versatile and effective remedy for combating the common cold and supporting overall well-being.
19. Vitamin C
Lime is the most important among the many home remedies for common cold. It is highly beneficial in all types of cold and fevers. Dilute it well before using. Vitamin C-rich lime juice increases resistance, decreases toxicity and reduces the duration of the illness. Dilute lime juice in a glass of warm water, and add a teaspoonful of honey to it. It forms an ideal remedy for a cold and dry cough.
Ayurveda for common cold
Ayurveda offers many natural remedies for colds and flu.
- Drink hot herbal teas such as ginger, licorice, and turmeric to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation.
- Gargle with warm salt water to reduce swelling and irritation in the throat.
- Make a paste of honey and turmeric and take it twice a day to reduce inflammation and fight infection.
- Make a paste of black pepper and honey and take it twice a day to reduce congestion and reduce the severity of a cold.
- Try a steam inhalation with herbs such as eucalyptus or mint to reduce congestion and open up the airways.
- Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus and keep the body hydrated.
- Rest and get plenty of sleep to help the body fight infection.
8 Easy Preventive Tips
Apart from common cold home remedies and guide for how to cure a sneezing in one day?, here are few tips to prevent cold and flu effectively.
- If you or your child is prone to colds, consider consuming fermented foods, such as yogurt, or supplementing with probiotics. Probiotics, live microorganisms with health benefits, have been shown to prevent upper respiratory tract infections, such as colds.
- Taking some Vitamin C will be beneficial. Vitamin C also has plenty of other health benefits, such as being an antioxidant, so keep eating foods that contain it just don’t expect it to be a miracle cure.
- Put some liquid ghee (3 to 5 drops) in each nostril in the morning and evening. This will lubricate the nasal passages and relieve the irritation and sneezing of a cold.
- Drinking hot water several times a day is an effective way to remove toxins from the system and hasten recovery from a cold.
- Strictly avoid dairy products such as yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk, and all cold drinks.
- Rest is very important for healing. As much as possible, rest, read, and relax.
- There are over 200 viruses that can cause the common cold. They are shared by coughing, sneezing and by hand. Therefore, the first treatment is prevention! Wash hands often and well, using a good anti-bacterial soap.
FAQs.
Q. How long does a common cold last?
The common cold typically lasts for 7 to 10 days.
Q. What causes common cold?
The common cold is caused by infection with a virus. The most common cold-causing viruses are rhinoviruses, but other viruses such as coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can also cause colds. People can catch a cold by coming into contact with an infected person, such as through close contact or touching contaminated objects.
Q. Can the common cold be cured at home?
The best way to treat a cold is to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use over-the-counter medications to help relieve symptoms. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days, contact your doctor.
Q. What are the 5 stages of cold?
- Prodrome (Early Stage): During the prodrome stage, the body begins to signal the onset of the cold. Symptoms may include fatigue, sneezing, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, and a general feeling of discomfort.
- Acute onset: During this stage, the body is fully in the throes of the cold. Symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and body aches become more prominent.
- Peak: This is the stage at which the cold virus is at its strongest. During the peak stage, symptoms such as coughing, congestion, and a headache may appear. Symptoms are at their most severe and the body is working hard to fight off the virus.
- Resolution (Late Stage): In the late stage, the symptoms of a cold may start to subside as the body begins to recover from the illness. The body begins to recover from the cold during this stage and the body starts to feel better.
- Recovery: During this stage, the body is back to normal and the symptoms of the cold have completely resolved.
Q. What are the symptoms of common colds?
Common cold symptoms usually start 1-3 days after being exposed to the virus, and can include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Q. Why is there no vaccine for the common cold?
The common cold is caused by a variety of different viruses, and each virus has its own unique characteristics. Therefore, it is difficult to develop a vaccine that can provide protection against all of the different viruses that can cause the common cold. Additionally, the symptoms of the common cold are generally mild and resolve on their own, so there is no great need for a vaccine.
Q. How can I stop sneezing and runny nose?
There is no surefire way to stop a sneezing and runny nose during a common cold, since these are natural symptoms of the cold virus. However, there are some measures you can take to reduce their severity:
- Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps to thin out mucus, which can reduce sneezing and a runny nose.
- Take over-the-counter medications if necessary. Anti-histamines can help to reduce sneezing and decongestants can help to reduce a runny nose.
- Use a humidifier. Increasing the humidity in your home can help to reduce a runny nose.
- Take a hot shower. The steam from a hot shower can help to clear out your nasal passages.
- Use saline nasal drops. These can help to reduce inflammation and loosen mucus, which can help to reduce sneezing and a runny nose.
Q. Can garlic be used to treat cold? Is eating raw garlic good to stop a runny nose and cough?
Garlic is known for its numerous health benefits, it is also recommended to use it as a treatment for colds. But there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that garlic can be used to treat colds. Here are few ways to use garlic for common cold and cough:
- Make a garlic tea: Boil two cups of water and add 2-3 cloves of crushed garlic. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes, strain it and add a teaspoon of honey. Drink the garlic tea two to three times a day.
- Eat raw garlic: Eating raw garlic cloves can help reduce symptoms of the common cold. You can eat garlic cloves raw, mince them and add them to your food, or take garlic capsules.
- Make a garlic syrup: To make a garlic syrup, add 4-5 cloves of crushed garlic to a cup of honey and let it sit for about an hour. Take a teaspoon of the mixture a few times a day.
- Use garlic oil: Garlic oil can help reduce the severity of colds. To make garlic oil, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 4-5 cloves of crushed garlic. Strain the mixture and let it cool before applying it to your chest or throat.
Q. How do you take honey for a common cold and cough?
There are several ways to take honey for a cold. You can mix one to two teaspoons of honey with a cup of warm water and drink it, or add a spoonful of honey to herbal tea. You can also try adding honey to warm lemon water with a pinch of cayenne pepper, or mix honey with garlic and onion and eat it on toast.
Q. Does warm water and honey help a cold?
Drinking warm liquids can help relieve congestion and other cold symptoms, but there is no evidence that adding honey to them will have any additional benefit. The best way to treat a cold is to rest, stay hydrated, and take over-the-counter medications as needed.
Q. How do you use peppermint oil for a cold?
Peppermint oil is a natural remedy for colds and upper respiratory infections. When used topically, it can help alleviate congestion and inhaling the oil can help clear the sinuses. To make a homemade cold remedy, mix a few drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil. Massage the mixture into the chest, neck, and back of the neck. Inhaling the scent of the oil can also help to open the airways and reduce congestion.
Q. Where do you put peppermint oil for runny nose?
Peppermint oil can be inhaled to help reduce runny nose symptoms. One method is to add a few drops of the oil to a tissue or cotton ball and inhale the aroma. You can also add a few drops of the oil to a humidifier or diffuser and breathe in the minty scent.
Q. Can I put peppermint oil directly on my nose?
No, you should not put peppermint oil directly on your nose. It is highly concentrated and can be irritating to the delicate skin of your nose. It’s best to use a diluted form of the oil, such as adding a few drops to a carrier oil or lotion, or using an essential oil diffuser.
Q. How to prevent a cold when you feel it coming?
- Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Take a daily multivitamin.
- Consider taking a probiotic supplement.
- Try using a saline nasal spray.
Q. Where do you put peppermint oil for a cough?
Peppermint oil can be used in a variety of ways to help with a cough, depending on the severity. It can be inhaled directly, added to a hot bath, rubbed on the chest or throat, or added to a hot or cold beverage.
Q. Why can’t science cure the common cold?
At present, science is not able to cure the common cold because the virus that causes it is constantly changing and mutating. This means that the virus is always one step ahead of our efforts to develop a vaccine or medicine that can effectively treat it.
Q. Why do infants get common colds frequently?
Infants get common colds more frequently than older children and adults because their immune systems are still developing and are not as strong. They are more likely to come into contact with bacteria and viruses that cause colds, and they don’t have the same level of immunity to them.
Q. How can we prevent the spread of the common cold?
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough with a tissue, and then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest.
Q. How effective is a neti pot to clear a common cold?
A neti pot can be an effective tool to help clear a common cold. It can help to flush out any mucus and debris that may be causing the cold symptoms. However, it is important to note that a neti pot is not a substitute for medical treatment and should not be used to treat a serious illness or underlying condition.
Q. Are there any proven home remedies to cure the common cold quickly?
No, there are no proven home remedies to cure the common cold quickly. However, there are some home remedies that may help relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of the cold, such as drinking plenty of fluids, getting plenty of rest, gargling with salt water, using a humidifier to moisten the air, and avoiding smoking.