The Best Home Remedies for Common Colds

Common colds is no tough customer. In fact, a little rest is sometimes enough to make you well.

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While this is true, it isn’t the case sometimes. When common colds become so much of a bother, you may need to take some action. Don’t worry, you don’t even have to leave the house for this one.

In here is a list of home remedies for common colds to speed up your recovery. Some of them are as ordinary as water to less popular choices like American ginseng.

Water – first on the list is the one thing humans can’t live without. Be sure it’s the clean kind though. In place of water, you may have fruit juice (those rich in Vitamin C like orange). Fluids aren’t only good in keeping you hydrated; they can fight common colds because they keep your throat moist. Remember the 8-10 glasses of water people have been telling you since you were in 5th grade. If you feel you’re having more than enough water, you may insert some green tea, ginger tea, or any nutritious fluid in there.

Chicken soup – Yes, your grandmother was right all along. Chicken soup is packed with the nutrients that help treat colds. Not only does it fill the stomach when you have lost your appetite, it also ups your energy level. Experts say the noodles and the broth release the mucus from your nose. Sprinkle some garlic in the soup and it gets even better.

Salt water – Oh no, no one’s asking you to go to the beach and have your salt water fix. What you need to do is dissolve at most, ¼ teaspoon of salt with about 8 ounces of water. Gargling this mixture will help kill the bacteria on your mouth and throat.

Honey – Honey is another popular home remedy for colds. Like salt water, it helps soothe irritated throat. It’s also known to help kids sleep soundly at night. Be forewarned though, honey isn’t meant to be consumed by children under one year old.

Pepper – Kids may not agree on this one but pepper really helps in fighting colds because of an essential expectorant. Putting in some pepper in your meal or simply smelling it will help relieve you from colds.

American ginseng – Known to be a wonder herb, American ginseng can battle many kinds of ailment. There are American ginseng extracts and capsules available in the market so you won’t have to search North American rainforests. Recently, it’s been gaining popularity for its anti-viral capacity.