How to Get Rid of Cold? (Treat Cold)
How to get rid of cold or treating common cold? One of the most common diseases that affect us is the common cold. Over a year, an adult person gets affected by common cold at least 2-3 times and a child get affected approximately 10-12 times. Due to this cold is one of the most common disease that affects a human body.
The cold is also known as by several alternative names like head cold, nasopharyngitis, rhinopharyngitis, acute redness, head cold, or most ordinarily referred to as cold; it is an infective agent communicable disease of the higher tract that primarily affects the nose.
The most prominent symptoms of common cold are: Runny nose, coughing, sneezing, pharyngitis, and fever the symptoms sometimes stop in 8 to 10 days, however some symptoms even last up-till 20 days. Over 200 virus strains are involved in the cause of the common cold; the most common being rhinoviruses.
The cold affects the nose majorly and also affects the sinuses and also has a major effect on the lungs and the throat The viruses majorly destroy the tissues of the body, but major weakness is caused depending upon the immunity of the body on which it is affected. Washing hands regularly at short interval and also covering mouth by masks helps lessen the spread of cold. Pneumonia, both viral pneumonia and secondary bacterial pneumonia are also one of the prolonged effects of the common cold, if for a longer time one suffers through cold it can lead to pneumonia.
There is not any cure for a cold, however the symptoms is treated by varied strategies. Let us first understand the causes of this disease.
Cause for a Cold:
- Now, to remain prevented from this illness, we should always use caution regarding the ways that by which it spreads.
- More than one thousand viruses will cause respiratory disease, however, the foremost common virus inflicting this is often the picornavirus.
- Eyes, mouth and nose, square measure the foremost common organs via that the cold gets transmitted into the body. When somebody World Health Organization already has the cold sneezes or coughs it gets transmitted via the droplets that get subtle in air. However, it is conjointly spreading by close contact with somebody World Health Organization contains a cold or by sharing contaminated objects, like utensils, towels, toys or telephones. If you bit your eyes, nose or mouth when such contact or exposure, you are possible to catch a chilly.
Some ways that via which it gets transmitted are:
- Contact: The common cold infection is regularly transmitted by means of airborne droplets (mist concentrates), direct contact with contaminated nasal emissions, or fomites (sullied items), which of these courses are of essential significance has not been resolved; although, hand-to-hand and hand-to-surface-to-hand contact appears of more significance than transmission through pressurized canned products. The infections may make due for delayed periods in the earth (more than 18 hours for rhinoviruses) and can be grabbed by individuals’ hands and in this way conveyed to their eyes or nose where contamination happens.
- Weather: The customary society hypothesis is that a cold can be “got” by delaying the introduction to cold climate, for example, Winter or Rain, which is the way the ailment got its name. A percentage of the infections that cause the basic colds are regular, happening all the more much of the time amid cold or wet climate. The reaspm behind the regularity has not been decisively decided. This may happen because of cold prompted changes in the respiratory framework, diminished resistant reaction, and low moistness expanding viral transmission rates, maybe because of dry air permitting little popular droplets to scatter more remote and stay noticeable all around more.
- Other: Crowd immunity, produced from a past presentation to cold infections, assumes an important part in constraining viral spread, as seen with more youthful populaces that have more prominent rates of respiratory contaminations. Poor resistant capacity is likewise a dangerous element for disease.
How to Get Rid of Cold – Cold Remedies
You can try these simple and effective ways to get rid of a cold.
1.) Water or Liquids to Get Rid of a Cold
Water is a miracle medicine. It can cure many illness. Consuming more water or liquids such as tea, Juices will help in curing cold. Liquids or water prevents the drying of nose and throat. It helps the mucous membranes glands to remain open and so it is easier to clean. In addition, water, tea, juice, or warm lemon water helps loosen congestion and it also prevents dehydration. The hydration of the body helps in removing of toxins produced from dead cells, and increases its ability to fight the virus.
Try This to Get Rid of a Cold:
- Drink at least 4-5 glass of water.
- It is better if you drink warm or hot water rather than cold water.
- Keep yourself clean. Wash your hands before and after having food.
2.) Garlic to Get Rid of a Cold
We use garlic every day while preparing our food. It makes the food very tasty. But garlic does have medicinal uses. Garlic is a powerful antioxidant with antibiotic, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. It helps in fighting viruses. It lowers the risk of catching cold. According to one research, those who eat garlic regularly have fewer colds. It is better to use raw garlic for this as garlic loses its potency if cooked.
Try This to Get Rid of a Cold:
- Swallow 2 to 3 cloves of garlic with lemon water or warm water.
- Make a paste of minced raw garlic and honey. Let it sit for 10-15 min and then eat it.
- Blend 2 chopped tomatoes, onion, celery, a bit of basil leaves and 2-3 cloves of garlic. Add some salt to it. Drink this mixture. You will get relief from cold.
- Even garlic with lemon and honey tea would help to get rid of a cold.
3.) Honey to Get Rid of a Cold
We all know honey is sweet and tasty. We also use honey to beautify ourself. Using it with various face packs. But Honey can be also used to treat cold. It contains antioxidant, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It helps in fighting against the virus, and bacterias to treat cold. It is a natural immune booster. Honey not only reduces the severity of a cold, but it also helps in preventing future cold and other diseases.
Try This to Get Rid of a Cold:
- Drink 1 to 2 tsp of honey with warm water.
- Mix it with cinnamon powder and take this twice a day for 2-3 days
- Prepare honey and lemon tea. Drink this to get rid of cold.
4.) Ginger to Get Rid of a Cold
Ginger is a natural antiviral and it helps in fighting against the virus and bacterias that causes cold. It is also a natural fever and pain reducer and also helps to treat cold. It contains chemical such as sesquiterpenes, which help to target rhinoviruses which causes cold. Ginger can be used it many ways. You can use it raw or even can be used in tea.
Try This to Get Rid of a Cold:
- Prepare a tea by using the 10 gm of ginger pieces, boiled with one cup of water. Drink this tea regularly. It helps in preventing cold and its symptoms. This tea can be given to children as well.
- You can also prepare a juice of lemon, ginger and honey.
5.) Chicken Soup to Get Rid of a Cold
Yes, chicken soup can also help to get rid of a cold. As per some studies chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food. It helps you in keeping hydrated. A steaming hot soup helps in clearing congested nose and throat. It is also believed that substances in the soup reduce the inflammation that is associated with cold.
Try This to Get Rid of a Cold:
- While preparing the chicken soup do include the below immunity boosting ingredients:
- Onions, Sweet Potatoes, Turnips, Carrots, Celery, Parnship, Parsley and of course Chicken.
6.) Onions to Get Rid of a Cold
Onions have been used by generations to relieve colds, coughs, laryngitis, pneumonia and bronchitis. It contains antibacterial properties which help to reduce inflammation, opening the airways to lessen congestion in the lungs. Taken raw onion can be a good expectorant.
Try This to Get Rid of a Cold:
- Consume an equal mixture of Onion Juice with Honey. It is a traditional remedy for treating cold.
- Place a cut onion on a plate beside your bedside. It will prevent flu as it absorbs bacteria.
7.) Milk and Turmeric to Get Rid of a Cold
Turmeric is used as one of the most important spices in Indian Food. Turmeric has many health benefits. It has both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For ages, turmeric has been used to heal wounds and swelling. Turmeric combined with milk is used for various purposes. It is used as a face mask. Turmeric milk is one of the best home remedies to treat cold and cough. The astringent and antiseptic properties of turmeric along with the soothing effect of milk helps in quick relief from respiratory problems.
Try This to Get Rid of a Cold:
- Add a teaspoon of turmeric to a cup of hot Milk. Stir it slowly to dissolve the turmeric.
- Drink this milk before going to bed.
8.) Carrots to Get Rid of a Cold
Carrots are rich sources of beta carotene, which gives carrots their bright color. Beta carotene helps to support the body’s mucus membrane, which lines the respiratory and intestinal tracts, making it difficult for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause trouble.
Try This to Get Rid of a Cold:
- Take out the juice of at least 3-4 carrots and mix some water. Add some honey for sweetening its taste. Drink it around 3-4 times daily till you get relief from cold.
9.) Coconut Oil to Get Rid of a Cold
Coconut oil has been used in all parts of the world to lessen symptoms of the common cold. It is extracted from the nut of the coconut palm tree. It contains a fatty acid named lauric acid, which has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, properties. Coconut Oil also has anti-viral properties which help in fighting winter colds.
Try This to Get Rid of a Cold:
- Consume 3-4 tablespoons of coconut oil per day.
- Use it while preparing food.
- Melted into tea, coconut oil can gently soothe a sore throat in addition to boosting immunity and fighting the virus directly.
10.) Pepper to Get Rid of a Cold
Pepper has been used as a cold remedy. It increases circulation and has anti-microbial properties, that kill pathogens. Pepper is also added to tonics for cold and cough. It also provides relief from sinusitis and nasal congestion.
Try This to Get Rid of a Cold:
- Place a 50 mg of tamarind in 250 ml of water and boiling for a few minutes. Add 1 tsp of melted, clarified butter and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. Drink the mixture 2-3 times daily to clear congestion in the sinuses and nose.
- Mix together 1 tsp of honey and 10 drops lemon juice with 2 pinches of black pepper. Take this 3 times, every 3 hours for one day only to relieve cold symptoms.
Some Alternative Remedies to Get Rid of a Cold:
Apart from the food remedies, there are also few alternate remedies you can try to get rid of a cold.
1.) Gargle Therapy to Get Rid of a Cold
Gargling is a most simple and an effective way to soothe a sore throat. It can moisten a sore throat and bring short-term relief. Salt water has been used as a gargle for ages as it works so well. It draws moisture from the mucus membranes and helps cleanse the throat of phlegm. You can also use lemon water for gargle.
Try This to Get Rid of a Cold:
- Salt Water to Get Rid of a Cold: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle with this solution at least 4 times daily.
- Lemon Water to Get Rid of a Cold: Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice with water. This astringent juice will help to shrink swollen throat .
- The other solutions you can use for gargling are Turmeric and water, Sage and water, Ginger honey and lemon water, clove tea, wheatgrass Juice and Green tea.
- Remember do not swallow the solution while gargling. Its better to spit out.
2.) Steam Therapy to Get Rid of a Cold
Steam Therapy is also one of the most recommended remedy for treating cold. The steam helps ease your congestion by loosening mucus thereby making it easier to clear by blowing your nose. Medical professionals do recommend that you spend about 10 to 15 minutes in a steam shower, up to 3 times per day, if you are suffering from cold or flu.
Try This to Get Rid of a Cold:
- Take a bowl of hot water . Add menthol to the water. Sit with your head over the bowl. Place a cloth or towel over your head and breathe. The steam from the water would help clearing the passageway in your nose.
- You can also add camphor, eucalyptus, thymol or Pine Oil to the hot water.
- Take a hot shower : A Hot and steamy bath would make you feel relax. As your body relax, the air passages in your chest and lungs open up, allowing for an easier and more restful breathing.
3.) Chest Salve to Get Rid of a Cold
Chest rub or vapour rub is also a good treatment for cold. Rubbing the salve on the chest would help to open breating passageways. Chest salve can be obtain from market. It can be also prepared at home using essential oils such as Eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree oil, Lemon and peppermint.
Try This to Get Rid of a Cold:
- Apply small amount of chest salve to the chest during cold or even if you have cough. Do rub it on your back as well.
- Apply on your nose and inhale.
- Apply every after few hours and before going to bed.
- These were well known remedies to get rid of cold. Try this at home. If the cold is still not cured better consult a medical practitioner.
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