What natural remedies can I use to fight colds?

Once the cold has set in, your eyes are glistening, your speech is slurred, your sinuses and throat are clogged with mucus, your voice is nasally, your head feels like it weighs a ton and you’ve eaten your third pack of tissues, what can you do to relieve the discomfort and fatigue?

There are a number of things you can do to soothe the infection and make yourself feel better. But remember that a cold is also an evacuation process and helps to clear the body of toxins. So there’s no point in trying to stop the process, it’s simply a question of supporting it and avoiding superinfection.

Natural cold remedies and advice:

When the common cold sets in, causing nasal congestion, coughing and general malaise, it’s essential to know the best natural remedies to relieve these symptoms. Although often considered a minor ailment, the common cold can greatly affect our daily well-being. In this section, we explore a variety of natural and effective methods to help you better manage cold symptoms, focusing on proven practices and gentle solutions suitable for all ages.

Nasal cleansing with salt water

A study conducted by the University of Edinburgh, entitled‘The Edinburgh and Lothians Viral Intervention Study‘ (ELVIS), revealed a simple but effective method for reducing the duration of cold symptoms. Participants who used a solution of sea salt in boiling water to rinse their nose and gargle experienced a marked improvement. This method reduced the duration of symptoms by an average of 1.9 days. It was also shown to reduce contagiousness, with a 35% reduction in cases of colds in the participants’ environment (Source: Science Reports).

Inhalations with Eucalyptus and Thyme

Steam inhalation is renowned for its benefits, particularly in the case of colds. Studies have shown that inhaling hot steam can improve hydration of the nasal mucosa and helpeliminate mucus. The addition of eucalyptus to inhalation water has been shown to help eliminate pathogens and speed up healing times. In particular, the 1,8-cineole component present in eucalyptus oil is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects.

Infusions with Thyme, Lemon and Honey

When used in infusions, honey inhibits the replication of respiratory viruses, a fact recognised by scientists, making these infusions an excellent way to relieve cold symptoms. It also surpasses in effectiveness certain ingredients frequently used in over-the-counter cough syrups.

Honey

Honey is more than just a sweetener. According to research published on PubMed,honey inhibits replication of the fluvirus and increases the effectiveness of antiviral drugs. It is also more effective than dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine, common ingredients in over-the-counter cough syrups. These findings suggest that honey may be a valuable ally in the treatment of cold and flu symptoms (Source: PubMed).

Garlic

Garlic, a well-known traditional remedy, has a proven track record in the fight against cold viruses. Allicin, a compound released by crushed or cut garlic, has been shown to have immunostimulant properties. Studies have shown that aged garlic extract can reduce the severity of flu by improving immune cell function and reducing inflammation (Source: PubMed).

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is renowned for its role in preventing and treating colds. A meta-analysis of studies has confirmed that taking vitamin C supplements at the start of a cold can significantly reduce its duration. It is recommended to consume between 1,000 and 4,000 mg of vitamin C during colds and flu to maximise its effects (Source: PubMed).

Zinc

“Zinc is an essential mineral for boosting the immune system. Research has shown that zinc, administered within 24 hours of the onset of cold symptoms, can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. This finding highlights the importance of early intervention to take full advantage of zinc’s properties (Source: PubMed).”

Which essential oils are useful for fighting colds?

In the fight against the common cold, essential oils play a key role thanks to their beneficial natural properties. This section explores how different essential oils, such as tea tree, rosemary, oregano, lemon balm and frankincense, can help relieve cold symptoms. Each oil has unique characteristics that help to reduce congestion, fight viral infections and soothe the respiratory tract. Together, let’s find out how to incorporate these oils into your skincare routine to effectively prevent and treat cold symptoms.

• Tea Tree essential oil: Can be inhaled or diffused to kill germs in the air, reduce coughs, soothe the throat and act as a decongestant.
• Rosemary essential oil: Known for reducing coughs and loosening mucus thanks to a compound called 1,8-cineole.
• Oregano essential oil contains a compound called carvacrol, which is effective in fighting viral infections.
• Lemon balm essential oil: Known for its antiviral properties, it can also help reduce the severity of a cold or flu.
• Frankincense essential oil: Helps decongest and eliminate respiratory viral infections.

The main symptom of the common cold is a runny, usually clear nose that requires frequent nose-blowing. There are also a number of general symptoms that vary from case to case and from person to person, and are not necessarily linked to the age of the person infected: fever and tiredness, usually not very high, headache, watery eyes and sometimes a cough.

How can the common cold be prevented?

Scientific research suggests a number of methods for preventing colds in adults and children:

1. Echinacea: Systematic reviews have shown mixed results on the effectiveness of echinacea in preventing or treating colds, especially in adults.
2. Probiotics: A Cochrane review found that probiotics may be more beneficial than placebo in preventing upper respiratory tract infections, although the quality of the evidence was low or very low.
3. Saline Nasal Irrigation: Evidence is limited, but saline nasal irrigation may relieve cold symptoms in children and adults.
4. Honey (buckwheat): Studies suggest that buckwheat honey is superior to placebo in reducing cough frequency and improving sleep quality in children with colds. It should not be used in children under one year of age.
5. Geranium extract (Pelargonium sidoides): May be useful for relieving cold symptoms in children and adults, although the quality of the evidence is low.
6. Garlic: There is insufficient evidence that garlic is effective in preventing or treating colds.

This information is based on recent studies and systematic reviews. To prevent and treat colds effectively, always consult a health professional.

This advice is particularly useful for keeping children healthy during cold season.

These tips for natural cold remedies are far from exhaustive and are general. To act more specifically, the remedies must be related to your specific condition, as determined by your naturopath.

FAQ

Q1 : What is a cold? The common cold, also known as rhinopharyngitis, is a common viral infection that mainly affects the upper respiratory system. It is generally caused by viruses such as the rhinovirus.

Q2: What are the symptoms of the common cold? Typical cold symptoms include a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, a sore throat, a mild cough and sometimes a low-grade fever. Symptoms can vary from person to person.

Q3 : How do colds spread? The common cold is spread mainly by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

Q4 : How can I prevent the common cold? To prevent the common cold, it’s essential to wash your hands regularly, avoid close contact with people who are ill, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and maintain a healthy immune system by eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep.

Q5 : How can I treat the common cold? The aim of cold treatment is to relieve the symptoms. You can take over-the-counter medication to reduce fever and relieve congestion. Rest, hydration and natural remedies such as honey can also help.

Q6 : When should I consult a healthcare professional? If your symptoms worsen, if you have severe breathing difficulties or a high fever, or if you are in a high-risk group, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Q7 : How long does a cold last? Most colds generally last between 7 and 10 days, but this can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and how your body reacts to the virus.

Q8 : Is a cold different from flu? Yes, colds and flu are caused by different viruses and have different symptoms. Flu is generally more severe and can lead to serious complications.

Q9 : Does the flu vaccine protect against colds? No, the flu vaccine does not protect against the common cold, as these are distinct viral infections.

Q10 : Are there natural remedies to relieve the common cold? Yes, natural remedies such as honey, eucalyptus inhalations and hydration can help relieve cold symptoms.