No one can avoid common cold all the time. Children catch it more often as compared to adults. Since no cure has yet been found, symptomatic relief is sought and the age old home remedies do a really good job to give you relief from common cold.
If you are exceptionally healthy then great otherwise catching cold 2-4 times a year is normal for an adult. On the other hand, If you are someone who catches Cold more often than others then you know how cold makes your life miserable. You just can't make out how to stop runny nose quickly get relief from headache and general fatigue drains all your energy.
But do you catch cold often and others do not? Let us look at the causes.
Why Do We Catch Common Cold?
Common cold is contagious and if you live in a small confined area then your chances of catching cold increase when someone else is suffering from cold.
If you have lower immunity then you will catch cold quickly and more often. HIV patients in particular and other people suffering from any other condition that might reduce immunity will catch it fast.
Your old age can also make you more vulnerable to catching a cold.
However, if you take precautions by avoiding exposure to infected surroundings and wash your hands before you eat anything, then you can reduce the chances of catching cold
It may not always be possible particularly when a family member has caught it, your dorm partner or workplace colleague is already affected by it.
The following home remedies will help you to both prevent and give you relief from common cold.
5 Home Remedies for Common Cold.
Before we talk about the other home remedies, you should first focus on water which is very important to cure your common cold. Drink it enough, take steam and do gargling to get rid of common cold. In addition to water following remedies will expedite recovery.
Vitamin C for Cold
There are so many fruits and vegetables ranging from limes, oranges, grapes, grapefruits, lemons, leafy vegetables and scores of others which are rich in vitamin C.
Vitamin C increases immunity. It will not reduce any of the symptoms but it will help you to recover from common cold fast by increasing your immunity.
Echinacea for Cold
Echinacea increases your Immunity to fight with common cold. The herb has been used for hundreds of years.
However, it has been found to interfere in some blood pressure medicines. So if you are taking any cardiovascular medicines then avoid it. There are many more remedies for cold given below.
Ginger for Common Cold
Ginger is a great remedy to give you relief from nausea and headache that are very common symptoms of cold.
Peel and shred an inch of ginger root and boil it in a glass of water for 5 minutes. Strain and let it cool for some time. Drink the prepared ginger tea warm.
Garlic for cold
A compound named allicin in garlic is a very effective antimicrobial agent. You can take garlic capsules, eat garlic cloves or extract the juice and dilute it in water before drinking it.
Lemon and Honey for Common Cold
Both lemon and honey possess antimicrobial capabilities.
Extract juice of half lemon in a warm glass of water. Add a teaspoon of honey. Mix it well and drink it.
Do it 2-3 times a day.
With the above remedies you will not only get relief in your symptoms but your cold will disappear fast.