what is the best treatment for common cold

Medication

Home Remedies for Common Cold

1. Garlic. The organosulfur compounds present in garlic are mainly responsible for its medicinal properties. ...
2. Raw Honey. Honey can be of great help in soothing an irritated throat as well as shortening the duration of a cold.
3. Ginger. ...
4. Chicken Soup. ...
5. Red Onion. ...
6. Black Pepper. ...
7. Mullein Tea. ...
8. Turmeric Milk. ...
9. Cinnamon. ...
10. Vitamin C. ...

Self-care

The best natural cold and flu remedies

1. Hydration. Austin's number one recommendation for recovering quickly from a cold or flu virus is staying hydrated.
2. Vitamin C. While vitamin C hasn't been proven to prevent cold symptoms, some studies have indicated it can shorten the lifespan of a cold.
3. Sleep. ...
4. Honey and tea. ...
5. Chicken soup. ...
6. Aromatherapy. ...
7. A steamy shower. ...
8. Gargling warm salt water. ...

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Nutrition

“Taking echinacea at the onset of a cold can help prevent the duration of the common cold and improve respiratory symptoms,” she said. “I recommend having Tylenol on board, especially if you have a mild fever,” she said. “ Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra or a general antihistamine is something I would keep if you are experiencing allergies,” Gandhi said.

What are home remedies for common cold?

Natural Home Remedies for Colds: 7 Easy Recipes

1. Onion and Honey Cough Syrup. Syrup made of onion juice, really? ...
2. Onion Sacks and Potato Neck Wraps. Potato and onion wraps: This natural home remedy for colds has been around for ages. ...
3. Garlic as a Home Remedy. ...
4. Eucalyptus Aromatherapy Baths. ...
5. Herbal Infusions. ...
6. Sage and Thyme for Colds. ...
7. Salt Water. ...

Which is natural cold remedies actually work?

Which cold medicine is the best for You?

What is the best natural remedy for cold?

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Which medicine is best for common cold?

To ease the discomfort from specific cold and flu symptoms, consider using the following types of OTC medicines:To reduce fever and pain — analgesics: Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is generally preferred. ... To dry out the nose — antihistamines: Try an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®).More items...•

How do you get rid of a cold in 24 hours?

While the duration of your symptoms may vary, many people wonder how to cure a cold in 24 hours or even overnight. The best way to tame a cold fast is to stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids, gargle with salt water, take an OTC medication, and humidify the air.

What is the difference between the common cold and Covid 19?

While COVID-19 symptoms generally appear two to 14 days after exposure to SARS-CoV-2, symptoms of a common cold usually appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus. There's no cure for the common cold. Treatment may include pain relievers and over-the-counter cold remedies, such as decongestants.

Does vitamin C help with colds?

Vitamin C has been studied for many years as a possible treatment for colds, or as a way to help prevent colds. But findings have been inconsistent. Overall, experts have found little to no benefit from vitamin C for preventing or treating the common cold.

How cure a cold fast?

Cold remedies that workStay hydrated. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. ... Rest. Your body needs rest to heal.Soothe a sore throat. ... Combat stuffiness. ... Relieve pain. ... Sip warm liquids. ... Try honey. ... Add moisture to the air.More items...

Is having a runny nose a symptom of COVID-19 or a regular cold?

In the early days of the pandemic, it was thought that having a runny nose was not a symptom of COVID-19, and was much more likely to be a sign of a regular cold. However, data from the ZOE COVID Symptom Study app suggests that having a runny nose can be a sign of COVID-19.

Does COVID-19 feel like colds?

At the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, the main distinguishing symptoms of COVID-19 were thought to be fever, cough and loss of smell (anosmia), often known as the 'classic three or triad'.

When do Covid symptoms start?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: Fever or chills.

Ibuprofen No Good at Cold Treatment

"I was a little surprised that ibuprofen didn’t help versus a placebo in reducing discomfort,” said Brian Oostman, DO, a family doctor with Dreyer...

Easy Advice For Treating Colds

Regardless of the latest study’s findings, Oostman said the best advice for treating your cold symptoms remains simple.Get plenty of rest. Getting...

Best Over-The-Counter Medications For Colds

To ease common cold symptoms, there are a few key active ingredients to look for in cold medications.To treat coughs, Oostman said his best advice...

What are some ways to get rid of a cold?

The list of ineffective cold remedies is long. Some of the more common ones that don't work include: 1 Antibiotics. These attack bacteria, but they're no help against cold viruses. Avoid asking your doctor for antibiotics for a cold or using old antibiotics you have on hand. You won't get well any faster, and inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the serious and growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 2 Over-the-counter cold and cough medications in young children. OTC cold and cough medications may cause serious and even life-threatening side effects in children. Talk with your child's doctor before giving any medications.

How to make yourself miserable with colds?

It's tempting to try the latest remedy, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids and keep the air around you moist. Remember to wash your hands frequently.

How long does echinacea stay good for?

Echinacea seems to be most effective if you take it when you notice cold symptoms and continue it for seven to 10 days. It appears to be safe for healthy adults, but it can interact with many drugs.

How to heal a sore throat from a swollen throat?

Rest. Your body needs rest to heal. Soothe a sore throat. A saltwater gargle — 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.

How long do you stay sick after catching a cold?

If you catch a cold, you can expect to be sick for one to two weeks. That doesn't mean you have to be miserable. These remedies might help you feel better:

How to get rid of coughing in older adults?

Honey may help coughs in adults and children who are older than age 1. Try it in hot tea. Add moisture to the air. A cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can add moisture to your home, which might help loosen congestion. Change the water daily, and clean the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions.

How to help a coughing child?

Sip warm liquids. A cold remedy used in many cultures, taking in warm liquids, such as chicken soup, tea or warm apple juice, might be soothing and might ease congestion by increasing mucus flow. Try honey. Honey may help coughs in adults and children who are older than age 1. Try it in hot tea.

How to help cold symptoms?

To ease cold symptoms, the essential oils of aromatherapy may be rubbed on the body, inhaled with steam, diffused into the air, or poured on a cloth to be used as a compress.

How to recover from a cold?

Good nutrition is essential for resisting and recovering from a cold. Eat a balanced diet. Take supplements as needed to ensure you are receiving the recommended dietary allowances for vitamin A , the vitamin B complex (vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, folic acid ), and vitamin C , as well as the minerals zinc and copper.

How to get rid of stuffy nose?

Try rubbing diluted eucalyptus oil on the chest as a decongestant, or inhale eucalyptus or peppermint oil to clear stuffiness. Adding lavender, cedar, or lemon to steam may also soothe nasal passages. Inhaling menthol not only provides relief from nasal congestion, but might help inhibit infection as well.

How much sleep do you need to get rid of a cold?

Lots of rest is the key treating a cold. You may find you need 12 hours of sleep each night, so don't set that alarm. You'll be most comfortable in a warm, humid environment. It's also important to stay hydrated by ...

Can you give a child over the counter cough medicine?

The FDA and manufacturers now say that over-the-counter cough and cold drugs should not be given to children under age 4.

Can you use echinacea for colds?

Several studies show adults using echinacea at the first sign of a cold suffered shorter and less severe illness. Because herbs are so poorly regulated and labeled in the U.S., however, it's difficult to know if the product you're using contains the right species and active ingredient.

Does zinc help with colds?

Avoid zinc nasal spray as it may lead to permanent loss of smell. After much research, vitamin C is believed to have a small effect in preventing colds, and no benefit in treating a cold.

What are some home remedies for the common cold?

Many home remedies are popular treatments for the common cold. These include vitamin C, zinc supplements, and echinacea. Although not proven to be helpful, most home remedies are safe for most people. Some remedies may cause side effects or allergic reactions. Certain remedies may change the way other medicines work.

How to get rid of a cold if you have asthma?

Wheezing can be a common symptom of a cold if you have asthma. Use your rescue inhaler as prescribed if you are wheezing. See your provider immediately if it becomes hard to breathe.

How long does it take for a cold to get better?

Colds are very common. A visit to your health care provider's office is often not needed, and colds often get better in 3 to 4 days. A type of germ called a virus causes most colds. There are many types of viruses that can cause a cold. Depending on what virus you have, your symptoms may vary.

How to stop germs from spreading?

Wash your hands often. This is the best way to stop the spread of germs. To wash your hands correctly: Rub soap onto wet hands for 20 seconds. Make sure to get under your fingernails. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel and turn faucet off with paper towel. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

What are the symptoms of a cold?

Common symptoms of a cold include: Fever (100°F [37.7°C] or higher) and chills. Headache, sore muscles, and fatigue. Cough. Nasal symptoms, such as stuffiness, runny nose, yellow or green snot, and sneezing. Sore throat. Mild symptoms of COVID-19 may be similar to those of the common cold.

Can you use cough syrup for sore throat?

So use cough syrups only when your cough becomes too painful. Throat lozenges or sprays for your sore throat. Many cough and cold medicines you buy have more than one medicine inside. Read the labels carefully to make sure you do not take too much of any one medicine.

Does Tylenol help with colds?

Treating your symptoms will not make your cold go away, but will help you feel better. Antibiotics are almost never needed to treat a common cold. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) help lower fever and relieve muscle aches. Do not use aspirin.

What is the best over the counter medicine for colds?

To treat coughs, Oostman said his best advice is to look for cough medicines with dextromethorphan (one brand is Robitussin) or guaifenesin (such as Mucinex ).

How to get rid of mucus in nose?

If you’re not well-hydrated, it’s harder to blow out the mucus. Oostman recommends using a nasal saline spray and gargling with warm saltwater to break up the mucus and keep things moving.

Does ibuprofen help with respiratory infections?

The results showed no benefit in using ibuprofen in combination with or instead of paracetamol in relieving cold ...

Is steam inhalation effective?

Steam inhalation was also ineffective. In fact, the study showed that return visits to the doctor for new or unresolved symptoms were more common among those who took ibuprofen than those who took acetaminophen (20 percent vs. 12 percent).

Is ibuprofen good for colds?

Ibuprofen may be powerless when it comes to treating the common cold. A new British study found the popular pain reliever ineffective at treating symptoms like sore throat, cough, and sinus pain associated with respiratory tract infections, such as colds. Doctors often recommend ibuprofen either alone or in combination with acetaminophen ...

How to get rid of a cold and flu?

This battle taxes your body. So give it a little help by lying down under a blanket to stay warm if necessary. No. 6: Gargle With Warm Salt Water.

How to get rid of congestion in nose?

Both can help break up the congestion in your nose. If you go the rinsing route, try this recipe: 1 Mix 3 teaspoons of iodide-free salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda. 2 Place in an airtight container. 3 Add 1 teaspoon of this mixture to 8 ounces of lukewarm boiled or distilled water.

How to get rid of congested nasal passages?

Take a damp washcloth and heat it for 30 seconds in a microwave. Test the temperature first to make sure it's right for you. Do this at night when you sleep to help relieve congested nasal passages. If the angle is too awkward, place the pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope.

How to make salt water for nose?

Place in an airtight container. Add 1 teaspoon of this mixture to 8 ounces of lukewarm boiled or distilled water. Next, fill a bulb syringe with this solution (or use a Neti pot .) Lean your head over a basin and gently squirt the salt water into your nose.

What is the best way to cure a cold?

Many cultures have a home remedy for the cold using garlic, whether it’s chicken soup with lots of garlic, a drink made with raw crushed garlic, or if it just involves eating raw garlic. The cold-fighting compound in garlic is thought to be allicin, which has demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal properties.

How long does zinc help with colds?

A number of studies have found that zinc helped to reduce the duration of cold symptoms, especially if people started taking it within 24 hours after cold symptoms appear. 1  Zinc also reduced the severity of symptoms and decreased the duration of symptoms by three to four days.

How long does it take for a cold to show up?

Symptoms of the common cold, which usually appear one to three days after being exposed to a cold virus include a runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, sneezing, watery eyes, mild headache, mild fatigue, body aches, and fever less than 102 degrees. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin.

Does zinc help with cold virus?

The problem is that many of these zinc studies have had flaws, so better-quality studies are needed. Zinc lozenges may work by blocking the cold virus from replicating (preventing it from spreading) or by impairing the ability of the cold virus to enter cells in the nose and throat.

Does garlic help with colds?

People who took garlic reduced the risk of catching a cold by more than half. The study also found that garlic reduced the recovery time in people who caught a cold. More research is needed to corroborate these results. Garlic does have some possible side effects and safety concerns.

Can alternative medicine be used for colds?

Keep in mind that scientific support for the claim that any remedy can treat colds is lacking and that alternative medicine should not be used as a substitute for standard care. If you're considering the use of any remedy for a cold, make sure to consult your physician first.

Does cold fx reduce the flu?

There was no statistically significant difference in the number of people who contracted the flu and no difference in the severity or duration of the flu. The researchers analyzed the results of the two studies together and only then did the results show that Cold-fX reduced the incidence of the flu.

What is the best medicine for cold and flu?

To ease the discomfort from specific cold and flu symptoms, consider using the following types of OTC medicines: To reduce fever and pain — analgesics: Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is generally preferred. Ibuprofen (Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®) is also commonly used.

What is the common cold?

What are colds and the flu? The common cold and the flu (influenza) are infections of the upper respiratory system - the nose, mouth, throat and lungs. The infections are caused by viruses. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

What are the symptoms of a cold?

Colds or flu that worsen can lead to: 1 Pneumonia. 2 Bronchitis. 3 Sinus infections. 4 Ear infection. 5 Worsening of existing health problems such as asthma and congestive heart failure.

How do you get the cold and flu?

Cold and flu viruses are spread by touching your nose or mouth after touching an infected person, breathing in the air of an infected person's sneeze or cough, or touching objects that have come in contact with the virus and then touching your nose.

What to do for a stuffy nose?

To relieve a stuffy, clogged nose — decongestants: Try an oral decongestant, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®). However, insomnia, nervousness and irritability can occur when taking these drugs. Those who are pregnant or have uncontrolled high blood pressure should avoid pseudoephedrine products.

How to relieve sore throat?

To relieve a sore throat: Try throat lozenges (such as Cepacol®) or gargle with warm salt water a few times a day. Analgesics are also helpful. For other symptoms: OTC cold products (for example, Nyquil® or Tylenol Cold & Sinus®) can provide much relief.

Can you cure the flu with a prescription?

Can colds and the flu be "cured" with medications? No medicines can "cure" colds and flu. However, there are many over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that can ease the discomfort caused by the symptoms of colds and flu. In addition, there are prescription medicines and a vaccine that can treat and prevent the flu.

What is the best medicine for colds?

Black elderberry syrup. Black elderberry is a traditional remedy used to fight colds in many parts of the world. Although research is limited, at least one older study. showed elderberry syrup shortened the length of colds in people with flu-like symptoms by an average of four days.

How to treat cold symptoms?

Here’s the key: Don’t wait until you feel the symptoms coming on: Take the recommended dose every day. Taking vitamin C when a cold starts may not have much effect on how you feel or how long the cold hangs on. 2. Zinc.

What is the best drink to reduce the duration of a cold?

Probiotic drinks. Although studies on probiotics and colds are limited, at least one study. Trusted Source. suggests that drinking a probiotic drink that contains Lactobacillus, L. casei 431, can reduce the duration of a cold, especially in regard to respiratory symptoms.

How to make a cold last longer?

Here’s a list of remedies known to make a difference in how long colds last: 1. Vitamin C. Taking a vitamin C supplement isn’t likely to prevent a cold. However, studies show that it may reduce the duration of colds.

How to get rid of a cold?

Lots of liquids. Drinking plenty of fluids is always good when you’re trying to get rid of a cold. Hot tea, water, chicken soup, and other liquids will keep you hydrated, especially if you have a fever. They can also loosen congestion in your chest and nasal passages so you can breathe.

How to help a child with a cold?

If your child is having trouble getting good sleep to beat a cold, try honey, one of the most relied-on remedies for treating cold symptoms. A 2012 study. Trusted Source. showed that a spoonful of honey at bedtime can help kids sleep better and reduce nighttime coughing. It can also help soothe a sore throat.

Can you cure a cold?

There’s no cure yet for the common cold, but you may be able to shorten the amount of time you’re sick by trying some promising supplements and practicing good self-care. Stroll the aisles of any drugstore and you’ll see an impressive range of products claiming to shorten the length of your cold. Few of them are backed by solid science.

What antihistamines are good for a runny nose?

Amazon. While antihistamines like chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine can treat sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes, they’re intended to treat those symptoms when they’re caused by allergies. “If you have a cold or a sinus infection, antihistamines may make it more difficult to treat,” says Dr. Tweel.

How do decongestants help with sinus congestion?

“Decongestants work by shrinking the swelling inside your nose, helping you breathe better, says Benjamin Tweel, MD, an otolaryngologist at The Mount Sinai Hospital.

How long can you use a nasal spray?

The most common ingredients you’ll find are oxymetazoline and phenylephrine. Topical treatments work faster and are stronger than their oral counterparts, but generally shouldn’t be used for more than three days because of the risk of rebound nasal congestion, which makes things worse.

Does Nyquil help with colds?

Sometimes, above all, you just need a good night’s sleep. NyQuil packs a powerful punch, using dextromethorphan to keep coughing at bay and acetaminophen to soothe sore throat, headache, and/or fever. While antihistamines generally aren’t recommended to treat cold symptoms, in this case, the drowsy effect will help get you to sleep.

Does Tylenol help with fever?

Using acetaminophen to soothe pain and reduce fever, Tylenol can be easier on the stomach than a NSAID, and the rapid-release formulation will get to work quicker. Note that it does not treat inflammation, and will need to be taken more frequently: two gelcaps every six hours.

Is Delsym a cough suppressant?

Delsym is another great extended-release liquid cough suppressant and comes in flavors like orange and grape. It also uses dextromethorphan to offer cough relief for 12 hours. Unlike Robitussin, Delsym is free of sulfites. It’s also alcohol-free.

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