© 1998-2019 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Clinical use of echinacea. There was a slight reduction in the length and severity of cold symptoms. It appeared to markedly reduce the risk of catching a cold in people involved brief, intense physical activity (such as marathon running or skiing), or in those exposed to cold temperatures. Hold one nostril closed by applying light finger pressure while squirting the mixture into the other nostril. Astragalus root has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen immunity and prevent colds and flu. Studies have found that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, although there have been no clinical trials examining the effectiveness of astragalus against colds in humans. Accessed Feb. 21, 2020. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners usually recommend taking astragalus to prevent colds and to avoid it if you're already sick. Amid the current pandemic, the thought of having a mere cold almost seems quaint. Here's an update on some common alternative remedies: Vitamin C. It appears that taking vitamin C won't usually help the average person prevent colds. Vitamin C may benefit people at high risk of colds due to frequent exposure — for example, children who attend group child care during the winter. However, they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects. Many cultures have a home remedy … (Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C.) A recipe from the nutritionist Kimberly Snyder uses stevia as a sweetener, but you can use honey instead. Palo Alto Medical Foundation: "The Common Cold." There is some concern that ginseng may reduce the effectiveness of "blood-thinning" (anticlotting or antiplatelet) drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin. But make sure you do it the right way. Warm-mist versus cool-mist humidifier: Which is better for a cold? Overuse and misuse of these medications can cause serious damage. Allicin is what gives garlic its distinctive hot flavor. Zinc. Cold symptoms: Does drinking milk increase phlegm? Compounds called polysaccharides and ginsenosides are thought to be the active constituents in ginseng. Stay Warm and Rested. Take charge with simple do-it-yourself treatments that clear up your stuffy nose and soothe your scratchy throat. Dark-colored honey, such as the buckwheat honey used in the study, is particularly high in antioxidants. Try over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medications. 10: Try an Extra Pillow Under Your Head, Personalized Treatments for Your Cold Symptoms, Mix 3 teaspoons of iodide-free salt and 1 teaspoon. Remember to wash your hands frequently. AskMayoExpert. This content does not have an Arabic version. Adults can take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin. Or use one that's got honey in it. It helps your body direct its energy to fighting off your infection. Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. 12.6 (2005): 612-617. Others show some reduction in the severity and duration of cold symptoms when taken in the early stages of a cold. And “if you’re coughing or sneezing, wear a mask.”, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: “Common Cold.”. Reviewed March 24, 2015. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. High doses may cause kidney stones. Accessed Feb. 21, 2020. People with heart conditions, schizophrenia, or diabetes also shouldn’t take ginseng root unless under a doctor’s supervision. 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. Sullivan JE, et al. Staying warm and resting when you first come down with a cold or the flu … None substitute for a doctor's care in the event of a serious illness, nor are they guaranteed to work, but consider trying them with bed rest and plenty of fluids. Black elderberry syrup. A bowl of soup boiled with astragalus root is often recommended once or more per week throughout the winter to prevent colds. It's tempting to try the latest remedy, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Here is a look at 11 of the more popular natural remedies for the prevention and treatment of the common cold. UptoDate.com: The common cold in adults: Treatment and Prevention. 32.2 (2004): 132-140. Then treat the other nostril. In 1968, Linus Pauling, PhD, proposed the theory that people had individual requirements for various vitamins and some needed amounts higher than the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs). The cold-fighting compound in garlic is thought to be allicin, which has demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal properties. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. It's a major ingredient in "immunity tea" that is claimed to prevent colds and other diseases from taking hold in the first place. Since then, vitamin C has become a popular cold remedy. Otherwise you might get an infection. 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. Vitamin C in amounts over 2,000 mg may cause diarrhea, loose stools, and gas. Although there are several types of echinacea, the above-ground parts (the leaves, flowers, and stems) of echinacea purpurea have been subject to the most research. Some studies suggest that using a form of nasal irrigation like the neti pot may help cold symptoms. Several studies have suggested that zinc supplements may reduce the length of a cold. If you blow hard, you'll send germ-carrying phlegm back into your ear passages, which can lead to an earache. If the angle is too awkward, place the pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope. It may lower blood glucose or blood pressure, increasing the effects of blood pressure or diabetes medications. More research is needed to corroborate these results. Learn which cold medicines to take, which ones are safe, and which ones may cause problems. Immunity tea also contains ginger and lemon. In India, a few peppercorns are added to ginger and turmeric tea at the boiling stage for patients who are coughing. Vitamin C. Natural Medicines. Rabago, D, and Zgierska, A, American Family Physician, November2009. Different types of echinacea used in different studies may have contributed to the mixed results. But some remedies might help ease your symptoms and keep you from feeling so miserable. How Long Does Coronavirus Live On Surfaces? Get plenty of fluids. However, some studies have found that taking vitamin C before cold symptoms start may shorten the length of time you have symptoms. Natural Medicines. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you're considering the use of any remedy for a cold, make sure to consult your physician first. Use distilled or sterile water. However, they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects.