While you\u2019re recovering, boost your immune system by eating plenty of foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and leafy green vegetables. Look for symptoms like a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough, fatigue, and fever. While you can\u2019t cure a cold with medicine, detecting your cold early can help you give yourself the TLC you need to recover quickly.<\/p>\n
Peppermint and green tea are especially good choices because not only will they keep you hydrated, but they have anti-oxidants which can help to open up a stuffy nose. Even if your appetite is low, eat as many nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables that you can keep down, especially foods with Vitamin C like broccoli, oranges, spinach, and peppers. X\t\tResearch source Natural treatments for a cold take advantage of the idea that your immune system is best situated to kill off rhinoviruses. The common cold is usually caused by a type of virus, called rhinovirus. You can relieve some of those symptoms using over-the-counter medications, such as nasal decongestants and expectorants. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.<\/p>\n
My personal favorite is steam inhalation with fresh ginger \u2014 it clears my head in minutes and leaves my kitchen smelling like a spa. A cold headache is usually caused by congestion, when sinus passages become blocked, the pressure radiates across your forehead, cheeks, and temples. Fresh lemons, leafy greens, garlic, and chia seeds (see Chia Seeds Benefits) do more than any capsule can. The fastest way to cure a cold isn\u2019t found in a pharmacy aisle, it\u2019s about working with your body, not against it. My favorite is a turmeric lemon-honey tonic, a cozy, golden cup that tastes like sunshine and comfort. One of the best ways to treat a cold naturally is to combine these ingredients into soothing, aromatic drinks.<\/p>\n
Studies shows it clears nasal passages and congestion better than other hot liquids. I\u2019ve always believed that food doesn\u2019t need to be fancy to be meaningful; it simply needs care, intention, and a little heart. Follow with a warm compress on your forehead and herbal tea to relax muscles and improve circulation. Combine them with herbal teas and rest for faster, sustained healing. Each sip feels like a hug, and helps your body fight back naturally. Hydrating with teas and broths replenishes electrolytes and keeps your immune cells active.<\/p>\n
A balanced diet, and foods high in antioxidants such as vitamin C and omega 3, will also boost your immune system. However, levels in most foods are low, and vitamin D formation in the skin doesn’t happen in the UK between October and April, as the sun isn’t strong enough. Di Cuffa explains that your body gets vitamin D from certain foods – such as eggs, oily fish and red meat – and from skin exposure to sunlight. There is evidence to suggest that vitamin D is useful for preventing a cold. Di Cuffa advises that there is limited medical evidence that menthol is effective at easing congestion. If you have a bleeding disorder, take blood thinning medicine, or are pregnant then garlic supplements should be avoided because it may increase the chance of bleeding.<\/p>\n