Useful Remedies To Treat A Common Cold At Home

One of the best home treatments for the common cold would be plenty of fluids and long hours of rest. Experiencing colds is not necessarily a disease in itself but is actually a symptom of fatigue and stress. It is a sign that your immune system is already running low and that you need to take a break from all the stressful activities. It is very likely that you may have neglected your diet the previous days or weeks, or have been taking a lot less fluids.

Tamarind-pepper rasam is also considered an effective home remedy for a cold practiced in South India . Dilute fifty milligram tamarinds in 250 ml of water. Boil the diluted tamarind i.e. imli water for a few minutes with a tablespoon of hot ghee and 1/2 a teaspoon of black pepper powder. This steaming hot rasam (soup) has a flushing effect, and should be taken thrice daily. As one takes it, the nose and eyes water and the nasal blockage is cleared instantly.

The ginseng common cold remedies sold in department, drug and health food stores may contain any form of the plant. It is necessary to read the ingredients label to determine exactly which plant is included. Some of the over the counter remedies for common cold may list a proprietary blend or plant phenols, but if it is unclear which plants are used, it is best to avoid them. Natural does not always mean safe. Some medicinal herbs are known to interact with other prescription and over the counter drugs and unwanted side effects can occur. An herbalist can advise you about side effects and drug interactions, if your physician is unsure.

Most research about common cold treatment is geared towards shortening symptoms, since curing the infection is not possible. First, let's look at what does not work. Regardless of what stages of the common cold a person is currently suffering from, an antibiotic is not effective. Antibiotics neither kill viruses, nor shorten the duration of viral infections. They are only effective against bacterial infections. If symptoms last for more than two weeks, a bacterial infection may be present and a visit to the doctor is appropriate. There is no indication that inhaling steam is an effective treatment.

Vitamin C supplementation is considered, by some, to be the best treatment for common cold symptoms, but opinions vary. Some studies have shown that it is an effective preventative; others have shown it to be less effective. Again the difference in the results of these studies is probably related to the difference in people. Injecting the rhinovirus directly into the nose causes an infection in 95% of people, but only 75% of them develop any symptoms at all. If you decide to increase your vitamin C intake and you develop diarrhea, then you are getting too much vitamin C and should reduce the daily dosage.