5 Natural Cold Remedies & Why They Work
Photo @charlotablunarova
You’ve probably heard of at least a few natural cold remedies that you can use to get over a cold. You’ve probably even used some of them yourself. But have you ever wondered how they work? Or if they even work at all? Keep reading to learn more about some of the most common cold remedies and how they can help you get better when you’re feeling under the weather.
Honey & Lemon
Whether on its own or in a nice warm cup of tea, honey is a popular choice for cold symptoms—especially a sore throat and a painful cough. When paired with lemon, this powerful combo is often lauded as the best remedy for a sore throat. But is it effective?
Yes! Although it’s probably mostly the honey.
Lemon is a good source of Vitamin C, which may help treat cold symptoms (more on that below). And honey enjoys a sterling reputation as one of nature’s most potent antimicrobials. Honey also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can boost your immune system and help you fight off infections. Adding honey to a cup of hot water or tea can help blast all those cold-causing bacteria and soothe your throat. Honey has also been shown to be a highly effective cough suppressant that can help both children and adults get a good night’s sleep!
Mint
Mint has a reputation as a bit of a panacea. It has been used to treat everything from upset stomachs and indigestion to headaches and aches and pains. It’s certainly deserving of its reputation as a wonderful all-purpose tonic, but is it effective at treating colds? Definitely.
While any warm liquid will have a soothing effect on a sore throat, warm mint tea has some unique benefits. Mint contains menthol, which can reduce nasal congestion and break down mucus and phlegm.
When used topically, the menthol in mint can help relieve some of the aches and pains associated with colds and open your nasal passages so you can breathe more easily.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a popular ingredient in many anti-cold serums. Most of these serums claim that the herb will prevent you from getting sick.
But does it work? Sort of.
Some studies show that echinacea effectively reduces the length and severity of cold symptoms, while other studies have shown it to be mostly ineffective. Most people who take echinacea agree that to get the best results, you have to start taking it as soon as you feel a cold coming on or before, like when you notice that someone you have close contact with is sick.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another cold treatment that some people swear by, and others say it doesn't help them at all.
So does it work? Sort of.
While there isn't a lot of evidence to suggest that Vitamin C does anything to prevent colds, some studies have found that it can help you get over a cold quicker. This is because Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and a great immune booster, and when your body is busy fighting off a cold, it can use all the help you can give it.
Chicken soup
Chicken soup is one of those remedies your grandmother probably used, and one that is still recommended as the best treatment for the common cold today.
But does it work?
Yup! And here’s why. Chicken contains carnosine, which studies have shown to reduce respiratory inflammation and relieve some of the nasal congestion you experience with a cold. Chicken bones are also a good source of minerals, like calcium and magnesium, that help your immune system fight off infection. Add garlic, onions, carrots, and other vegetables to the mix, and chicken soup packs a powerful punch of nutrition that can help you recover faster.
It's important to remember that there is no actual cure for the common cold. The remedies listed here are simply known for their ability to help treat your symptoms while your body battles the infection. And with recent studies identifying a clear link between over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen and heart issues, more and more people are looking for natural remedies to common complaints. Whenever you’re trying a treatment for the first time, natural or otherwise, speak to your doctor to ensure that there are no contraindications that you should be aware of.