Common cold is the viral infection of the upper respiratory system which affects the nose initially. The common cold is also called by the name nasopharyngitis, acute coryza and cold.
The basic symptoms of this disease include cough, sore throat, runny nose and fever. The common cold occurs due to the rhinovirus but around 200 other viruses are also involved in the infection.
Around 40 % of people suffering from cold gets sore throat and 50 % gets cough in addition to the common cold. This problem affects the nose, throat and the sinusitis.
The symptom of common cold includes cough, runny nose, nasal congestion and sometimes a sore throat. This is a spreadable disease so you should try to avoid its spread by washing your hands properly and wearing a face mask.
Though there is no cure of common cold but the symptoms of the cold can be treated with the help of several easily available herbs Some of the herbs that will help you to get rid of cold are explained below:
13 Herbal Remedies For Cold
Ginger
Ginger is being used in traditional Chinese as well as ayurvedic medicines of cold. This is due to the fact that ginger contains antiviral compounds in it which prevents the spread of the virus of the common cold.
You can eat a piece of raw ginger or you can make ginger tea by boiling a piece of ginger in water. Mango ginger, which is found mostly in southern countries, helps to give instant relief from cough.
Chamomile
The leaves of chamomile should be boiled in water and then the vapors from it should be inhaled. This will give you relief from the nasal congestion, loosen the mucus and heals the bronchial tubes and throat.
The leaves of eucalyptus or thyme can also be used in place of chamomile. The chamomile tea can also be brewed to give soothing effect on the throat.
Mullein Flower
This flower has got a very good taste and helps to give relief to the inflamed conditions of the mucous membrane attached to the walls of the throat. The tea can also be prepared with mullein flower which gives relief from cough.
Take some mullein flowers and put them into one pint of boiling water. Steep it for 15 minutes. Then strain and add honey to taste and take this mixture.
Elderberry
Elderberry extract contains around 5 % of flavonoids which helps to reduce the intensity and duration of cold. This herb is available in the form of capsules and you can take a 500 mg capsule thrice a day.
Garlic
Garlic contains allicin which helps to shorten the period of cold and its severity. The garlic can be taken in any form like capules, tablets, rubbing of garlic oil, clove of garlic roasted in foods we eat etc.
Echinacea
The herb Echinacea acts as a stimulant for the immunity of the body and it also activates the infection fighting strength of the body. Take this herb after the onset of cold as it will help you to reduce the symptoms of cold.
This herb can be taken in the form of powdered extract, tincture, juice and dried root. The liquid form of Echinacea is more effective as direct collision between the tonsil and lymphatic tissues on the back side of the throat takes place.
Ginseng
Ginseng helps to increase the immunity power of the body towards sickness. The regular use of this herb will prevent the occurrence of cold. There are three different types of ginseng herb –Asian or Korean gingseng, American ginseng and Siberian ginseng.
The recommend dosage of Pan ax ginseng is 1 to 2 g of raw herb or 200 mg extract of this herb and Siberian ginseng around 2 to 3 g of the whole herb and 300-400 mg liquid extract. After taking this herb for a period of 2-3 weeks a break of equal period should be given.
Onion
Onion contains very effective antiviral chemical that will heal the symptoms of cold. So whenever you are affected by cold submerge some onion slices into honey and take the prepared mixture at intervals to get rid of cold. The onions can be taken in raw form in salads.
Goldenseal
The goldenseal herb increases the blood supply to the spleen which is an organ that helps in the formation of mature lymphocytes, in the demolition of worn-out red blood cells and acts as a reservoir for blood. This herb contains berberine which activates the WBC that helps to destroy the bacteria, fungi and tumor cells.
This herb can be taken in the form of tincture which is popularly known as glycerite tincture. The recommended dosage is ten to fifteen drops of the tincture thrice a day for at least ten days.
Marsh Mallow
The marsh mallow contains mucilage which is very soothing in nature and gives relief to the inflamed mucous membranes. The marsh mallow family includes okra and roselle so you can take them as a vegetable or by making a soup.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is also known by the name Indian elm, gray elm and red elm. The inner bark of this tree contains a slippery substance that is why it got the name slippery elm.
The bark of this herb is used to give relief from the throat infections and acts as a cough suppressant. You can take this herb in the form of liquid extract, capsules or lozenges.
Watercress
Watercress is a diuretic, expectorant and helps to improve digestion. This herb is very useful for the treatment of symptoms of cold like running nose, sore throat and cough. You can take watercress in your tea, soup or as a component of your salad.
Basil
The leaves of basil are very useful for the relief from cold. You can take basil tea in the initial phase of cold to prevent the problem to get worse. The tea made from fresh or dried basil leaves may give you sweats in the beginning but this will prevent the occurrence of fever. You can add a pinch of grounded clove to add flavor to it.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
