Sadly at this time of year its only to common to wake to symptoms of a runny nose, soar throat and fever, yes once again you have been hit by the common cold!  With so many colds going around at the moment and with the average adult suffering two to four times in a year and children suffering six to twelve times, we felt it was time to dig out some natural remedies you can use against the common cold

Officially there are no ‘cures’ for the common cold, but there are natural ways to minimize the symptoms and hasten the healing process. In fact, the best treatment for the cold is to tackle it as soon as you feel it coming on. Even if symptoms lessen it is a good idea to continue treatment for three to seven days after. You can also continue treatment even after you are fully recovered.

Lemon

Lemon is the most popular among the many home remedies for common cold. It is beneficial in all types of cold with fever. Vitamin C-rich lemon juice increases body resistance, decreases toxicity and reduces the duration of the illness. One lemon should be diluted in a glass of warm water, and a teaspoon of honey should be added to it. This should be taken once or twice daily.

Ginger

Ginger is considered to be another excellent remedy for colds and coughs. Cut about 10 grams of ginger into pieces and make a paste of it. Mix ginger in warm water and add half a teaspoon of honey or sugar to it. Take half a glass of the mixture, two to three times a day. Ginger tea, prepared by adding a few pieces of ginger into boiled water before adding the tea leaves, is also an effective remedy for colds and for fevers resulting from cold. It may be taken twice daily.

Garlic         

Garlic has been found to be effective against common cold. Traditionally, it has been used for fighting cough and cold. You can take garlic in hot soups. Garlic possesses antiseptic properties too. Its juice can be mixed with onion juice and it can be taken in warm water to prevent the infection.

Basil

Basil leaves and basil seeds possess antioxidant, antiviral, anti cancer and anti microbial properties. Two to three leaves of basil or half a teaspoon of basil seeds can be mixed with a spoon of honey and it can be taken to prevent the infection. Herbal tea can be prepared from peppermint and basil leaves. Take the tea when it is hot to get rid of the problem. It will also help in reducing headache and congestion.

Asafoetida

Asafoetida is commonly available kitchen herb and it is known for the strong odor in the uncooked form. It can be mixed with warm milk and taken to get rid of common cold. It has been proved in laboratory that asafoetida contains antiviral properties. A report was published in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Natural Products, which found it effective against flu. It has also been found effective against bronchitis and asthma as well.

Eucalyptus Essential Oils

Eucalyptus Essential oils are great for helping with colds and sinus problems. You can either use a burner or just pop a couple of drops onto a tissue & inhale the oils from there. When buying essential oils you need to make sure you are buying therapeutic grade oils and be sure to avoid oils if you are allergic to the plant and never except for Lavender & Tea Tree oils put the oils directly onto your skin without them first being diluted into a base of some kind. You can find a large range of essential oils for sale on www.ethicalcommunity.com

If you know of any natural remedies effective against the common cold be sure to add them as a comment to this article and hope you get well soon.