Alternative Cold Remedies

At least one-third of the population of the United States uses alternative remedies for cold relief or pain relief every now and then. Research has shown that a number of alternative cold remedies and alternative pain relievers are very effective at preventing colds and also at shortening the duration of colds and certain cold symptoms.
 
Alternative cold remedies include certain vitamins, supplements, herbs and more. Among the most popular alternative cold remedies is taking vitamin C and Echinacea at the onset of a cold or during the entirety of cold season. Many people believe that vitamin C and Echinacea work to boost the immune system and are also very effective at fighting off cold germs.

Drinking a lot of water and other fluids is also recommended as an alternative cold remedy. While water itself does not have healing properties, water can serve to thin out mucous and reduce congestion, and can also replace fluids that your body loses while you are sick. Water can also be effective in the form of steam. Steam loosens up mucous and can also help clear your airways, which can provide some relief from certain cold symptoms.

Zinc, plants, garlic and even duck liver are also among the many alternative cold remedies in practice. Goldenseal, asha root and thyme are also known by some as cold relievers or cold symptom reducers.

Homeopathic medicines that are believed to be effective against colds include:

  • aconite
  • alium cepa
  • belladonna
  • byronia
  • euphrasia
  • naturum mur
  • oscillococcinum (made from the heart and liver of a duck).

Homeopathic remedies focus on treating the whole person and not just the illness.

In this section, we’ll cover all types of alternative cold remedies and outline which are most effective, when to use them, why they work and more.

Lemon

Lemon is thought to be an effective cold remedy, due to its acidic qualities and the vitamins it contains. Lemon is most often given to cold sufferers in tea or hot toddies, which both also have cold-fighting qualities according to many people.
 
Ask your doctor more about the healing properties of lemon.

Garlic

While it is uncertain what the exact reasoning is, garlic is thought to be effective at both preventing colds from beginning and at lessening or eliminating the symptoms of a cold.

Additionally, a sulphur compound called Ajoene that is derived from garlic has been shown to have an anti-viral effect and can also reduce cold symptoms.

Try adding garlic to your diet to see if it may be an effective alternative cold remedy for you and your family.

Ginger

Ginger is used often in teas and many Chinese herbal remedies for colds and cold symptoms. Many believe that the herb has healing properties. In fact, ginger does have anti-viral and antibiotic properties and can aid in healing.

This cold remedy is often given in tea form and in the form of capsules. Ask your doctor about the best ways to administer ginger.

Resources

Cardiff University (2007). Alternative Common Cold Medications. Retrieved October 28, 2007, from the Cardiff University Web site: http://www.cf.ac.uk/biosi/associates/cold/alt.html.

Kendall, Pat (2002). Alternative Remedies: Help for the Common Cold? Retrieved October 28, 2007, from the Colorado State University Web site: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/columnnn/nn020204.html.