Old Remedies

A number of people swear by old remedies for curing the common cold. While some write off old remedies as old wives’ tales, many old remedies are actually quite effective at curing colds and reducing cold symptoms.
 
However, other old remedies may not be effective at reducing symptoms or helping people recover from colds. In some cases, certain remedies may be more helpful for some people than others. Trial and error is sometimes necessary to see which cold remedies are most effective for you.

Chicken soup, hot toddies and humidifiers are among old home remedies for colds. Chicken soup has actually been found to be a very effective cold reliever. It breaks up mucous and acts as an anti-inflammatory. Hot toddies have also been shown to be effective cold remedies. They serve as an anti-inflammatory and have been shown to reduce fever. Humidifiers and steam treatment break up mucous and clear the airways, making them effective at fighting colds as well. Other old remedies, such as frequent doses of cough syrup and avoiding food, are not so effective.

Chinese remedies and herbal remedies are also popular treatment methods for cold sufferers. Many people swear by teas, herbs, vitamins, supplements and honey for clearing up a cold.

In this section, we’ll cover all old cold remedies. We’ll outline what they entail, whether or not they’re effective, why they work or don’t work and more.

Hydrogen Peroxide

A less commonly known cold remedy, hydrogen peroxide is said to be effective against cold symptoms if used in the ears. Hydrogen peroxide is supposed to be the most effective when use begins as soon as symptoms begin to appear.

Some researchers believe that this method works as often as four out of five times. Some believe that this method works because colds enter the body through the ear canals. However, many doctors have dismissed this cold remedy altogether and feel it is ineffective.

Hydrogen peroxide should not be put into the ears of especially young children. Initially, hydrogen peroxide in the ear may cause bubbling and fizzing and may sting, which could frighten a child. Consult a doctor before trying to cure your cold with hydrogen peroxide. 

Chinese Herbal Remedies

Chinese herbal remedies vary in effectiveness. Some may be worthwhile, while others may simply not work against cold symptoms.

Chinese herbal remedies include:

  • formulas containing chrysanthemum flowers, mulberry leaf, mint, peppermint, honeysuckle, forsythia buds, burdock seed, and licorice
  • formulas containing cinnamon twig, ginger root, asarum (which is similar to ginger), kudzu root, and licorice
  • green tea
  • miso soup (contains onion and fresh ginger)
  • mixture of cinnamon twig, apricot seeds, and licorice.

A variety of Chinese remedies are used for different illnesses. The Chinese also believe that remedies should differ for different types of cold. In the eyes of the Chinese, there are two types of cold:

  • those caused by wind cold, which have symptoms of chills and sensitivity to cold
  • those caused by wind heat, which have symptoms similar to flu symptoms and cause fever.

Ask your doctor about the effectiveness and use of Chinese herbal remedies.

Resources

Edwards, Steve (2007). Old Fashioned Cold Remedies. Retrieved October 28, 2007, from the How to Be Fit Web site: http://www.howtobefit.com/old-fashioned-cold-remedies.htm.

Healing Daily (1998). Hydrogen peroxide in the ears for the flu and colds? Retrieved October 28, 2007, from the Healing Daily Web site: http://www.healingdaily.com/exercise/hydrogen-
peroxide-in-ears.htm.
 
Holistic Online (2007).Chinese Medicine for Cold. Retrieved October 28, 2007, from the Holistic Online Web site: http://www.holisticonline.com/Remedies/Flu/cold_chinese-
medicine-for-cold.htm.