Natural Care for Cold Symptoms

We're entering cold season, and loading up on those over-the-counter cold medicines can have unpleasant side effects. As an alternative, why not try one of these natural methods for preventing and relieving cold symptoms:

Ginger

Studies have shown that taking ginger every day can lessen the severity and duration of a cold, and may even prevent it!

Vitamin C

Taking a gram of vitamin C several times daily during a cold will help you fight off symptoms, although daily preventative use will not keep you from getting sick.

Neti Pot

Rinsing the nasal passages daily with saltwater (only while symptoms are present) has been shown to reduce cold symptoms.

Zinc

Zinc lozenges have shown promising results in research, reducing sick time from the common cold by nearly half. Be careful with Zicam products, though, as they have settled hundreds of lawsuits already from people who have lost their sense of smell after using the products.

Echinacea

Mix about 20 drops of tincture with water and drink four times daily. Research has been mixed on echinacea's effectiveness, but it is one of the oldest and most commonly used natural cold remedies.

Pelargonium sidoides

Take 30 drops of root extract three times daily to lessen symptoms of respiratory conditions (including bronchitis) and fever.

While most of these remedies lack good proof that they work, they are generally safe (although you may want to talk to your doctor) and you may find one that works for you.