Home Remedies For The Common Cold: Confessions Of The Genetically Predisposed

I hate getting colds.

I’m pretty sure everybody does. The runny nose, watery eyes, constant sneezing, sore throat? All together, a guaranteed ticket to misery. Sniff.

The common cold is possibly the most commonplace illness people come down with. (Which is why it’s called the common cold, right?) For most people, the common cold occurs with some regularity, with adults averaging around 2-4 a year, and children about 6-10 a year.

I’m probably among the exceptions to this because I seriously get colds as often as children do—at times, even more! I have what I call a genetic predisposition to catching colds. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is—I’m a cold magnet!

Which is why, over the years, I’ve had to find different ways to treat the common cold. And I’ve discovered these home remedies to combat it, alleviate my symptoms, and help get me back in sniffles-free shape in no time:

Raw Garlic

If you’re reading this, you’re probably not a vampire so garlic’s okay, right?

A powerful antioxidant, garlic can actually help boost your immune system. The trick is to go raw.

Yep, you read it right. Go raw.

Chopping a fresh clove of garlic on a board or actually munching on it (takes courage to do this!) releases a powerful antibacterial agent called allicin. Allicin is an immunity-booster and natural antibiotic, and helps bust your cold. Try chomping on 1 to 2 cloves every 4 hours to completely knock the bug out!

Ginger Brew

Ginger root has always been well-known for its health properties. I’d personally swear by ginger tea for its ability to cure sore throat that comes with colds. Try boiling a few slices of ginger root to make your very own ginger brew and get its soothing and curative benefits in no time!

Honey Tea

Honey is a well-known miracle cure for a number of different health problems. Packed with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, drinking warm water with honey and lemon eases the pain caused by sore throat and helps reduce other cold symptoms.

Lemonade & Vitamin C

Vitamin C is another effective way to treat colds. While it may be taken in the form of tablets or powders, in this blog, we will focus on natural home remedies. Lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruits, and multiple other fruits and vegetables (including bananas!), eaten or taken as juices, are a great source of vitamin C.

My mom’s preferred remedy is lemonade. Lemon squeezed in lukewarm water with honey is not only an effective home remedy for colds, but also a refreshing treat to your dry mouth and scratchy throat.

Another way to help reduce phlegm is by taking hot tea with a bit of fresh lemon juice and honey. This one is pretty soothing and heavenly.

Salt Water

Aside from ginger tea, one of the most effective ways I manage sore throat is gargling with salt water. That is, warm water with a good amount of salt. (The amount of salt really depends upon your tolerance. I try to use a teaspoon for every glass of warm water.) It also helps address nasal congestion, as it loosens mucus. Gargling with salt water loosens and reduces mucus, freeing up your nasal passages to help you breathe better.

There are many other home remedies available for treating the common cold, but these are the ones that work best for me. I’m positive you can benefit from these, too!

But listen—

If you want to avoid getting sick often, the best thing to do is boost your immune system. For that, check out our range of health supplements that effectively strengthen your immune system and shield your body against ailment, specifically our Elderberry Capsules. If capsules aren’t your thing, we also have another immunity-boosting option in the form of the delicious Elderberry Gummies. Check these out and stay healthy! - Kendra

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis. Should you continue to feel sick after a couple of weeks, or experience severe symptoms, visit your doctor.