The Common Cold and Alternative Remedies

Many homemade remedies are available for the common cold. Some of them are found right in your pantry or garden. Using these remedies can help enhance your body’s defenses against this viral infection. Going to your local urgent care center can help you choose the right one for your needs. If you want to get a natural solution to your common cold, here are some alternative remedies to consider.

Elderberry

This is a traditional common cold remedy. Studies show that elderberry extracts can fight off viruses. Elderberry has anthocyanins capable of strengthening the immune system. It can block the flu virus from clinging to the cells. This can also block cold symptoms.

Elderberry is available in capsule, juice, and syrup forms. Rare side effects include allergic reactions and indigestion. Processed elderberry extracts are consumable. Fresh parts of this plant contain cyanide.

Astragalus

This is a medicinal root used in traditional Chinese medicine. It prevents flu and the common cold. Astragalus also strengthens immunity. It also has antiviral properties. Its antioxidant properties are also good for heart disease.

It is available in extract, capsule, and tea forms. Health food stores and traditional Chinese medicine shops also have the dried root form. Practitioners recommend boiling the astragalus root and taking it as soup at least once a week. This can prevent colds, especially during cold months.

Astragalus may also increase the effectiveness of antiviral medications. It may also go against immune-suppressing medications. It could lower blood pressure or low blood sugar. This common cold solution may also increase the potency of diabetes and blood pressure medications as well.

Garlic

This is a popular natural remedy for the common cold. Several cultures have a home remedy involving the use of garlic. It could be soups or drinks with crushed raw garlic. Some of them even encourage eating raw garlic as a cold remedy.

Allicin is the compound in garlic capable of fighting the cold virus. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties. This chemical gives the hot flavor to garlic. Bringing out the highest amount of allicin involves crushing or chopping the raw garlic cloves. This is also available in pill form.

Studies show that people who took garlic for the common cold can reduce the risk of catching a cold by at least 50%. Garlic also reduced the period of recovery from a cold. The side effects of taking garlic are body odor and bad breath. Some people could experience chills, indigestion, and dizziness.

People with allergies to plants belonging to the lily family should not take garlic in any form. Pregnant women should not take garlic because it increases their risk of bleeding. People taking medicine to lower blood glucose should practice caution in taking garlic in any form. Talking to the attending physician before taking garlic will determine if it is healthy for the individual to do so as a solution to the common cold.