Common Cold Remedies

If there is a story to tell about the horrors of the common cold, this has to be about the most telling – It is about William Henry Harrison, who took office in 1841, becoming the ninth president of the United States. While giving his inaugural speech – which lasted all of 105 minutes, and is still considered the longest inaugural speeches ever – he stood in the rain, refusing to wear a hat. He promptly caught a cold, which developed into pneumonia, of which he died about a month later.

Quite obviously, the common cold is nothing to be sneezed at.

Anyone who has endured through a bout of runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, itchy or sore throat, head ache, body ache, and sometimes even a mild temperature, knows that although the common cold is often scoffed at, it’s no laughing matter.

And with every new cold season that arrives, and brings on the accompanying sniffles, it hits us with renewed realization that despite all the awesome strides made in the field of science, the common cold still remains an unsolved medical riddle. And although science has been trying to unravel its mysteries, and has indeed learned a great deal about the disease, one of the most unsettling discoveries made about it is that the invisible little sub-microscopic organism that causes it is astonishingly varied.

The common cold, in other words, is caused by about 200 different viruses!

And, of course, to date medical science has not been able to immunize us against any of these viruses. Hence, the most scientifically advanced preventive measure against the common cold that doctors, with a string of impressive degrees attached to their name, recommend is to wash the hands frequently when colds are in the air and to keep them away from the face. This is based on the momentous scientific discovery that people catch colds from each other, and it is usually transmitted via the hand. And as for curing the common cold, another momentous scientific discovery – there is simply no cure! And the old adage continues to hold in this the 21st Century: "With proper treatment a cold can be ended in seven days, but otherwise it lasts a week."

However, though the disease has no cure, there are several common cold remedies that can help to alleviate the distressing symptoms to a great extent. These remedies are recommended not only to relieve the symptoms, and make you feel better, but also to avert secondary bacterial infections.

One of the myths, however, of common cold remedies is to allow a cold to run its course. This is based on the belief that by sneezing and blowing the nose, the virus is expelled from the body. In fact, the force of blowing the nose actually forces the mucus, virus, and bacteria into the sinuses, causing them to get infected. And when the watery mucus drains into the throat, it usually results in the throat, tonsils, or adenoids getting infected. Hence, letting a cold run its course by not using any cold remedy can actually exacerbate the symptoms, and can even lead to the condition worsening.

That said, here are the remedies for the common cold:

Zinc: According to studies, it has been found that zinc can help the body’s immune system fight the cold virus and ease the symptoms. Zinc lozenges that are the most effective contain about 15-25 mg of zinc gluconate-glycine or zinc gluconate per lozenge. For it to be most effective you need to begin using them as soon as you feel the cold coming on. Like any other medication, it is advisable to check with your doctor first.

Vitamin C: Even though taking copious amounts of Vitamin C has been popular since the book ‘Vitamin C and the Common Cold’, written by the Nobel-prize winning chemist, Linus Pauling, was published in 1970, later medical research has not substantiated the remedial its effects. Hence, again, best get your doctor’s advice.

Decongestions: Medications like nasal sprays and pseudophedrine can help to reduce the symptoms. However, people who have high blood pressure, heart disease, or other ailments need to consult their physician before using them.

Antihistamines: Medications like Benadryl can help to alleviate nasal drainage, however, only those that cause drowsiness seem to be effective. Again, people who have other ailments like constipation or prostate problems, and the elderly, should take the advice of their health care providers prior to using them.

Echinacea: This is an herb that is a natural antibiotic. It boosts the immune system of the body, thereby helping to fight off infection. It is recommended to be taken as soon as the onset of the cold is felt. Like any other medication, you need to check with your health care professional about its safety and the recommended dosage. The directions are also given on the bottle.

Ginger: Fresh ginger has been used for ages as an effective remedy for cold, especially during the early stages. Hot ginger tea with a teaspoon of honey is effective against congestion caused by the accumulation of mucus or phlegm.

Garlic: Garlic has both antiviral and antibiotic properties, and it also helps to alleviate congestion by activating the immune system and stimulating circulation. Crush a couple of pods of garlic and let it steep in a cup of hot water. Then, add honey and fresh lemon, and sip this hot beverage.

Steam and Gargle: Inhaling the steam of hot water with a few drops of peppermint oil in it is very effective against cold, especially in the early stages. Likewise, gargling with a solution of warm water and table salt. Both these can be done several times a day.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken to relieve muscle aches, and cough syrups that contain dextromethorphan can be taken to control coughing.

Of course, if all else fails, you could be tempted to try out some of the remedies recommended for combating the common cold in the Merck Manual of 1899, such as inhaling chloroform or ammonia, gargling with a solution comprising of carbolic acid, adding a little arsenic in your cigarettes, or perhaps – as an absolute last resort – what Robert Benchley so soulfully advised – "Don’t breathe through your nose or mouth."