Colds can be difficult to treat and are usually left to run their course. Antibiotics are not effective since viruses rather than bacteria cause colds. Many natural remedies for a cold have been devised through trial and error over the years. Some have been passed down through generations. Here is a look at some of the more popular remedies to ward off and alleviate the symptoms of a cold.
Garlic
Garlic is a potent anti-viral, so it often finds a place in natural remedies for a cold. You can buy garlic supplements at the health food store or just grab a clove from your cupboard. It is thought that allicin in garlic is what kills viruses. Allicin is the same thing that makes garlic hot and gives your breath a bad smell. Cooking may destroy some of it, so to get the most benefits, it is recommended to eat garlic raw. Chop it into small pieces first so more of its surface is exposed to air. Wait about ten minutes before eating. This is said to increase its potency. Keep in mind eating raw garlic may upset your stomach and if you eat too much of it, it may lower your blood pressure and make you feel lightheaded.
Hot Sauce Tea
Believe it or not, hot sauce, or cayenne powder may help with cold symptoms. It can help with congestion, coughing, and sore throats. It is best to make a tea by mixing tomato juice with hot sauce. Add crushed garlic for its anti-viral qualities and you will have a powerful tea to help you kick your cold. The amount of hot sauce you use will be determined by your tolerance. If you don’t normally eat spicy foods, only use a small amount or it will be too hot to drink.
Immune Boosters
One of the best natural remedies for a cold is to keep your immune system in peak performance. By eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise and adequate sleep, you may be able to ward off colds or recover from them sooner.
How long is a cold contagious? Are you wondering if the common cold is contagious? The answer is yes, it is. While a cold can last for 7-14 days, a person is usually the most contagious when they are the most sick, that being from day two to day four of their cold. Is a cold contagious only during those few days? Unfortunately the answer is no.
When is a cold contagious? A person who has contracted a cold virus can be contagious for two to three days before he shows any symptoms and for two to three days after his symptoms end. That means a person with a typical cold could potentially be contagious for two weeks.
How is a cold contagious? It is spread in two ways. One is by touching a surface that has cold germs on it and the other is by inhaling germs that are suspended in the air after a sneeze or cough.
If you have a cold, keep in mind, you are your most contagious during day two to four when you feel the worst, so try to minimize your contact with others during that time, especially young children, the ill, and the elderly. Also, cough into your elbow to keep germs off your hands, or use a napkin and throw it away immediately.
If others around you are sick and you are afraid they are contagious, be cautious of the things you touch. What they touch or cough or sneeze on could be infected. This includes their skin, doorknobs, toys, napkins, utensils, glasses, and countertops. Avoid putting your fingers in your mouth or around your face and wash your hands often. While the common cold is contagious, and it seems to spread quickly among families, workplaces, and schools, you can take steps to protect yourself and reduce its transmission by practicing good hygiene.
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