Doctors still can’t cure the common cold, and they never run out of excuses for not being able to do so. (“There are too many kinds of cold viruses,” or “Cold viruses change and adapt from year to year,” etc., etc.) None of this helps the legions of people who suffer at least one cold every winter. There are ways, however, to minimize a cold and its attending discomfort, ways that come from folk medicine, common knowledge, and even from medical doctors. Here’s a round-up of them – try one or try all the next time you get a runny nose and a fever:
Chicken soup. Don’t laugh, or at least don’t let your mother catch you laughing because, according to research by the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the combination of ingredients in most chicken soups works.
Warmth. It turns out your immune system drops when the temperature drops. So get warm and stay warm, whether by means of hot baths, saunas, or steam rooms.
Vitamins and supplements. Take plenty of vitamin C, which experts at medical centers like the one at the University of Michigan are now saying has an anti-inflammatory effect. Some experts also suggest vitamin D drops, as well as a daily tablespoon of cod liver oil, which is made with a mint flavor these days.
Echinacea. Many experts like Samuel Zeiler, who is a wellness coach at the Robust Life Center in Seattle, recommend the herb echinacea as an immune center booster. The herb comes in several forms and dosages, so it’s best to consult someone you feel is knowledgeable in order to get the best results.
Liquids. Zeiler strongly recommends drinking plenty of liquids, especially water, because dehydration is a big concern with colds. He says dehydration can be a problem at almost any time, whether we’re well or sick. “Dehydration is one of the biggest problems we face, second only to stress and lack of sleep,” he said.
Zicam. This commercially available homeopathic remedy contains a small amount of zinc. Many people swear by it, including experts. Dr. Oz Garcia, a Manhattan nutritional counselor, says, “Zicam is very Old World medicine in very modern packaging.”
Cleanliness of your nose and mouth. Dr. Garcia says the first thing he tells a sick patient is to get a new toothbrush and a therapeutic toothpaste such as Arm & Hammer, which contains peroxide to help kill germs. To kill germs in your sinus passages, a saline nasal spray can be beneficial.
Get some rest. All experts, including your mother, agree on this one. Give your immune system a chance to fight back.
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