Prevent and Cure the Common Cold
The Comprehensive Guide

Prevent the common cold virus from entering your body by using common sense tips. The best way to cure the cold is to boost and enhance your immune system with home remedies and natural cures.

Introduction

Facts and Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Natural Home Remedies to Prevent and Cure the Common Cold

Natural Remedy	What experts say about them
Vitamin C	(What's this?) There are controversies over the effectiveness of using vitamin C to prevent and cure the common cold. Studies show that taking vitamin C does shorten the duration of the cold by up to one and a half day. It also seems to lessen the severity of the symptoms. Dose: Take 1,000 to 3,000 mg (1 to 3 grams) daily. Divide into two doses. Higher doses (megadoses) have been used. Click here to jump to the full review on vitamin C and to get detailed information on megadose therapy.
Zinc (Lozenges and nasal sprays)	Zinc lozenges relieve the symptoms of sore throat and runny nose. It also seems to reduce the duration of the common cold. Studies in lab show that zinc interferes with viral replication. Zinc nasal sprays seem to be even more effective than the lozenges. Clinical studies show that in the nasal spray group, 74% of the subjects experienced reduction in symptoms compared to only 53% for the lozenges group. Dose: Use lozenges containing 13 to 25 mg of zinc gluconate or acetate. Allow one lozenge to slowly dissolve in the mouth every 2 hours while awake. Start taking the lozenges at the first sign of the cold. Mild side effects from the lozenges include a bad taste in the mouth, nausea and vomiting. There are several reports of the nasal spray causing temporary and permanent loss of smell. Use with caution. Note: Studies using different forms of zinc didn't show any benefit. Stick with zinc gluconate or acetate lozenges.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)	Several clinical studies support the fact that echinacea reduces the severity and duration of the common cold symptoms. Dose: Take 500 mg four times daily of the raw herb on the first day, then use 250 mg four times daily for up to 10 days. Tincture - Use 2 to 4 mL four to six times daily. Note: Studies don't seem to show that it can prevent the cold. Also, it also doesn't seem to work as well in children. Avoid using in children as there are reports of allergic reactions such as rash.
COLD-FX	Many clinical studies have been done on COLD-FX, a proprietary concentrated blend of North American ginseng. The studies show that COLD-FX can reduce the risk of catching and shortening the duration of the cold by up to 50%. Dose: Take as per manufacturer's direction on the package.
Ginseng	Ginseng is shown to stimulate the immune system and may be helpful in preventing and treating the common cold. Dose: Take 100 mg daily to prevent catching the cold. Higher dosages have been used. Click here to get the full review and other dosages for ginseng.
Garlic	Some clinical studies show that taking garlic regularly seems to reduce the chance of catching the cold and the flu. Dose: Take 200 to 400 mg up to three times daily.
Andrographis	Andrographis is shown in clinical studies to help reduce the symptoms and shorten the duration of the common cold. There is some evidence that using andrographis can reduce the risk of catching the cold by up to 50% Andrographis stimulates the immune system and increases the activity of germ-fighting white blood cells. It also seems to have anti-allergic activities to help with symptoms such as running nose and watery eyes. Dose: Take 400 mg three times daily to treat the cold. Start within 72 hours of the appearance of cold symptoms. Dosage of 200 mg once a day for five days per week is used to prevent the cold.
Propolis	Extracts of propolis reduce the cold symptoms and duration in children. Studies done in adults also show that it helped shorten the duration of the cold faster than a placebo. Dose: Take 500 mg one or two times daily.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)	There is some evidence that taking astragalus may reduce the chances of catching the common cold. Studies show that it can boost the immune system and have a positive effect on the immune cells in our body. Dose: Dosages used to prevent the cold is 4 to 7 grams daily. Higher doses should be used with caution.
Sage	Sage shows antiviral activities in animal and lab studies. Mouthwash containing sage is shown to reduce the pain from sore throat. It is popular in Europe for treating mouth and throat inflammation. The German Commission E approves its use for sore throat. Dose: Infusion - Use 3 grams of the herb in 150 mL of water or use 3 drops of the essential oil in 100 mL of warm water. Gargle up to three times daily or as often as needed to get relief from sore throat.
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)	Slippery elm lozenges seem to help treat the pain from a sore throat. It is a demulcent, soothing and protecting an irritated mucous membrane. Dose: As a lozenge, follow manufacturer's direction. A typical lozenge contains about 150 mg of slippery elm.
Elderberry	Elderberry is a rich source of anthocyanidins, tannins, flavonoids and rutin. These chemical substances are known to benefit and regulate the immune system in our body as well as acting as an antioxidant. Elderberry juice (Sambucol by Nature's Way) seems to reduce the severity of the symptoms and shortens the duration of the flu by about 50%. Some experts suspect it can also help with cold symptoms. Dose: Typical dose used is 15 mL (1 tablespoon) taken up to four times daily. Take within 2 days of the start of symptoms for maximum benefit.
Cordyceps	Cordyceps is shown to regulate and boost the immune system. It may be helpful in treating viral infections. Dose: Take 500 mg two or three times daily.
Goldenseal	Goldenseal may provide relief from the pain of a sore throat. It possesses antiviral and immune boosting effects in laboratory studies. Dose: Typical dosage is 4 to 6 grams of the root extract taken up to three times daily.
Oil of Oregano	Oil of oregano shows potent activity against viruses and may be helpful in killing off the cold virus. Dose: Typical dosage used is 500 mg up to four times daily as per manufacturer directions.
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)	In lab studies on cells, boneset seems to boost immune cell functions. It is traditionally used to help cure viral infections. Dose: Steep 1 to 2 grams of the herb in 150 mL of boiling water. Drink three times daily. Extract (1:1) - Use 1 to 2 mL three times daily.
Peppermint Oil	Helpful Peppermint oil seems to help treat sinus and chest congestion. Dose: Use 3 to 4 drops of peppermint oil in 150 mL of hot water and inhale up to three times daily to help with nasal congestion. Nasal ointment - Use a 1% to 5% nasal gel applied into the nose up to three times daily to help with a stuffy nose. Humidifier - Peppermint oil along with eucalyptus oil may be added to humidifier.
Eucalyptus Oil	Helpful Similar to peppermint oil, eucalyptus may be helpful with sinus and chest congestion. Dose: Use 3 to 4 drops of eucalyptus oil in 150 mL of hot water and inhale up to three times daily. Humidifier - The essential oil may be added to a humidifier along with peppermint oil.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)	Helpful Ginger is well known for helping with nausea and vomiting in motion sickness. Ginger will also help treat sore throat, fever and pain. It will settle the stomach and reduce coughing. As well, it has a sedative effect, helping you sleep better at night. Dose: Take 500 mg or use the tea formulation. Use up to four times daily as needed for the duration of the cold.
Probiotics	Helpful Probiotics contain bacteria that are found naturally in the digestive system. It will help to restore balance and enhance the immune system. Some evidence suggests that it might help to prevent the common cold. Dose: Take yogurt or lactobacillus capsules containing at least 1 billion live cells. Take one to three times daily with food for the duration of the cold symptoms.
Catnip	Helpful Catnip is classified as a diaphoretic (promotes sweating), thus it may be helpful in treating colds with a fever. Dose: Use prepared tea bags or make a decoction by boiling 1 to 2 teaspoon in a cup of water (250 mL) for 10 minutes. Drink three times daily.
Aniseed Blackberry Blueberry Borage seed oil Forsythia Honeysuckle Stinging nettle Yarrow	Helpful These following herbs have been traditionally used to treat the symptoms of the common colds. Some of these herbs have been shown to have antiviral activities and immune boosting activity in lab studies. Others, such as blueberry and blackberry show anti-inflammatory benefits and is traditionally used to treat sore throat and other cold symptoms.

Facts and Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Facts on the common cold

What are some common symptoms of the common cold?

• tickle in the throat (or scratchy throat)
• body ache
• headache
• chills (mild)
• blocked eustachian (ear) tubes
• fatigue/weakness
• cough
• nasal congestion (stuff nose)
• nasal discharge (runny nose)
• mild fever
• sneezing
• watery eyes
• sore throat
• loss of appetite (mild)

Common cold vs. the flu (Influenza) - What are the differences?

How long do you remain contagious once you have it? What is the incubation period?

What else can I do to prevent catching or to get relief from the common cold?

• Wash hands frequently and keep it away from eyes, nose and mouth.

• Rest and get enough sleep.

• Exercise regularly to maintain total body and immune health.

• Control and reduce stress.

• Maintain a healthy diet consisting of more fruits and vegetables.

• Chicken soap containing ginger, scallions and rice noodles is helpful in fighting the common cold.

• Meditation may be helpful to regulate the immune system and reduce stress.

• Salt water gargle helps with sore throat.

• Use a nasal lubricant gel to keep the nose moist and prevent irritation from frequent nose blowing.

• Humidify the air with a humidifier to make your sore throat more comfortable.

• Sneezing easily spreads the virus. Cover your mouth and nose and sneeze into a tissue or onto your shirt sleeve. Wash your hands right after. Sneeze towards to floor to avoid making the virus airborne.

• Don't share cups, knives, forks and spoons in the kitchen.

• Use separate face towels and hand towels.

• Stay away from those with a cold when possible. Indeed, crowded living and working areas increases the chance that you might catch a cold.

• Disinfect your bathroom especially if someone in the house has a cold.

• Sleep in a separate room if possible to avoid transmitting the virus to your spouse or children.

• Wear a face mask (N95 type) if practical to avoid spreading the virus.

• Smoking increases the likelihood of getting a cold as it weakens the immune system.

What diet should I be on if I want to prevent or cure the common cold?

• Water, lemon or herbal tea - prevents dehydration
• Fruits and vegetables
• Light meals are recommended
• Increase garlic, ginger and onions intake

• Sugar - It negatively affects the immune system
• Avoid fruit juice as they are high in sugar content. You may dilute the juice first to reduce the amount of sugar you take in.
• Diary products - Milk and cheese may worsen congestion as they seem to promote mucus production.

Does getting wet or exposure of your body to cold weather cause the cold?