5 Alternative Remedies for Colds That Actually Work

Many people are turning their attention to alternative remedies for colds and other ailments. The beauty is that these are very natural and yet very powerful in their approach and application.

Garlic: There’s a reason that you hear so much about this particular herb, because it happens to have some really potent powers. Garlic is a good herb to take on a daily basis to work towards prevention and general health. When a cold strikes however, garlic can get to work fast and help to relieve the symptoms that you may be suffering form. Garlic has antiviral and antibacterial properties which not only help to alleviate the symptoms, but also help to fight off the cold virus altogether.

Echinacea: Though many of us know of Echinacea as a preventative herb, it can be helpful beyond that. One of the main purposes of this herb is to naturally boost the immune system, and it does a great job of that. If you take Echinacea at the first signs of symptoms, it can be quite powerful in moving things out quickly and easily. If however you find yourself with a full fledged cold, then Echinacea can prove to be powerful with its antibacterial properties as well. At the very least, taking Echinacea can lessen the duration that you have to suffer with a cold for.


Vitamin C: You probably heard about taking Vitamin C as a child, as it has turned into a well known remedy for colds and other illnesses. That’s because Vitamin C is the best at helping the body fight infections. This is why you are told to bump up your intake of this during a cold, and it will provide some excellent results. If you learn to embrace the powers of Vitamin C, you will find that you suffer with far less symptoms and will deal with a much shorter duration for the cold in the first place. Though you can get Vitamin C from foods such as citrus fruits and sweet potatoes, it’s always a good idea to take a supplement as it will help the body to fight things off faster.

Ginger: Many people know of ginger as a helpful herb for stomach problems, but its aid doesn’t stop there. Ginger actually contains dozens of antiviral compounds. Not only does it help to fight off the cold, but it can eliminate any pain or symptoms that you are coping with. Ginger works as an antiseptic, an antioxidant, and a natural pain reliever. So if you want to get rid of the cold and all of the related symptoms a whole lot faster, turning to ginger may offer some excellent help.

Hot Liquids: Along with other home remedies, you’ve probably heard that taking in hot liquids can be of great help when you are suffering from a cold. There’s a reason that hot chicken soup has become one of the most well known and effective home remedies one can find for a cold. Chicken soup is a great one to consider, but in all actuality any hot liquids can help to do the trick and get the body back to a healthy and normal state.

If you want to get better fast, then turning to these home remedies can work quite well. For those that want to try something else or want to take a more natural path, these can work wonders. 

M. Frederick writes about how to obtain a nurse practitioner degree.