There is currently no treatment for the common cold, but certain promising supplements and careful self-care may help you recover more quickly. In addition, specific home remedies can reduce the symptoms and shorten the duration of your cold. Some of them are listed below,
Zinc
According to a meta-analysis published in 2017, zinc lozenges may hasten recovery from a cold. The amount of time a cold lasted was reduced by 33 percent on average, suggesting that relief would come in a couple of days.
It’s worth noting that the daily dosages used in this research, 80–92 mg, are far greater than the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH’s) maximum daily recommendation. However, as discussed in a 2017 study, zinc can be used in daily doses of up to 150 mg for long periods in specific cases with no adverse effects.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supplements are not effective at fending off the common cold. On the other hand, research suggests that they could shorten their duration. According to a meta-analysis published in 2013, taking a daily supplement can reduce the length of a cold by 8 percent in adults and 14 percent in children. As a result, cold symptoms will be less severe.
Black Elderberry Syrup
You can fight common colds with the help of black elderberry, a natural treatment used in several parts of the world. When taken, the symptoms of people with the common cold reduce drastically.
In 2016, researchers performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 312 airline passengers and found that those who took elderberry supplements had significantly less severe cold symptoms and shorter cold duration.
Echinacea
Studies reviewed in 2014, and 2018 suggest that echinacea supplements can lessen the duration of a cold or avoid it entirely. This supplement is created from purple coneflower, the main ingredient of various herbal supplements, including pills, teas, and extracts.
Positive effects of echinacea on cold symptoms were seen in a 2012 study in which patients took 2400 mg daily for four months. However, it’s important to note that echinacea isn’t without its drawbacks; some users reported stomach upset and diarrhea. So, consult your doctor before using echinacea to ensure it won’t react negatively with any other medications or supplements you’re taking.
OTC Drugs
Cold symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, and headache, can make it difficult to do everyday tasks and have a good night’s sleep.
Regardless of how long the virus stays in your system, pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, decongestants, antihistamines, and cough suppressants can help alleviate your symptoms and speed up your recovery.
