If you have a cold, you may turn to the pharmacy for over-the-counter remedies. Be mindful, though; certain decongestants and antihistamines could increase your heart rate or interact with other medications in ways you didn’t expect. Read labels carefully!
Antihistamines help relieve allergy symptoms while acetaminophen can ease pain and decrease fever. Vitamin C has not been proven to prevent colds but does help shorten the duration of symptoms.
Rest and fluids
While no medicine can completely remedy a cold, over-the-counter medications may help ease symptoms. But it’s essential that you read labels and only take medicines that are appropriate for you, such as antihistamines, decongestants and pain relievers. Antihistamines, decongestants and pain relievers may provide some relief; avoid combination products containing both of these remedies – they often share side effects. Furthermore, drinking plenty of fluids (water, juice, broth or warm lemon water with honey) can ease stuffiness while loosening mucus from inside your nose – just remember not caffeine-containing drinks or alcohol as this could cause dehydration!
Echinacea
Echinacea, an herb from the daisy family, has long been used as an natural solution to fight off colds and boost your immunity. Native Americans have relied on it for centuries as a cure against snake bites and other ailments; today it is often included in herbal supplements as an immune booster. But can Echinacea really help people avoid colds or recover quicker from existing ones? Wellness and preventive medicine specialist Robert Saper, MD cautions that while laboratory studies might show its ability to stimulate immunity systems further than ever, Echinacea cannot act as a panacea against illness – nor should we expect miracle cures from taking Echinacea alone!
Lab studies have suggested that Echinacea could boost certain white blood cells that attack foreign invaders in your body and may help fight infection, though human trials have not confirmed this claim. Other studies indicate it might slow or stop bacterial growth, reduce swelling, decrease inflammation or kill viruses and bacteria; more research needs to be conducted before these claims can be validated.
Alkamides, caffeic acid derivatives and cichoric acid found in Echinacea plants have been proven to modulate immune function. Echinacea may also possess antiviral and antibacterial properties; however this remains under investigation. Echinacea’s effect can vary greatly depending on which extract type and route of administration are chosen;
Echinacea can help fight infections as well as treat urinary tract infections and slow-healing wounds and cuts. Before trying this herb or supplement for yourself, consult with a healthcare provider first to make sure it’s safe.
Taken three times daily, taking a standardized echinacea extract may speed your recovery from colds or flus. However, for optimal results use an array of herbs and supplements rather than simply echinacea alone. Furthermore, select only high-quality pure tincture or powder products from trusted vendors – pills, teas or creams should contain enough active ingredient and be taken with food to minimize potential side effects.
