Although cold and flu are most commonly associated with cold temperatures of the winter season, this viral infectious disease can hit at any time of the year. And while there are no medications that can cure common cold, there are self-help things you can do to ease the symptoms.
Drinking plenty of liquids like water and tea and getting plenty of rest is the most common way to deal with a cold. But this you may already know. What you may not know is that there are other not-so -common yet effective ways to kick a cold out, such as turmeric and Manuka honey. Read on to find out the 5 uncommon ways to beat a cold.
1. Eucalyptus and menthol steam inhalation therapy – This may be your grandma’s secret ‘common cold’ fighting weapon, but believe it or not, it does work. Eucalyptus and menthol inhalations act as natural decongestant (help relieve nasal congestion), expectorant (help loosen the mucus) and can help kill the infection.
2. Incorporate some anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial herbs and spices into your cooking – You may not know, but there are a number of medical remedies stashed in your kitchen cabinets. The two best common cold fighting spices are garlic and turmeric. Garlic has anti-microbial properties and turmeric is considered a powerful anti-inflammatory. Cook with them to beat a cold.
3. Keep tea tree oil at hand – Tea tree oil, native to Southeast Queensland and New South West, Australia, is known for its abilities to act as an antiviral against influenza. Doctors say it’s best to always carry a small bottle of tea tree oil with your and take a small inhalation when in crowded places.
4. Eat Manuka honey – Using honey to help soothe soar throat and ease common cold symptoms is something you probably already know. But did you know that if you used Manuka honey instead of the traditional one, a cold symptoms will go away faster. This is because Manuka honey is a monofloral honey produced solely from the nectar of the manuka tree which is native to Australia and New Zealand. Because it contains antibacterial properties usually not found in traditional honey, this type of honey is extremely effective in treating the symptoms of a cold.
Researches have shown that Manuka honey also contains more vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants than other types of honey. All of this can help you boost your immune system and prevent a common cold symptoms. So add Manuka honey to your hot tea, smoothie, oatmeal, etc., to get rid of a cold.
5. Increase the humidity in your home – Researches show that a cold and flu virus is more likely to survive in low humidity environments, what increases the chances of getting infected. And since during winter you heat your home, the inside air can get dry, so get a humidifier.