The search for effective common cold treatments continues amid numerous remedies. Recent FDA findings revealed the limited efficacy of phenylephrine, a common decongestant ingredient, prompting a need for alternative, proven fast-acting remedies for symptom relief.
The abundance of options, from over-the-counter medications to traditional remedies, adds complexity to the quest for optimal common cold treatments.
House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) wipes his nose while speaking during the first session of the 113th Congress in the House Chambers January 3, 2013 in Washington, DC.
Symptoms of Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection impacting the nose, sinuses, throat, and windpipe. It easily spreads in homes, classrooms, and workplaces, caused by over 200 different viruses.
Viruses are responsible for causing the common cold and adults may experience two or three colds annually, while infants and young children might have them more frequently. While there's no cure, it typically resolves within a week to 10 days. If symptoms persist beyond 10 days, consult a healthcare provider.
Its symptoms may include a runny or congested nose, sore or scratchy throat, cough, sneezing, general malaise, slight body aches, mild headache, and low-grade fever. The nasal mucus may initially be clear and later transition to a thicker, yellow, or green consistency, which is a normal occurrence and does not necessarily indicate a bacterial infection.
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6 Common Cold Remedies
When faced with sniffles, sneezing, or fatigue, try these natural approaches to quickly alleviate those symptoms:
Take a Deep Breath
Inhaling fresh winter air triggers the release of nitric oxide, a potent anti-inflammatory and virus-inhibiting compound, from the mucous membranes in your nasal passages and lungs. The key is being able to breathe through your nose to maximize nitric oxide exposure.
Australian scientists recommend stepping outside and taking in cool breezes, asserting that this practice can alleviate sinus congestion and provide relief within as little as five minutes, with optimal benefits achieved through three daily sessions.
Eat Sweet Potatoes To Soothe Sore Throat
Relieve a scratchy throat within two minutes by enjoying 3/4 cup of sweet potatoes daily, as suggested by a Sri Lankan research review. The beta-carotene in sweet potatoes reduces inflammation, soothes pain nerves, and accelerates healing, with added benefits when topped with butter or olive oil.
Get Warm With a Cozy Blanket
Getting restful sleep can reduce recovery time by up to eight days when battling a viral infection. To enhance sleep quality, layering an extra warm blanket can keep skin warm, prompting thermoreceptors to signal the brain to increase deep sleep-inducing slow waves. This may decrease the likelihood of restless sleep and early awakenings, offering improved sleep from the first night.
Massage Your Scalp
Massage specific acupressure points on the scalp to trigger the release of endorphins, combating fatigue and enhancing alertness. This simple technique, involving firm pressure and circular motions along your hairline, can reduce the risk of energy slumps by 56% if done hourly. The massage targets key areas, including the base of your skull and the region behind your ears.
Sipping a Hot Drink Could Ease Body Pain
Combat the body aches associated with immune system activity by enjoying an additional cup of your favorite coffee or tea. Rich in polyphenols and caffeine, these beverages aid in the swift breakdown of metabolic wastes by the liver and elevate your pain threshold, providing relief within 30 minutes.
Take Some Sugar To Calm a Cough
Alleviate coughing fits by swallowing a pinch of sugar or swishing sugar water in your mouth, triggering the release of endogenous opioids that calm the cough reflex as effectively as over-the-counter medications, reducing coughing fits by up to 50%. The brain's affinity for sweet flavors prompts this natural remedy, providing relief and mood stabilization.
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