Colds and the flu are caused by viruses, which means antibiotics are ineffective treatments. Over-the-counter remedies also often contain substances found to suppress your ability to fight the virus and will extend the time you suffer from a cold. Fortunately, there are some proven, natural ways you can shorten the amount of time you suffer from a cold or flu and help prevent a recurrence.
1. Hydrogen Peroxide
The quickest and safest remedy for colds is using “Hydrogen Peroxide", with success sometimes coming within 12 to 14 hours if used early on. Simply administer a small capful of 3 percent food-grade hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into each ear. You will hear some bubbling, which is completely normal, and possibly feel a slight stinging sensation. Wait until the bubbling subsides (usually 5 to 10 minutes), then drain onto a tissue and repeat with the other ear. It’s also safe for infants and children. Here’s a short tutorial video to help you.
2. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is one of the most powerful remedies that you can use to treat a cold or flu. It contains carvacrol and thymol, antimicrobial and antiviral compounds that disrupt the cell membranes of bacteria and viruses, leading to their destruction
A Journal of Applied Microbiology study showed that carvacrol, a primary component, was particularly potent in inactivating the norovirus within an hour of exposure. Make sure to select an oregano oil with 80% carvacrol, to maximize its antiviral potential. Â
Add 2-3 drops three or four times daily to some orange juice or a spoon of coconut oil or olive oil. It’s quite pungent, so you can purchase oil of oregano capsules at natural product stores. However, it’s NOT meant for long-term use—longer than one week—as extended or high-dose use can stress the liver. It’s also not recommended for those with heart disease or high blood pressure, pregnant and nursing women, or infants.
3. Garlic
Eating a clove or two of fresh garlic a day may keep the cold and flu away, in part because it has immune-boosting, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal effects. It’s thought that much of garlic’s therapeutic effect comes from its sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin, which are also what give it its characteristic smell. Garlic can also reduce the severity of cold symptoms by 21 percent once you catch a cold.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used to reduce acidity in the body, as a simple, relatively harmless and easy way to combat your cold.
Day 1: Take six doses of 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water, at about two-hour intervals. Make sure the stomach is empty.
Day 2: Take four doses of 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in water, at the same intervals.
Day 3: Take two doses of 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in water morning and evening.
Thereafter take ½ teaspoon in a glass of water each morning until cold symptoms are gone.
Use this method only occasionally, as excessive consumption can lead to electrolyte and acid/base imbalances.
5. Raw Honey
Honey has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties. If you suffer from a sore throat with your cold, raw honey is as effective as cough syrup or cough drops. Remember that honey is a natural sugar and taken in large amounts will adversely affect your insulin and leptin levels.
6. Chicken Soup
A team of researchers from the University of Nebraska Medical Center found evidence that chicken soup had anti-inflammatory properties that could prevent the side effects of a cold.
7. Coconut Oil
Extracted from the nut of the coconut palm tree, coconut oil contains a fatty acid called lauric acid, which has anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also has anti-viral properties which make it perfect for fighting winter colds. Studies have shown that coconut oil can bolster a weakened immune system by improving white blood cell counts, which helps the body directly fight viruses and infections.
Your presence here is greatly valued, and that’s why all our articles are free on this site. But if you've found that the content benefits your life, please consider supporting it through a cost-effective paid subscription. This plays a vital role in covering operational costs and supports the continuation of this independent, unbiased research and journalism work. Thank you!!
If shy about commitments, feel free to leave a one-time tip!