The common cold is more than just a sniffle and a runny nose. It’s one of the most common viral infections, with an estimated 500 million people getting a cold annually Knowing the symptoms, treatment options, and ways to prevent the common cold can help you get over it faster in the event that you do contract it.
With so many different types of cold viruses and potential routes of exposure, it’s no wonder that so many people end up with a nasty case of congestion and sneezing.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to reduce your risk of contracting the virus and ease its symptoms if you find yourself with a lead-pipe cinder in your nasal passages.
Nothing is more miserable than the cold and flu season. Your nose is running, your head feels like it’s going to explode, and you can barely keep your eyes open.
You feel like crap literally. With cold and flu season approaching, many of us get a little nervous about contracting one of these horrible viruses. And with good reason.
Even though neither is pleasant, the flu is much more dangerous especially for young children and the elderly.
Fortunately, there are many different herbs and supplements that help fight both types of illness and reduce their duration when they strike. These include;
- Echinacea
- Goldenseal
- Ginseng
- Elderberry
- Ginger root
- Zinc citrate
- Vitamin C (in high doses)
- Vitamin A capsules
Echinacea
Also known as black-and-blue, purple coneflower, and snot weed, echinacea is one of the best herbs for fighting the cold and flu.
In fact, it is so effective that it is the most commonly used herbal medicine in the world, and one of the most studied. Echinacea increases your immune response to fight off invading pathogens, such as viruses that cause the common cold and flu.
It also improves your body’s ability to fight bacterial infections. Echinacea is best taken as a preventative. However, if you already have a cold or flu, it can speed up the recovery time. It can also reduce the severity of symptoms, such as a stuffy nose, cough, and fever.
Goldenseal
Golden seal is a plant that can be found growing in the eastern half of the United States. It has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries.
Golden seal has been shown to be just as effective as echinacea at fighting off viral infections. As with echinacea, golden seal has also been shown to reduce the duration of cold and flu symptoms.
Golden seal can also be used to treat bacterial infections such as sinusitis and tonsillitis. Golden seal is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Ginseng
Ginseng is one of the most well-known herbs out there. This is because it has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
Ginseng is an adaptogen—a class of herbs that help your body adapt to stress. It is also anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic (meaning it helps slow the growth of cancer cells). Ginseng has been shown to reduce the risk of contracting a viral infection.
It has also been found to reduce the severity of symptoms if you already have a viral infection, such as a cold or flu. Ginseng is safe to take during pregnancy. However, it is recommended that pregnant women consult with their doctor before taking ginseng.
Elderberry
Elderberry is another great herb to take during cold and flu season. It has been shown to reduce the duration of symptoms by up to 50%. It can also reduce the severity of symptoms, like a stuffy nose and cough.
Elderberry is an anti-viral and anti-bacterial herb. It is often used to treat upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold and flu. Elderberry is safe for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for children as young as 2 years old.
Ginger Root
Ginger root is one of the most widely used herbs in the world. It has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years. Ginger is an anti-nausea herb that can help reduce the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
It can be used for motion sickness and morning sickness. Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory. This means it can reduce the inflammation in your body, which can reduce pain and swelling. Ginger root can be helpful for treating bacterial infections, such as sinusitis and tonsillitis.
Zinc Citrate
Zinc citrate is an important mineral that helps boost your immune system. Zinc citrate is a natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial agent.
It can help kill viruses and bacteria that cause the common cold and flu. Zinc has also been shown to reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms.
It can also prevent your cold or flu from turning into bronchitis or pneumonia. Zinc is safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it is recommended that pregnant women or those breastfeeding consume 15 mg of zinc per day.
Vitamin C (High Dose)
Vitamin C is an important vitamin that helps boost your immune system and fight off infections. Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the duration of cold and flu symptoms by up to 50%. It can also reduce the severity of symptoms, like a stuffy nose and fever.
Vitamin C has also been shown to reduce the risk of contracting a viral infection. Vitamin C can be taken in a pill form, as a lozenge, or in liquid form. Vitamin C is safe for use for people of all ages, including children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Vitamin A Capsules
Vitamin A is an important vitamin that helps boost your immune system, especially during cold and flu season. Vitamin A has also been shown to reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. Vitamin A has also been shown to reduce the risk of contracting a viral infection. Vitamin A is safe for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for children as young as 2 years old.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that cold and flu season is a nuisance, it is important to remember that these viruses are serious and can be dangerous.
They can lead to stuffiness, fevers, headaches, and even death. It is important to take measures to prevent these viruses and to catch them early if you do contract one.
This includes washing your hands frequently, getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy diet, and taking supplements and herbs that help boost your immune system.
With the help of these herbs and supplements, you can significantly reduce the duration and severity of these illnesses when they strike. The best time to start taking these herbs and supplements is at the beginning of cold and flu season.