More often than not you can tell when you are coming down with a cold. There’s that tingly feeling at the back of your throat, a headache, and a stuffy nose, just to name a few. With those early symptoms, it’s can be just a matter of hours before your cold becomes full blown. You need a fast and effective line of defense.
Don’t head to your medicine cabinet yet; there are better alternatives to stop a cold dead in its tracks that are cheaper, faster, more effective, and without as many side effects.
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Here we’ve compiled six of the best. Check them out.
Raw garlic
While it might not leave the freshest breath in your mouth, raw garlic can help you kick pretty much any illness to the curb. It has been used as a natural antibacterial and antifungal substance since seemingly forever. Also, it wards off Dracula, so that’s something too.
Allicin, its major active component is responsible for its medicinal properties. Research has shown that people who take raw garlic frequently experience fewer and less severe colds. Make sure you don’t cook it before crushing as that will reduce its effectiveness. The best way to consume it is either by chewing whole, or crushing it onto of a salad or your food right before you eat.
Turmeric
In case you haven’t been reading the latest food and nutrition stuff, turmeric is one of the latest herbs to be crowned a super food. This natural anti-inflammatory food is rich in antioxidants and relieves your body of toxins.
Either eat it, or use turmeric essential oil with your favorite diffuser, and it will boost your overall immune system.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is very similar to lemon juice in the sense that it alkalinizes your body. Bacteria and viruses can’t survive in that alkaline environment. So if you see early symptoms of a cold be sure to drink it as many times as you can. It will help reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Elderberry syrup
It is our ancestors who discovered that elderberries could be used to prevent and treat colds. Based on science, they are very rich in antioxidant flavonoids and anti-inflammatory anthocyanin, both of which help your body fight off illnesses, including colds.
Although most elderberry syrup brands are great, some include ingredients that will do you more harm than good when it comes to cold fighting. For instance, it is best you stay away from those that contain high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, and flavorings.
Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, which in turn is essential to the health of your gastrointestinal tract, nose (the inside part), and skin. In the nose, it nourishes your mucosal surfaces and helps them fight off cold infections. As far as the skin goes, it creates the first line of defense by ensuring that nothing can penetrate into your body. All this while also being delicious.
Ginger
Have ginger in your house? Great!
Make it an ingredient in your tea, soup, stir fries, and everything else that you can incorporate it into Ginger contains a chemical known as sesquiterpenes. The chemical is very good at treating a stuffed nose and suppressing coughs.
It does so by stimulating the body to secrete antiviral chemicals that fight cold viruses found in mucus membranes. Fresh ginger will work better, therefore, store your ginger stock unpeeled and in an airtight bag (without air inside).
Conclusion
So, there you have it – a complete guide on how to stop a cold before it passes the point of no return. Obviously, the best recommendation is to keep yourself healthy and in good shape all year long so that you will be less susceptible to illness in the first place. That means eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
Anna Leake is a health blogger that focuses on topics related to nutrition, fitness, and mental health. She was born in New York City but at age 6 moved to the Midwest where she spent her childhood exploring nature with friends and family. Anna graduated from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with degrees in psychology & human development.
