When it comes to colds, most of us find solace in knowing that our sore throat or cough will be over quickly. But for some unlucky people, the prolonged suffering often called the “never-ending cold” may continue for weeks or months. Fortunately, these remedies and strategies might just help you feel back to normal in no time.
The cold, harsh facts
There are more than 200 viruses that cause colds, including rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV). The typical cold lasts one week but may last longer in children, the elderly, and those in poor health.
The average adult gets two to four colds per year, while children average six to eight colds annually. Colds are typically characterized by congestion, coughing, reduced sense of taste and smell, runny nose, sneezing, and scratchy throat.
Preventing colds
It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle that promotes respiratory and immune health. There are some simple things you can do to help avoid getting colds:
- Regularly wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes and nose.
- Avoid smoking or vaping.
- Exercise regularly.
- Drink plenty of water or hydrating fluids.
- Reduce sugar intake.
- Eat plentiful amounts of vegetables.
Treating the relentless cold
If your suffering seems unending, consult a physician to determine whether other opportunistic infections, such as bronchitis or ear or sinus infections, may have taken hold. This is especially important if you suffer from a chronic condition like asthma. If you experience a high fever, ear pain, or unusually severe cold symptoms, it’s best to consult a physician.
Chat with your primary health provider before trying any new supplement. Natural remedies that are thought to be hard-hitters against cold viruses include the following.
- Curcumin. The yellow pigment that gives curries their signature yellow color has potent antiviral properties.
- Echinacea. One of the most widely used herbs in the world, echinacea acts as an immune stimulant and antimicrobial agent.
- Elderberry. This is an important traditional medicine, long used by the Indigenous peoples of North America.
- Garlic. A culinary herb of choice and a popular traditional herb for the treatment of the common cold.
- Ginger. Fresh ginger has long been used to ease the symptoms of the common cold.
- Panax ginseng. Korean red (panax) ginseng has antiviral effects.
- Quercetin. A type of flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables, quercetin has been found, in cell studies, to be a potent antiviral agent, inhibiting viral replication of several respiratory viruses.
- Vitamin C. Long-term supplementation with vitamin C has been shown to help shorten the duration of symptoms in those who are infected with respiratory viruses.
- Vitamin D. Research over many decades has solidified the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels for immune health to protect against viral infections.
- Zinc. Important for the body’s ability to fight off viral and bacterial invaders, zinc is found in cells throughout the body.
By Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM