If we visit a doctor with a cold, he will never prescribe an antibiotic or other type of medication, but sometimes there are drugs left at home from a previous treatment and we ourselves decide to self-medicate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses, such as the cold, flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, or ear infections.
If we decide to take antibiotics during a cold or flu, we will not cure the infection, we will not avoid infecting other people, we will not feel better and, furthermore, we can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
The OCU explains that colds disappear on their own in a few days. “The symptoms are annoying and it is difficult not to fall into the temptation of buying one of the anti-colds, antitussives, etc., that are on the market. In most cases they are an expense that we could save.”
A relief of symptoms is appreciated to cope with the cold in a less annoying way. For this reason, from El Comprador de La Vanguardia we propose 15 homemade and totally natural remedies to feel better.
Garlic is a natural antibiotic that strengthens the immune system against viruses. We can prepare a garlic infusion, to do this we cut three cloves of garlic into small pieces, boil them for 10 minutes with a liter of water, let it rest, strain the infusion and drink it while still hot. About two cups of this infusion a day will help you calm your cough, clear the bronchi and decongest.
To prepare these infusions without dirtying many tools, we can use one of these Bohemia Cristal cups that have a metal sieve and glass lid and are dishwasher and microwave safe.
Open your airways and relieve throat irritation with eucalyptus vapor that has expectorant properties. About 10 grams of chopped leaves or a few drops of eucalyptus essence per 1 liter of water are placed in a jar. It is boiled, removed from the heat, the contents are placed, and poured into a special inhaler for vapors like this one we propose from the Respirator brand.
As the steam enters the respiratory tract directly, it is very effective and can relieve even very severe colds or catarrhs.
One of the most important things to always keep in mind is to keep your throat well hydrated. Therefore, in addition to drinking plenty of water, we must maintain the correct humidity level at home.
During cough and cold season, a personal humidifier will help to always maintain the appropriate level of humidity so that we can breathe better, especially at night.
In addition, maintaining a humidity level between 40-60% can reduce the survival of viruses, which translates into a lower probability of contagion to other family members.
Many humidifiers on the market, such as the Vicks Cool Mist, allow you to include relaxing essences perfect for colds such as eucalyptus or menthol, and these are easily distributed throughout the room.
According to a study by Archives of Family Medicine, ginger has expectorant, antitussive, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties that help fight colds, flu and cough with phlegm.
These small Kloster Kitchen bottles are a 100% natural ginger juice extract that will help strengthen our immune system. They are made with cold-extracted organic ginger to preserve its properties. Some 30ml bottles each contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and they also do not contain sugars, preservatives or colorings.
In addition to juices, two other formats that are easier to drink are infusions, usually accompanied by lemon, and candies. The most common are those with candied ginger, a way to ingest more concentration of this root without having such a strong taste.
Either format is perfect for opening the nostrils and achieving more fluid breathing without discomfort. Above all, the infusion will be good to soothe the throat with the heat.
To relieve muscle pain caused by a cold, a hot water bath for about 15 minutes with a few drops of eucalyptus essential oils will be great. In this way, the muscles will relax while the vapors from the hot water with this aromatic plant with so many properties will open the respiratory tract and help expectorate mucus.
Another plant that is usually recommended by many experts if we want to treat colds and catarrhs naturally and from home is echinacea.
Echinacea supplements shorten the duration of a cold and reduce symptoms such as cough, congestion, and itchy throat. In addition, they help raise defenses to avoid relapses. When looking for this type of products, we must always ensure that they are as concentrated as possible so that they have an effect on us.
Several studies (and popular wisdom) highlight propolis, produced by bees, its properties to combat bacteria and viruses such as flu or colds due to its antiviral properties. In addition, they also highlight that its anti-inflammatory effects are recommended for throat discomfort.
As with echinacea, propolis should be taken in the highest concentration we can find for it to be truly effective.
If you have a very irritated throat, gargling with antiseptic plant infusions can be of great help. For example, you can prepare a cup by combining sage, chamomile, lemon, mint and thyme. Once boiled, strain the mixture and add cider vinegar or honey. We can do the gargle when the mixture is already warm.
We propose this Greek mountain tea that contains sage, chamomile, lemon verbena, lemon balm, mint, linden, and thyme.
Nasal congestion can be treated with a mixture of salt and water. In a cup of warm water, add a quarter teaspoon of non-iodine sea salt and a quarter teaspoon of baking soda. Pour a couple of drops into each nostril, then lean forward to let it drain a little and blow your nose gently.
There are also ready-made nasal irrigation kits on the market with practical applicators. We propose this one from the Narsa brand, which is the best-selling and best-rated on Amazon.
The wisdom of grandmothers is infinite, and a study by the University of Nebraska has proven them right. Chicken soup makes you feel better because it reduces congestion and lubricates the throat, relieving irritation. In addition, it contains chemical compounds similar to flu medications, which help heal faster.
If you want to take the soup to your workplace, but you don't have a microwave to heat it, you will need a thermos. This spill-proof thermos will keep our broth at the perfect temperature. A portable 710 ml bottle, its dimensions make it easy to transport and its top hole allows you to insert the spoon and drink the soup without having to empty it onto a plate. Plus, it comes with a foldable metal spoon that fits neatly into the lid when not in use.
A remedy as simple as it is effective. Warm water with lemon and honey relieves both the throat infection, the irritation and the itching caused by coughing. It is as simple as heating water, adding the juice of half a lemon, a few teaspoons of pure honey and drinking in small sips. You can drink this drink several times a day, until the discomfort you feel in your throat eases.
If you want high-quality honey and a variety of flavor, you can try this assortment of 3 monofloral honeys from the Alemany brand originating in Spain. The areas where this honey is grown have short flowering due to the low level of rainfall, which makes them dry-land honeys with a higher concentration of enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Of course, remember that it is not advisable for children under 1 year of age to drink honey due to the risk of botulism.
This traditional remedy, and widely used among mothers with small children, consists of cutting an onion in half, adding a little sugar and water to make it sweat more, and placing it next to the bed.
In its composition, onion has a chemical reaction with air that creates vapors that help the patient with cough and breathing. Thanks to these vapors and its composition, onion is a natural analgesic for the throat that calms irritation, hydrates the mucous membranes, relieves cough, and breathes better.
"Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, helps the body fight the flu and avoid complications, such as pneumonia," says Dr. Mark Moyad, from the University of Michigan.
We can consume fruits with a high content of this vitamin such as oranges, tangerines, or kiwi, and also vegetables such as peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach.
Since it is often difficult, especially with children, to eat all this amount of fruits and vegetables, an easy way is to resort to freshly squeezed juices.
A good blender will be our best ally, especially if it extracts up to 30% more of the vitamins from the fruit and makes the most of them. We propose the Cecotec Orbital Juice model
*Prices updated on December 27, 2023
✉️ You can register for the El Comprador Newsletter, where you will find the best discounts, tips and recommendations on products of all kinds.
