Common Cold Treatments Found In Your Kitchen

Although the common cold may not require immediate medical treatment, it can still be severe enough to interfere with daily activities like going to work, exercising, and taking care of the kids. If a bacterial infection is not present, there is no need for antibiotics, but many home remedies can help treat the common cold with everyday ingredients found in the kitchen. Many ingredients used for cooking have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with upper respiratory illnesses.

Soap

The best way to treat the common cold is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Washing hands frequently remains the best way to prevent spreading or contracting the common cold. Thankfully, most households have antibacterial soap not only in their bathrooms but also in the kitchen, since it helps clean off an individual's hands after handling raw food.

Besides using antibacterial soap, individuals can also make their own handsoap using one part castile soap with three parts water as well as five drops of peppermint essential oil. Everyone should wash their hands after visiting the restroom, as well as after handling food (particularly raw meat), and if they do happen to fall ill, after sneezing or coughing into their hands (or at least at an increased frequency than normal).

Tea

Green tea is high in antioxidants, which help reduce free radical toxins in the body to decrease the frequency and intensity of cold symptoms. Herbals teas do not contain caffeine, which can be dehydrating, and often have high anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties as well. Mullein tea is an excellent choice because it is an expectorant, which means it helps subdue chronic coughing. Make this type of tea by steeping mullein leaves in boiling water for ten minutes. Drain the leaves and sip on the boiled water. For the other teas, simply boil water and steep according to the directions.

Besides the medical benefits discussed, drinking clear fluids is an ideal way to combat the common cold. Furthermore, hot beverages are often more comforting when an individual is ill, which makes herbal and green teas the perfect options for fighting the common cold.