What's The Best Cold Medicine?

The best cold medicine according to countless mothers around the globe is natural home remedies.

Well, you can't argue with Mom!

I have to admit that I'm also a big fan of natural home remedies to treat the common cold. For sure, I would avoid prescription drugs, things like antibiotics. 

Most doctors know that antibiotics are completely ineffective against the common cold. In fact, they usually serve to make matters worse because they weaken your immune system.

There are some over the counter cold medications that can be taken if you're desperate, but I would only recommend them as a last resort and don't consider them to be among the best cold medicine options.

My husband is a big fan of Alka Selzer and Alka Selzer Cold Medicine. This may certainly give you some relief from a common cold symptom that is annoying you, but it doesn't really have any healing properties to offer. 

That's why remedies that are 100% natural and often on hand in your kitchen are my preference. I don't want to just temporarily mask my cold symptoms. I want to actually get rid of the problem altogether and aid my body in the healing process.

These are some of the best cold medicine suggestions from both moms and doctors around the world: (in no particular order)

• Honey - Raw honey (not processed), particularly from your own local region is a great natural cold remedy. Honey is a natural antihistamine and has an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost your immune system. 
  
  Apart from eating honey straight from the spoon (which is perfectly fine), you can also mix honey in warm water, tea, and even a little fresh lemon. This is especially soothing if you are suffering from a sore throat.
  
  
  
• Tea - Speaking of tea, herb teas, green teas, and even black teas can be helpful in treating the symptoms of the common cold. Here are some of the best teas to consider - echinacea, chamomile, peppermint, caraway, and ginger tea can provide a calming effect and even help clear up your congested head.
  
  
  
• Vitamins & Minerals - Vitamins and minerals are essential for good health. We get vitamins and minerals from the food we eat, the beverages we drink, and even from the sunshine. But sometimes we just don't get enough because of our lifestyle. To help prevent the common cold or treat it's symptoms if we get a dose, these vitamins are quite helpful.
  
  Vitamin C is a fantastic immune booster, and you usually only need a 1000 mg or so per day. But, when you are unwell, you can take up to 10,000 mg per day. Be sure to space it out so that you aren't taking more than 1000 mg per hour (otherwise you'll be wasting it).
  
  Vitamin D is very important in maintaining good health. We get Vitamin D from the sun, but in the winter we often don't get enough Vitamin D, which makes us much more vulnerable and susceptible to illness. 
  
  Zinc is a mineral that can be taken in a tablet form or often in lozenges for treating colds, sore throats, etc. 
  
  
• Herbs - I love using herbs as a natural remedy. God gave them to us not only for food, but also to provide us with so many other healthy benefits. Herbs have calming properties, as well as anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, and anti-inflammatory properties, too. 
  
  Echinacea is a popular herb to use when you are fighting off the common cold or the flu. It's natural properties are anti-viral, serving rather like a natural and safe antibiotic. Echinacea helps you increase your white cell count. It also contains minerals like copper, iron, potassium and vitamins A, C and E. 
  
  My favorite herb combo is Herbal Fiberblend. It has 17 different herbs that calm, soothe, cleanse, and are anti-inflammatory. I love that it also helps eliminate the actual virus from your system. I always keep HFB on hand year round.
  
  
• Chicken Soup - Is chicken soup really good for you when you have a cold? My mom always said so and I absolutely loved her home-made chicken soup, sick or not. I do believe there are benefits to chicken soup when you are sick. You not only enjoy the comforting benefits, but it's nourishing, too. Sometimes, just the act of eating your hot soup can help loosen your congestion with the warmth and steam. The sentimental side of me is even tempted to claim homemade chicken soup as the absolute best cold medicine. :)
  
  
• Coconut Water - Coconut Water is another great option in fighting off the common cold, according to a friend of mine. Coconut water or "juice" is all natural and is a great help to the balance of your immune system. Coconut water contains the same electrolyte balance that the body has and is vital in replenishing the electrolytes that you've lost. Depending on where you live, coconut juice may be readily available in your local grocery store.
  
  
• Rest - Don't underestimate the value of rest and sleep when fighting off a cold and preventing a cold. Proper sleep helps to improve and strengthen your immune system. Your body does a lot of its healing while it is asleep. If you can possibly take a break from your responsibilities when you catch a cold, use the time to rest and you will be well much more quickly.
  
  

So, what do YOU think is the best cold medicine? Share your tips and experiences, or even a favorite memory of your mom, grandma, etc., soothing your cold or flu with chicken soup.

Also visit...  Flu Incubation Period |

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