In another study, those that took garlic had fewer symptoms of a cold and felt better sooner, possibly because a subset of immune cells were increased in those people taking 2. 56 g of a garlic supplement daily. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Most researchers believe that sulfur-containing compounds in garlic, allicins, are responsible for the anti-common cold effects. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source However, there are a number of other elements in garlic, such as saponins and amino acid derivatives, that are thought to play a role in reducing the viral load, though it is not clear how they might do this. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
The good news is that you should be staying home from work and school and staying away from other people. You should also be resting and drinking plenty of fluids. All this means is that while the garlic may smell, for the most part, only you and your loved ones will be around. This seems like a small price to pay for getting better sooner with fewer symptoms!
If you are not a fan of the taste, wash the garlic down by mixing it with orange juice. You can also add it to lemon water. Add the garlic to a mixture of 2 tablespoons (29. 6 ml) of lemon juice and 6-8 ounces of water and stir. Raw garlic can also be added to honey water. Honey has both antibiotic and antiviral properties. Add 1–2 tablespoons (14. 8–29. 6 ml) of honey to 6-8 ounces of water and stir. [6] X Research source
Use 2-3 cloves of garlic for every meal during a cold. If you are eating light, add the crushed/minced garlic to your chicken or vegetable broth and heat it as you normally would. If you are eating normally, try cooking garlic alongside your vegetables or add garlic to rice as it cooks. You can also add the crushed/minced garlic to tomato or cheese sauces, once you are feeling better. Rub the crushed/minced over meat or poultry and cook the meat and poultry as you normally would.
Strain the tea and sip throughout the day. Refrigerate leftover tea and reheat as needed.
The incubation period is usually short, only 12-72 hours after exposure to the virus. Exposure usually occurs by being in relatively close proximity to someone who already has a cold and who coughs or sneezes. [12] X Research source
These are usually followed by nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and sneezing. These usually get worse over the next 2-3 days after the first symptoms. The nasal discharge is usually clear and watery. It may become thicker and greenish-yellow. Other symptoms include: headache or body aches, watery eyes, facial and ear pressure from congested sinuses, loss of sense of smell and taste, cough and/or hoarseness, vomiting after coughing, irritability or restlessness, and a low-grade fever may occur, usually in infants and preschool children. The common cold can be complicated by ear infections (otitis media), sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), chronic bronchitis (lung inflammation with congestion and coughing) and worsening of asthma symptoms. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Get plenty of rest. Drink lots of fluids. These fluids can include water, juices, and clear chicken or vegetable broths. Chicken soup IS actually very good for the common cold. [16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Gargle with warm salt water. This will help make a sore throat feel better. Use cough drops or throat sprays if you have a severe cough that is not allowing you to get enough rest. Take over-the-counter pain or cold medicines. Make sure to follow the directions on the packaging.
A fever with a temperature higher than 100. 4 °F (38 °C). If your child is younger than 6 months old and has a fever, call your doctor. For children of any age, if the fever is 104 °F (40 °C) or greater, call your physician. If the symptoms last more than 10 days If the symptoms are severe or you experience unusual symptoms, such as severe headaches, nausea or vomiting or difficulty breathing.
