Debunking The Myths: How To Cure A Cold

Written By Jessica Sweet / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

There has been much said and written about how to cure a common cold. Unfortunately, the answer remains that there is no way to get over a cold other than to let it run its course.

While this can be frustrating, it is essential to note that colds are not life-threatening for most people. They may be unpleasant but letting them run their course is the only way to get over a cold. 

That said, you can still find ways to help improve your chances of beating a cold faster or more effectively. This article will explore some of the common myths surrounding colds - and their so-called cures - and offer some of the best advice and tips on how you can speed up your recovery. 

Avoiding The Cold

It is commonly thought that staying bundled up, out of draughts, and inside where it’s warm, is crucial to avoid catching or worsening a cold. This is a common myth – low temperatures cannot give you a cold virus and do not make you more susceptible to catching a virus.

Staying warm when you have a cold is largely important for keeping you comfortable while waiting for the virus to pass. 

Eating Plenty Of Food

Staying well-nourished is crucial to help you overcome any illness. You should ensure you eat when you feel like it and avoid over or under eating.

A common remedy touted for any illness is chicken soup. While chicken soup cannot cure a cold or any virus, it is packed with vitamins and nutrients that can aid your immune system, which in turn is fighting off the virus. Soup is also a good choice as it is warming, easy to eat and soothing for a sore throat. 

Gargling Salt Water

Gargling saltwater won’t cure your cold, but it can help soothe a sore throat. To feel the benefits, you should dissolve around half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with it for around 30 seconds. You can also use ice chips, lozenges, and soothing warm drinks to the same effect. 

Sweating It Out

Sweating out a cold is another common myth when it comes to colds. Trying to sweat out a cold can cause more serious issues by making you dehydrated. You can find out more in Drip Drop’s article, which asks: can you sweat out a cold? 

Staying hydrated is crucial to help you overcome a cold. You should drink plenty of fluids, avoiding things like alcohol and caffeine, leading to dehydration. Mixing warm drinks with honey can be a great way to soothe a sore throat and keep you hydrated all at once. 

Medicating A Cold

There are no medications that can cure a cold, though some medicines can help manage and alleviate the symptoms. You should never take antibiotics for colds, as these will have no effect, and misuse of antibiotics has been proved to lead to antibiotic-resistant germs.

You should only ever take antibiotics when prescribed by your doctor, and they will never prescribe them for a common cold. 

Wearing Garlic

Sadly, colds are not vampires, and wearing garlic will have little to no impact on how quickly your cold is resolved. Eating garlic can have some health benefits, however, that may help you recover. Garlic contains plenty of antioxidants that can boost your immune system, giving you a better chance of fighting off a cold. 

Going Outdoors With Wet Hair

A common myth around catching colds is the idea that going outdoors with wet hair can give you a cold. While you may feel chilly if you go outside in the winter with wet hair, this will not lead to a spontaneous cold.

The only way you can catch a cold is from someone else, so the best thing you can do to avoid catching a cold is to avoid people who are sick. 

Resting Up

Often, we will stay in bed if we come down with a cold because we don’t feel up to exercise. Resting can help you preserve your energy levels, but it can also lead to feelings of depression if you stay bedbound for extended periods.

It can help to exercise gently if you feel up to it. Consider taking a short walk around your neighborhood and getting some vitamin D from the sun. 

Taking Painkillers

Painkillers can be a great way to manage the symptoms of a cold, such as a headache or muscle pain. You should take painkillers as stated on the guidance in the packet they come in. It is best to avoid strong painkillers as these are usually unnecessary for the pain that a cold can cause. 

Conclusion

Sadly, there is no cure for a cold. This is because colds are caused by a wide range of viruses, and each is unique. You can’t catch the same cold twice, but with so many variants, it may sometimes feel like the same illness. To overcome a cold, all you can do is stay hydrated and well-fed, use painkillers if you need to, and wait for it to take its course.

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Written By:

Jessica Sweet loves to write and share her thoughts with interested readers and businesses that might want to work with her! From cooking to travel, style to relationships, there’s something on here for everyone, so keep your eyes peeled for the latest enticing articles designed to help you live your best life.

Reviewed By:    

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

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