When you catch a cold or an infection, it is very natural to want to get rid of your cold quickly. The average duration of a cold is between four and seven days and this all depends on the strength of our immune system and how quickly it can respond. The common cold is a group of upper respiratory concerns caused by viruses which is why antibiotics should not be prescribed since they will not work.

The most common viruses responsible for a cold are rhinovirus and corona virus although there are around two hundred types of viruses which may cause a common cold. Symptoms of a common cold include a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, sore throat, lethargy, mild cough and itching of the throat.

Natural remedies to get rid of a cold

Typically, the worst symptoms of a cold last for three days though you can feel congestion for up to seven days which can be draining. It makes sense to get rid of the cold quickly because who wants to live with these symptoms.

My first recommendation would be to use Viridian Nutrition’s Horseradish & Garlic Complex. This supplement contains horseradish extract, garlic, buffered vitamin C and zinc all known for their role in reducing the duration of a cold. Horse radish contains volatile oils which enhance circulation, aid digestion, reduce nasal congestion and helps warm the body. Garlic helps support the immune system and is known for its antimicrobial and antiviral properties. In a small study, fresh garlic was shown to have antiviral properties including one virus known for causing the common cold. Using a dose of three capsules a day, Horseradish & Garlic Complex will help reduce the duration of a cold.

A sore throat and varying degrees of a cough often accompany the common cold. A homeopathic remedy suitable for the whole family, Dr Nenningers Cold and Sinus Solution, helps reduce the severity of the symptoms of a cold such as a sore throat and cough. This homeopathic remedy for a cold does not cause drowsiness nor harmful side effects.

Can zinc help get rid of a common cold?

Zinc has 18 approved health claims, the highest number for a mineral. In comparison, calcium has only ten and iron has 12. In one study at the University of Helsinki involving nearly 200 subjects concluded that using a zinc lozenge shortened the duration by nearly three days. ChitoRhino ColdClear uses an oral form of zinc which is easily absorbed and additionally contains vitamins A,C and E all known for their varying roles in supporting the immune system. ChitoRhino ColdClear is pleasant tasting with a natural berry flavour.

In my opinion, Horseradish and Garlic Complex and ChitoRhino ColdClear are products that should be in everyone’s medicine cabinet for when the need arises. However, in order to avoid or prevent a cold, we need our immune system to be working at its optimal level. To ensure this, I would recommend the use of Daily Immunity by VH. This supplement is a powerhouse of herbs, vitamins, mushroom extracts and friendly bacteria that will hopefully ensure that you are not plagued by common colds through the winter months. I tend to recommend Daily Immunity from autumn until spring with a break until the following autumn.

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DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions and information expressed in this article and on Victoriahealth.com Ltd are those of the author(s) in an editorial context. Victoriahealth.com Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or for any consequences arising from the use of the information contained in this editorial or anywhere else on the site. Every effort is made by the editorial and content team to see that no inaccurate or misleading information, opinion or statement appear, nor replace or constitute endorsement from medical bodies or trials unless specified. Victoriahealth.com Ltd accept no liability for the consequences of any inaccurate or misleading data, information, opinion or statement. Information on Victoriahealth.com Ltd and in the editorials is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this website or in the editorials for diagnosing or treating a health concern or disease, or for the replacement of prescription medication or other treatment.