How to effectively treat your cold with natural remedies
Are you knocked down by a cold? I’ve tried these natural solutions that really work. To get rid of a cold naturally, nothing beats nasal irrigation and dry inhalations with essential oils. These remedies act from the first symptoms and provide immediate relief, without side effects.
Nasal irrigation: natural remedy #1
Nasal irrigation is your best ally against a cold. Simple and formidable. I use this technique as soon as the first symptoms appear, and the difference is immediate! A nasal spray based on seawater deeply cleans your nasal cavities. For daily use, choose an isotonic spray (9 g/l salt). It perfectly respects your nasal mucosa.
Are you suffering from severe congestion? The hypertonic spray (22 g/l salt) will be your savior. However, be careful not to use it for more than a few days. Its powerful action can irritate your mucous membranes in the long term. I advise you to do 3 to 4 irrigations per day for optimal results.
Irrigation with hypertonic spray in case of blocked nose
The secret of the hypertonic spray? Its osmotic action. The high salt concentration creates a water draw that rapidly decongests your mucous membranes. A real relief when your nose is completely blocked!
Limit its use to two or three days maximum. Beyond that, you risk irritating your mucous membranes. For more effectiveness, opt for sprays enriched with eucalyptus or mint essential oils. However, avoid them for children, as these oils can cause allergic reactions. Nasal irrigation for children is ideally done with an isotonic spray or saline solution.
Dry inhalations with essential oils
Dry inhalation? A grandmother’s remedy that I love. Effective and fast. Contrary to popular belief, it’s the ideal method to benefit from essential oils against colds. It allows antiviral active ingredients to penetrate directly into your respiratory tract.
Looking for how to get rid of a cold quickly? Dry inhalations are your solution. They avoid the humid heat that can further irritate your already fragile mucous membranes. Convenient to get rid of a cold naturally.
Recommended essential oils
Among natural remedies against colds, essential oils hold a special place. Ravintsara is my first choice. A powerful antiviral, it is even suitable for children (from 7 years old). You can easily find it in pharmacies or health food stores.
Tea tree and niaouli are also excellent. Their anti-infectious properties effectively fight cold viruses. For a blocked nose, a drop of peppermint to smell directly works wonders. Here are my recommendations for a complete anti-cold kit:
- Ravintsara essential oil: general antiviral action
- Tea tree essential oil: boosts local immunity
- Eucalyptus essential oil: clears respiratory tract
- Peppermint essential oil: immediate sensation of freshness
How to use inhalations
Dry inhalation is child’s play. Pour 3 to 4 drops of your favorite essential oils into a tablespoon of honey. The honey serves as a carrier and soothes the respiratory tract. You can also place the drops on a clean tissue.
Breathe deeply for 5 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. I insist on this point: forget traditional humid inhalation (head under the towel). Contrary to what our grandmothers did, this method is not recommended for the respiratory tract. The humid heat can worsen inflammation of the nasal mucosa.
Medicinal plants against colds
Plants are my faithful allies against colds. They act gently but effectively. Pelargonium against colds is a revelation. This South African plant stimulates your natural defenses as soon as the first symptoms appear.
Elderberry against colds is equally remarkable. Rich in flavonoids and vitamins, it fights inflammation of the nasal mucosa. These two plants are part of my winter emergency kit. Have you ever tried these ancestral remedies with scientifically proven virtues?
Pelargonium and elderberry
Pelargonium against colds is taken as soon as the first signs appear. The effective dose? 20 mg of dry extract, 3 times a day. You can easily find it in pharmacies in tablet or syrup form. It is suitable for children from 6 years old.
Elderberry against colds is a classic of traditional European medicine. Consume 200 to 400 mg of dried berries daily. I prefer the dry extract for its concentration, but a tisane (a pinch of berries per cup) 4 times a day is just as effective. Its slightly sweet taste even pleases children.
Plantain and sage
Ribwort plantain is an unknown treasure. This common plant remarkably relieves sneezing. Drink it as a tisane, a tablespoon in a bowl of hot water, twice a day. Its anti-inflammatory action quickly calms nasal irritation and helps to get rid of a cold naturally.
Sage helps when a cold comes with a sore throat. It is the exception that confirms the rule: with it, humid inhalation is allowed. Use only leaves for your preparations. Thujone contained in other parts of the plant can be toxic in large doses. A sage tisane after each meal speeds healing.
Homeopathy to relieve symptoms
Homeopathy for colds offers targeted solutions without side effects. I particularly appreciate this approach for its precision. Each symptom corresponds to a specific remedy. Runny nose? Blocked nose? There is a suitable solution.
These small granules act gently and are suitable for the whole family. Contrary to popular belief, homeopathy is not just a placebo effect. Many patients notice a rapid improvement of their symptoms. Have you ever tried this approach for your colds?
Remedies against runny nose
For a very watery runny nose with irritating watery discharge, Allium cepa 9 CH is your solution. Take 5 granules 4 times a day. This remedy, made from onion, fights symptoms it would cause at high doses. This is the principle of similarity in homeopathy.
If the irritation becomes burning under the nose, switch to Apis mellifica 5 CH. This remedy, prepared from the bee, calms painful inflammations. I have noticed its effectiveness on reddened and irritated mucous membranes caused by repeated nose blowing. Take it every 2 hours then space out according to improvement.
Remedies against blocked nose
Nux vomica 9 CH is perfect for a blocked nose at night that slightly runs during the day. Take 5 granules 4 times daily. This remedy is particularly suitable for irritable people during their cold. Its balancing action also improves sleep quality.
For a completely dry and obstructed nose, Sticta pulmonaria will be more suitable. This remedy from a lichen relieves the sensation of complete nasal obstruction. I recommend it in 5 CH, 3 granules every 2 hours on the first day, then 3 times a day. Your breathing generally improves within 24 to 48 hours.
Take care of yourself
What if you tried one of these remedies today? Your body deserves this attention to get rid of a cold naturally. Choose a technique and apply it tonight. Well-being does not wait for tomorrow. Take this first step – your nose will thank you!
Amanda
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- How does a Reiki session take place?
- All about solution-oriented Ericksonian hypnosis
FAQ
How to naturally stop a runny nose?
Nasal irrigation with isotonic seawater is the most effective solution against a runny nose. Complement this treatment with peppermint essential oil inhalations. Simply place a drop on a clean tissue and breathe it in 4 to 6 times a day for quick symptom relief.
What is the best natural remedy against a cold?
Regular nasal irrigation remains the most effective natural remedy against colds. To strengthen its action, combine it with medicinal plants like pelargonium or elderberry. Antiviral essential oils such as ravintsara and tea tree usefully complete this natural treatment to fight the infection.
How long do cold symptoms last?
Cold symptoms generally persist between 7 and 10 days. If the duration exceeds 15 days, a medical consultation becomes necessary to rule out other health problems or complications.
Why should severeur avoid treating a child’s cold with medications?
The Drug Agency advises against vasoconstrictors containing pseudoephedrine in children due to their potentially dangerous side effects. Nasal irrigations with saline represent a safe and effective alternative to relieve cold symptoms in young children.
When should you see a doctor for a cold?
See a doctor if symptoms persist beyond 10 days and you cannot get rid of a cold naturally. High fever, persistent headaches, breathing difficulties, or chest pains also require prompt medical attention.
