Effective Home Remedies to Treat the Common Cold: Fast Relief Tips"

The common cold has plagued humanity for millennia, leading to an array of unusual treatments throughout history. In ancient Egypt, remedies included incantations and breast milk, while 18th-century Europe saw the rise of bloodletting. Even U.S. President Calvin Coolidge tried inhaling chlorine gas in 1924 to relieve his symptoms. Fast forward to today, and pharmacies are stocked with countless cold remedies, but how do these products actually work, and are they effective?

Colds are caused by a variety of viruses, but interestingly, the symptoms we experience aren’t directly caused by the viruses themselves. Instead, they’re the result of our body’s immune response. When a virus is detected, white blood cells release proteins called cytokines, which help rally more immune cells to fight off the infection. This results in inflammation, widening blood vessels, and increased mucus production—all of which contribute to that familiar congestion and stuffy nose. Unfortunately, this excess mucus can also irritate the throat and airways, causing coughing and soreness.

Since so many different viruses can cause colds, most over-the-counter (OTC) products don’t target the virus itself. Instead, they focus on alleviating the symptoms. So, how do you choose which product to use, or should you skip the pharmacy altogether and opt for a home remedy?

Most OTC cold medications contain a painkiller along with other active ingredients. These ingredients generally fall into four categories, depending on which symptom they aim to treat.

### 1. Nasal Decongestants

If you’re struggling with a blocked nose, nasal decongestants like pseudoephedrine might help. This ingredient reduces blood flow to the vessels in your nasal passages, allowing you to breathe more easily. You can find it in pills and syrups, and it works by promoting the release of norepinephrine, a chemical that helps open up your airways.

### 2. Cough Suppressants

If your cough is relentless, a suppressant like dextromethorphan might be your go-to. This ingredient works by moderating the brain regions responsible for coughing. While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, it interacts with neuron receptors to calm coughs. However, it’s important to take dextromethorphan as directed—high doses can lead to hallucinatory effects, similar to drugs like ketamine.

### 3. Expectorants

Not all coughing is bad when you have a cold—coughing helps expel mucus and clear your airways. That’s where expectorants like guaifenesin come in. Rather than suppressing coughs, expectorants help thin mucus, making it easier to cough up and remove from your system.

### 4. Antihistamines

Although histamines are more commonly associated with allergies, some antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl), can also help dry up a runny nose. These medications block the effects of histamine, a chemical messenger that causes the flow of mucus. However, many antihistamines also make you drowsy, as histamines regulate wakefulness in the brain.

Despite the variety of cold remedies available, none of them actually speed up the healing process. Most simply offer temporary relief from symptoms. Many of these ingredients have been on the market for decades, and scientists continue to reevaluate their effectiveness.

### Home Remedies: Do They Work?

When it comes to holistic remedies, the research is mixed. Zinc, for example, is popular but studies are inconclusive about its effectiveness. Vitamin C, despite its widespread reputation, likely doesn’t have the miraculous cold-fighting power that many believe. On the other hand, honey has shown promise. Research suggests it can soothe coughs and may even shorten the duration of a cold by a day or two.

### The Takeaway

While we may not have a cure for the common cold, understanding how these remedies work can help you make informed choices. Whether you choose a pharmacy product or a natural remedy, the goal is to manage your symptoms and find some relief from the discomfort.