Lifestyle and home remedies (2)
- Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt
- Humidifiers: Moisture in the air eases skin, breathing symptoms
Prevention (1)
- Hand washing: Do's and don'ts
Symptoms (1)
- Symptom Checker
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Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt
Cold remedies: What probably doesn't hurt
In spite of ongoing studies, the scientific jury is still out on popular cold remedies such as vitamin C, echinacea and zinc. Here's an update on some common alternative remedies:
- Vitamin C. It appears that for the most part taking vitamin C won't help the average person prevent colds. However, taking 200 milligrams (mg) or more does seems to benefit those who engage in extreme physical exercise or who are exposed to extremely cold environments — such as soldiers, skiers and marathon runners. Just what constitutes an optimum dose isn't clear, but amounts in excess of 2,000 mg a day may cause nausea and diarrhea.
- Echinacea. Studies on the effectiveness of echinacea at preventing or shortening colds is mixed. Some studies show no benefit. Others show a 10 percent to 30 percent reduction in severity and duration when taken for seven to 10 days at the onset of the cold. Some people swear by Airborne, a popular herbal cold remedy that's sold over-the-counter in many drugstores.
- Zinc. The cold-fighting reputation of zinc has had its ups and downs. That's because many zinc studies — both those that find the mineral beneficial and those that do not — are flawed. The highest quality randomized trials generally show no benefit. In studies with positive results, zinc seemed most effective taken as a lozenge or nasal spray in the form of zinc acetate within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Taking zinc with food may reduce side effects, including a bad taste and nausea. Intranasal zinc may result in permanent damage to the sense of smell.
Take care of yourself
Although usually minor, colds can make you feel miserable. It's tempting to try the latest remedy, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids, and keep the air around you moist. Remember to wash your hands frequently.
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