How To Get Rid Of A Cold FAST (+7 Home Remedies)

 

Written by: Lauren Villa - Nov. 26, 2020

How to get rid of a cold  

It’s that time of year again. Pumpkin spice lattes, knitted scarfs, peppermint scented candles, and oh yeah…colds! 🤧😫

If you’re like pretty much everyone during the fall and winter months, then you’ve no doubt spent countless hours trying to figure out how to get rid of a cold. And not just how to beat it, but how to stop a cold in the early stages, which would be me 🙋‍♀️- gotta save those sick days for that tropical vacation I’ve been planning for two years 🤣. 

Fighting a cold successfully comes down to preservation, as in your immune system. You want to keep it as healthy as possible, so when a cold virus does enter your body, your immune system will stop it in its tracks. A lot of the time, that comes down to consuming superfoods that are rich in powerful amino acids, antioxidants, and adaptogens to keep your head and body in sharp defense mode. 

So get ready to ahh-choo 👋 the flu away, because we’re about to break down the best superfoods to boost immunity, how to get rid of a cold with natural remedies, and what cold supplements to take. We’ll also dive into important information you need to know when colds mild colds turn severe. 

How To Get Rid Of A Cold

Before we get started, it’s important to point out that you should always check with your doctor before starting any new supplement or remedy. Certain supplements may or may not be recommended based on your current health, age, or existing medical conditions. 

Okay, now onto the fun stuff…

Top 7 Cold Supplements & Remedies

1. Echinacea

Echinacea has been used for centuries for its healing powers, and is a great first step when strategizing how to stop a cold in the early stages. Echinacea is an ancient, natural remedy, long known to help prevent and fight off colds and flus. In fact, a meta-analysis found that echinacea helps reduce the probability of catching a cold and that echinacea shortened the duration or severity of colds. (1)

As soon as you feel a tickle in your throat, try it out as a tea, tincture, or pill and see how it works for you.

2. Elderberry

Elderberry. Elderberry. Elderberry. Sorry, I just like saying it, it almost sounds like something mythical 🧚‍♀️. But I also like talking about it, because it is an amazing remedy when it comes to colds. Elderberry is a powerful medicinal herb, used for centuries for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antidepressant effects. [2, 3] These potent, violet, blueberry-like bulbs are loaded with vitamins and polyphenols to help your body fight off a cold or flu. 

Ever heard of elderberry syrup? It’s a common ingredient in cough drops and many ambitious DIY-ers make their own syrup to save money on buying cold and flu medicines. Feeling adventurous? Try making your own syrup using dried elderberries and use it as a natural way to fight off a cold at the first tickle in the throat! 

Fun fact: Elderberry’s wonders don’t stop at making you feel better. The syrup is delicious in soda, cocktails, or as a yummy drizzle on pancakes and waffles!

3. Buckwheat Honey

I hadn’t heard of buckwheat honey until a coworker told me it was her favorite “how to stop a cold in the early stages” remedy. So last fall, when I felt that sniffly inevitable come around, I bought a jar of this magical nectar, ate a spoonful…and voilà! The cold never moved past infancy. Why? Because this magical honey is a mighty antioxidant and antimicrobial. Studies show that just a single dose of buckwheat honey can reduce your cough and mucus secretion. [3] Buckwheat honey is the best-kept secret to help you clear up sinus issues and coughs so you can go back to sipping hot apple cider in peace!

But it also tastes GREAT! Like, absolutely mouth-watering, with amber undertones (unlike orange blossom and other light kinds of honey) and a thick, crystalline texture. Add local honey to your favorite tea or just take a spoonful when you feel a cold coming on… yum!

4. Ginseng

Nip that cold in the bud with ginseng. It’s one of my favorite cold supplements for boosting the immune system and the body’s defenses against common colds. [4] Beyond warding off colds, ginseng is a natural adaptogen, which means it reduces chronic stress. When your body is under constant stress, your defense mechanisms lower and you’re more prone to getting sick. Taking ginseng on the regular can keep your stress levels low and prevent you from getting a cold or flu in the first place. 

5. Garlic

Ahhh garlic, perfect for two things: how to get rid of a cold, and warding off vampires of course. Garlic is an age-old balm for easing symptoms of a cold or flu. Chomping on a clove of fresh garlic can do wonders for your immunity. Raw garlic is an antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial, so it can help zap any bugs in your system. Make it a real cold-fighting silver bullet taking a clove of chopped garlic alongside a spoonful of buckwheat honey. 

6. Antioxidants

In addition to using natural cold supplements, shop for foods that are high in antioxidants. Foods rich in antioxidants are often deep purple, orange, dark green, red, or other vibrant colors. [5]

These foods are packed with antioxidants::

  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Chard
  • Carrots
  • Tomatoes
  • Blueberries
  • Citrus fruits
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Turmeric
  • Broccoli

If you find it difficult to get your daily nutrients from fresh veggies, try turning to an antioxidant-rich superfood powder like Super Youth Skinny Greens. Not only is it more practical and affordable, since you’re getting a day’s worth of veggies in one scoop, but it tastes delicious and is perfect for on-the-go nutrition. I take it with water in the afternoon for a boost of energy and the comfort of knowing my immune system has got the support it needs. 

7. Hot tea

There’s nothing more soothing than a cozy, hot cup of tea when you’re experiencing a sore throat. Coating your throat with a calming cup of tea can soothe a cough and help clear up sinus congestion. Brew 1-3 fresh cups throughout the day and relax.  Keep in mind, some teas boost immunity better than others, so look for teas that contain powerful ingredients to support your body’s defenses. For example, Super Youth Detox contains superfoods like lavender, chamomile, peppermint leaf, valerian root, and more. These ingredients help boost immunity and lower stress in the body.

When To See The Doctor For A Cold

According to the CDC, flu season is on its way. And this year promises to be a season like no other. If you’re getting a flu shot, try to get one by the end of October. [6]

So, how do you know if you have a cold coming on?

Common signs of a cold include but are not limited to the following: [7]

  • Watery eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Coughing
  • Mucus
  • Fever
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue 

Symptoms typically peak within 2 or 3 days after infection. The way to remedy a cold is with hydration, sleep, and time. Medical help is usually not needed for a cold or flu, and there’s no quick fix for overcoming the flu, so it’s important to give your body time to slow down and R-E-L-A-X. 

The Bottom Line On Cold Supplements

When you wonder how to get rid of a cold, the answer is to listen to your body. While there is no cure for colds, there are ways to prevent a cold from coming on and ways to best manage the symptoms. Taking supplements will help support your immune system, but don’t forget to also:

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Drink hot liquids 
  • Call in sick to work
  • Take a hot bath or go in a steam room
  • Skip your workout, or at least scale it back
  • Wash your hands frequently

If you are beginning to feel sick or you’re currently in the throes of a cold, remember that colds are like signals  to your body to SLOW DOWN. When you’re sick, your body’s working overtime to heal itself. Make sure you stock up on Skinny Greens, stay in bed, don’t worry about what’s on your to-do list—at least not right now. And, feel better! 

 

Products