How can you treat a cold naturally?
Written on March 30, 2025, by Pauline de Santarome
The common cold, also known as rhinitis or seasonal cold, is a very common infectious and contagious disease caused by a rhinovirus. It is usually triggered by environmental conditions such as cold weather, humidity, or tobacco smoke, as well as by a weakened immune system due to periods of stress or fatigue. The most common reflex when suffering from a cold is to wait for it to pass, usually by blowing your nose all day long.
In this article, we explain the different symptoms of the common cold and how to treat it naturally. We also give you tips on how to fight colds, as well as natural remedies and dietary supplements to boost your immune system.
Cold symptoms
The most common and unpleasant symptoms of a viral cold are:
A stuffy nose or runny nose
Sneezing
Cough
Sore throats
On average, these symptoms can last up to a week and their severity varies from case to case. However, more serious symptoms may appear several days after the cold, including high fever, a burning sensation in the nose, and a reduction or total loss of smell and taste. Be sure to consult a doctor if these symptoms persist.
Good habits to prevent colds
Good hygiene is important for preventing colds. Washing your hands frequently and coughing into your elbow can help prevent the spread of viruses and thus prevent new cases of colds. In addition, good hygiene can also help people who already have a cold recover more quickly by preventing re-contamination. Here are a few simple everyday habits:
Blowing your nose regularly helps remove mucus that has built up in your sinuses and airways, thereby maintaining optimal nasal hygiene. This can help relieve cold symptoms such as nasal congestion and difficulty breathing, and can also help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
Clean your nasal passages using a spring water or sea water spray or a saline solution. The latter makes it easier to blow your nose and thoroughly eliminates germs.
Staying well hydrated relieves symptoms and speeds up recovery. Water helps thin mucus, making it easier for the body to eliminate. In addition, drinking enough water can prevent dehydration and strengthen the immune system.
Regularly ventilating your home helps prevent or relieve nasal congestion by allowing fresh air to enter the house.
Avoid alcohol, which causes dehydration, nasal congestion, and weakens the immune system.
Avoid dry environments or dress warmly during the cold season to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
A balanced diet, rich in nutrients and vitamins, also helps strengthen the immune system to fight infections.
Natural remedies for colds
To treat a cold naturally, there are some very effective home remedies and traditional recipes you can use to soothe a sore throat or cough. Whether it's herbal teas or inhalation with essential oils, these remedies are sure to bring relief and help you feel your best again.
Plants
Thanks to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,vitamins, and minerals, certain plants can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and strengthen the immune system.
Sage is particularly effective for colds thanks to its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and disinfectant properties.
The Thyme helps relieve cough symptoms thanks to its expectorant properties. A thyme herbal tea is ideal.
Echinacea reduces cold symptoms and duration by nearly one day on average, and helps prevent respiratory tract infections.
Elderflower extracts help regulate body temperature, thin nasal secretions, and relieve colds and fevers associated with them.
Honey
Honey is a natural remedy that is effective and recognized for treating colds, coughs, and sore throats due to its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains molecules such as hydrogen peroxide, which prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses responsible for respiratory tract infections. In addition, honey can also help reduce inflammation and soothe the throat thanks to its moisturizing and softening properties.
In addition, honey helps relieve coughs and improve breathing by acting as a natural expectorant.
You can use honey in herbal teas with lemon or in yogurt for children.
Inhalations
Inhalation is also an effective remedy for cold symptoms, coughs, and sore throats. This is because it:
Relieves nasal congestion by clearing the airways
Combats coughs and sore throats: the warm vapors thin bronchial secretions, relieve coughs, and soothe the throat.
Boosts the immune system: some inhalations may contain ingredients such as essential oils.
Essential oils
Essential oils are perfect allies against colds and their symptoms. Certain essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, and ravintsara act as anti-inflammatories and antiseptics and can, when inhaled or diffused into the air:
Prevent viral infections,
Relieve cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sore throat, fatigue, and mild fever.
Soothe coughs,
Facilitates nasal drainage: thanks to its cooling effect, peppermint clears the sinuses and thins mucus to facilitate drainage.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Camille
Save my winters
As soon as I feel a cold coming on, I take these tablets and within two days I'm back on my feet. I always keep a spare pack at home. I also love the throat spray in this range.
Treating a cold in a pregnant woman
For pregnant women, the use of essential oils and anti-inflammatory drugs is strongly discouraged. However, inhaling hot steam can be beneficial for clearing the nose. Hydration, rest, and maintaining a warm and clean environment are important measures for pregnant women to take when they have a cold.
Treating a cold in a baby
To effectively treat a cold in a baby, regular nose blowing and washing are sufficient. This will reduce any respiratory discomfort and prevent bacterial infection. You can use saline solution for washing. Also remember to maintain a comfortable room temperature to ensure your baby's comfort.
Dietary supplements Santarome dietary supplements for colds are the ideal choice to give your body the extra boost it needs to fight illness and fatigue. Our herbal formulas are designed to strengthen your immune system, soothe your respiratory tract, and give you a boost of energy!
