Cures For The Cold: What Works And What Doesn't Work?

<p>Sniffling, sneezing, congestion and coughing are all tell-tale signs of the misery that is the common cold.&nbsp;So, how can you cure it?</p>

Thursday, January 28th 2016, 7:53 am

By: News 9


Sniffling, sneezing, congestion and coughing are all tell-tale signs of the misery that is the common cold. So, how can you cure it?

Some remedies to help fight off those nasty germs could be sitting in your cabinets. Here's what does work.

A Mayo Clinic Study found honey appeared to be as effective as the most common cough suppressant in the U.S. found in Dimetapp, Nyquil and Robitussin.

Also what works -- tea with honey or warm lemon water mixed with honey, can relieve sore throats. Hot liquids have long been promised to help loosen secretions in the chest and sinuses.

Research found that taking zinc supplements through the first few days of a cold, either as a syrup or lozenge, may shorten the illness.

As for what doesn't work, experts at Duke University say eating a chili pepper will not clear up congestion.

And although a few studies suggest vitamin C might shorten the duration of a cold, others show it has no other benefit.

One last thing that does work -- rinsing with salt water helps break nasal congestion and rinse out the sinuses.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

January 28th, 2016

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 28th, 2024