The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Black Tea With Lemon
Posted by Michelle (Chicago)
★★★★★
This has been a cure my mother has been touting for years and she has given us from the time we were kids. I give it to my kids, but I have to admit there are times I lapse out of my "healthy" habits and depend too much on medications, etc.
Recently I caught a very bad head and chest cold. Since I am pregnant, I prefer not to take OTC medications, so I began taking tea and lemon. Immediately I could breathe and felt better. However, after a day or two, I stopped when I shouldn't have, since apparently I was not completely cured. Not only did the cold get worse, but turned into a nasty sinus infection. I suffered miserably for over a week. Then I remember the tea. After drinking one cup, immediately my mucus became thinner and the pressure eased up. I am hopeful to be fully cured in a few more days!
When you make the tea, you should let it steep for several minutes so it turns a nice dark color, and you should use a lot of lemon, like 1/4 to 1/2 of a lemon (fresh juice is the best, but you can substitute bottled). I actually like the taste of it this way, very tart. But, you can add honey to it to make it sweet if you like.
Colloidal Silver, Colloidal Zinc
Posted by Al (San Diego) on 10/09/2015
★★★★★
There are a lot of good natural remedies that work all depending on when the supplement was taken, how long was the person sick, and was the person consistent in taking the supplement.
I am facing symptoms I always go to my medicine cabinet and pull out the pure Colloidal Silver - 4000 PPM after a few days, my symptoms are drastically reduced if not gone.
Sometimes when I delay taking the supplement it gives the viruses plenty of time increase in numbers, what I do then is take a combination of Colloidal Silver and Colloidal Zinc 4000 PPM (Zinc has been used in the past to treat flu-like symptoms) and usually within 3 day I am completely free of any symptoms at all.
Hot Tea with Lemon and Honey
Posted by Marcin (Toronto, Canada) on 07/05/2015
★☆☆☆☆
A few years ago I believed that drinking hot tea with lemon juice and honey will cure my cold, sore throat and phlegm congestion. It failed every time I tried it. I wish I had known about ACV, cayenne pepper and ginger at the time. I believe that cinnamon, black pepper would also work, as well as other warming and decongesting herbs.
Liposomal Vitamin C, Colloidal Silver
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 12/09/2013
Hi!
I am trying to nip a cold in the bud with my family and am using Liposomal Vitamin C and Colloidal Silver and Astragalus Root and am wondering if there are any thoughts on the best way to go about it all.
So far I have been trying to dose each thing separately and not on a full stomach, but when you are trying to dose frequently, it can be hard to find that many times during the day when the tummy is close to empty. I had seen a recommendation to dose Liposomal Vitamin C 15 minutes before meals.
For the record, last week my daughter (who tends to take sickness harder than the rest) was the first with some cold symptoms. I gave her CS a few times with the Astragalus once a day and she was basically better in 36 hours. Since then, I made my own Lipsomal Vitamin C and am trying to get that into everyone daily (a few more have the cold symptoms) and there is a ton of stuff going around that I would like us to avoid.
Would it be okay to dose the vitamin C and CS at the same time? (I do tend to give the Astragalus at meal time since it is a food.) And is is best to take CS on an empty stomach or does it matter?
Thanks in advance. I appreciate the wisdom here!
Have a great day!
~Mama to Many~
Liposomal Vitamin C, Colloidal Silver
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 12/09/2013
Dave,
Thanks a bunch. I will try it that way.
~Mama to Many~
Hot Water
Posted by Olddude (Chattanooga, Tn, Usa) on 02/25/2012 21 posts
I'm new in here. I experimented with a cold by adding 2 oz of white vinegar into a cup of water and a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and heated that mixture almost to a boil and breathed the vapors. Wow, did that wake me up, slight stinging/burning sinsation in the nostrils, but no pain really. Now that cleared me up fast so I could breathe easier! It was not a cure all, but it did give relief and I would do this several times a day when I got real stuffy. IMHO it did a good job.
P.S. I drink or attempt to drink ACV daily with Mothers, 3 teaspoons, a pinch of cayenne pepper and a pinch of baking soda in 24 oz bottle of water. It has killed my acid reflux so I don't have to take pills for that, but I have to take my mix daily or the acid reflux will return, but that's due to my love of food, but I'm off my pills. Walk daily if u can, watch the sky, and read some good thoughts................. best to u all.
Hydrogen Peroxide Baths
Posted by Cleoppa (Cleburne, Tx) on 05/03/2011
★★★★☆
There are a lot of excellent remedies on this site that I use. However, to really halt a cold it has to be stopped early. I thought I had allergies, so I didn't catch my cold early. I tried everything: apple cider vinegar, Jean's famous tomato tea, cayenne pepper pills, colloidal silver... Maybe some more I'm forgetting. Nothing seemed to help and I was definitely sensing that this was a cold that wasn't going to go away for at least a few days.
So, I went back to my favorite site and saw Ted's cold remedy. I didn't follow the whole thing, but I tried a hydrogen peroxide bath. The first time, I read it wrong and ended up putting the equivalent of a cup of 35% hp (about 12 cups of 3% hp). I immediately felt better--could breathe better, wasn't snotting everywhere, etc.
I wasn't totally better, but that was definitely the start of getting better. Went to work the next day, took a few more hp baths. This is definitely my new remedy I'll be researching and trying out!
Fasting
Posted by Organicmama (Lincoln, California) on 02/15/2011
It's never really a good idea to stop eating beacuse eating the right foods will give you the proper energy you need to fight off cold and flu symptoms. It is important, however, that you avoid starchy, processed, and deep fried foods and consume only fresh fruits and vegetables and whole organic foods, but fasting all together is never a good idea.
Neti Pot
Posted by VeganGypsie (San Francisco, CA) on 06/19/2009
★★★★★
I have just found this site during my current cold. Having not caught it early, I am having to use several of the remedies and just hoping to shorten the cold and prevent complications. I'm also not being very scientific about it, I am trying ACV, cayenne, garlic, tomato tea remedy, H2O2 (in ears and sniffing method)and eucalyptus oil. If I feel better tomorrow, I will have no idea what to attribute it to. All seem to give some relief, but nothing has cleared it up yet.
I was surprised not to find any mention of Neti Pot or other nasal irrigation method under the colds section. Saline nasal irrigation really helps me to breathe easier, and I'm sure it is keeping lots of that gunk from settling in my throat and lungs and causing complications later. You put 1/4 t of salt (there is special salt made for this but I use table salt) in the Neti Pot (is there a brand neutral term for this?) and fill with warm water. You want it about body temperature, and about the salt concentration of tears. Tilt your head to one side so the water will not come out your mouth, but out your lower nostril as you pour the water in your upper nostril. You should be able to breathe through your mouth while the whole thing pours through. blow nose and repeat on other side with a new batch of salt water.
My husband made me promise to go see a western doctor since I am sick while he is out of town. The Doc said that Neti Pot was a great idea and keep it up, that ENT's he knew thought that it had prevented the need for nasal surgery in some of their patients.
EC: The Neti Pot is a popular remedy on the sinus infection remedies page!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Amanda (Chicago, IL, USA) on 02/27/2009
★★★★★
A combination of the following cured my cold. I took liquid phyto-caps (2 capsules 5 times a day for 4 days) which contained echincacia and black elderberry. I also used zinc swabs in my nose 3 times a day. In addition I drank that tomato tea remedy I found on earth clinic (v8, crushed garlic-4 cloves, a couple spoonfuls of chilli pepper hot sauce, and a few drops of lemon juice). My colds usually last 3 weeks and end up as sinus infections. This one was gone in 2 days, a record for me.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Michele (Laytonville, CA) on 01/30/2009
★★★★★
December of 2008 I had gotten a really bad cold, it felt like it was attacking my entire body, I found your site online and was reading about Oil Pulling. It made sense to me so I decided to try it. I immediately felt better, I had more energy, colors seemed brighter, I felt so much better. I kept doing oil pulling faithfully. I then got a really bad cold, I have never had so much mucous. I am wondering if it is because of the oil pulling and if it pulled the virus to come to the surface? I also had read about ACV and I am a true believer. I did not realize how much my digestive system was unbalanced until I started using ACV. I had had a problem with bloating and gas for over 6 years, everyone said it was just old age (I am only 54). So after 1 day of drinking ACV 3 times a day, 2 tsp. with 1 tsp of honey I am cured. Thank you, I have told all my friends and family about your wonderful website. I hope they are as enthusiastic as I am. Thank you Ted and Deirdre and all the wonderful people that have written in their testimonials.
Guaicum, Peppermint, Echinacea
Posted by Katie (Wrexham, Wrexham) on 01/14/2009
★★★★★
Catarrh, Colds, Coughs, Flu:
I use the following for myself and my son, with reguarly great success-
I make an decocation / infusion of a mixture of
1.guaicum - helps so much with coughs (it the herbal form of guaifeisin often used in cough medicine)
2.peppermint ('menthol'also found in cough medicines)
3.echinaecea
(about 1 tsp of each)
i also add chamomile often for added pain relief, relaxation. i think it may help with fever too.
Other herbs I may add also for extra support include:
Liquorice
Hawthorn Berries
Elderberries
Salt Water (1/4 tsp per 250ml if i remember correctly), is also excellent for clearing the nose-
it can be bought ready made as saline drops, or made at home.
It can be squirted up in a dropper, used as a nose bath, or in a neti pot(ceraminc perferably).
A neti pot is excellent for cleaning the nose out, you have to get it in the right position though for it to work, and for it to work without hurting!
Also-
Putting a few drops of either
eucaplytus
olbas oil or similar
a couple of menthol crystals
in hot water, and inhaling this (a towel over the head helps too) helps clear the nose well too.
I also make my own 'vicks vapourub', by diluting eucalyptus oil or olbas oil or similar in some grapeseed oil, and rubbing on the chest, neck etc.
I'm so glad I have these remedies- transforms a persistent repetative cough to an occassional or zero cough, to no cough at all.
Often after drinking the tea, my parents have doubted that my son had been ill at all, even though a hour or so earlier he had been coughing so much!
Without guaicum, the peppermint etc tends to last a few hours, with guaicum, it can last up to a whole night, I find- so we drink it every 6-8 hours until infection is cleared.
Guaicum, Peppermint, Echinacea
Posted by Rosy (Orlando, Fl) on 01/14/2009
I googled guaicum and couldn't find any other information on it. I was curious, does this have another name? I know some herbs have many names, and I wanted to know more about this one.
Organic White Tea
Posted by Vicstor (Scranton, USA) on 09/17/2008
★★★★★
Organic White Tea with Raw Honey and 1 Slice of Organic Lemon (eat the lemon, peel skin), preferrably with 16 oz. of Hot Distilled Water, cures and prevents colds. Have it for breakfast, it will prevent you from having a cold, if already have a cold, drink at least 3-4x a day. I used to get the worst colds ever during the fall and winter months, but I don't anymore.
Mountain Tea
Posted by John (Whitby, ON) on 05/04/2008
★★★★★
Mountain Tea is very effective against the common cold. Drinking tea made out of the Mountain Tea flowers is remedy that has been in my family for a long time. We find it very good in relieving congestion and shortening the length of a cold. The tea itself is very light and has slightly citrusy flavour. One drawback is that the tea it is generally difficult to find. It is primarily imported in limited quantities from Greece. There is a good article about the health benefits of Mountain Tea on Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_tea. I'hope this helps.
Mountain Tea
Posted by Mary (Toronto, Canada) on 05/07/2008
[Yea] First, let me say that this is a great website! Thank you so much to everyone for sharing. I was surprised to see someone write about Mountain Tea! This tea is very popular in Greece, but I have never seen it for sale in Canada. This tea is supposedly very good at killing cold germs (at least that is what my mother says). I rarely get the opportunity to drink it, but as a tea lover, I must say that Mountain tea tastes amazing, and does seem help you get over a cold. Usually, my relatives bring it back with them when they come home from holidays in Greece. Does anyone know where to get it in Toronto?
Mountain Tea
Posted by Drew (Toronto, Canada) on 05/12/2008
Funny, we have been drinking the tea for years but its only now getting popular - I was just in Germany where its pretty popular now. Our Mom make the tea for us everytime we had a cold or allergies. Though we are a Greek family, I know the tea is also popular in Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Turkey. Though we get ours from back home as well, I have actually seen it in Toronto at the Big Carrot (www.thebigcarrot.ca), sold in the tea aisle by a company called teas by voudou or something. Good luck.
Mountain Tea
Posted by Aginto (Toronto, On) on 12/31/2010
You can get Mountain Tea all over Greektown, on The Danforth. We get ours at The Friendly Greek butcher, in a big bag as the whole herb, it's very inexpensive! I can imagine the selection at The Big Carrot would be pricey
Hydrogen Peroxide in the Ears
Posted by Norm (Melbourne, Australia) on 08/23/2008
I'm inclined to think it's more likely the symptoms of the cold or possibly even an inner ear infection as well. I've had H2O2 put into my ears since being a small child, although generally for wax build-up, and never experienced dizziness or biliousness. I've also suffered vertigo from a middle ear infection and your symptoms mirror that problem.
Hydrogen Peroxide in the Ears
Posted by Lisa (California) on 10/13/2015
The same happened to me. I tried H2O2 in the ears and the next morning woke up to some distressing vertigo. Room would spin every time I lay on my side. I swabbed my ear out the evening after and it got better. Since I've had many colds in my life, and this is the first time trying hydrogen peroxide in the ears, I'm inclined to think it's the hydrogen peroxide that caused the vertigo. It may have something to do with the temperature of the fluid, as another poster suggested.
Msg (!)
Posted by Sher (USA) on 01/31/2026
But L-glutamine feeds cancer! I found that out recently before my mother died from cancer.
Garlic
Posted by Patricia (Missouri City, Texas) on 01/25/2008
The comment for Garlic AND COLDS 11/08/2007: Esther (lores at epix.net) from Lymanville, Pa was the one I tried and I agree it is better to take than chewing it raw.
Hot and Cold Foot Baths
Posted by Gusztav (Veszprem, Hungary) on 10/04/2007
★★★★★
Dear EC, I would like to post an effective treatment on cold. I learned this cure from a healer.
1) Prepare a basin of HOT water (as hot as your skin can just tolerate).
2) Prepare another basin of COLD water (as cold as possible - from the tap, is usually enough).
3) Put your two feet in the basin containing hot water, keep them in it for 2 minutes, then quickly put them in the other basin and keep them in it for 10 seconds, then back again in the hot water.
4) Repeat these steps for about 15 minutes.
5) Repeat the whole procedure 2-3 times a day. After 1-3 days, you'll definitely get better.
I have applied this treatment for almost 10 years now: it always helped me get rid of cold. Also, I got the positive feedback of some people who I told this.
I hope everyone suffering from cold will find this treatment useful.
Serbian Remedy: ACV, Garlic, Honey and Warm Water
Posted by Dragica (Edmonton, Canada) on 09/18/2007
★★★★★
One of the best remedies for colds, and to boost your immune system is apple cider vinegar, chopped garlic, honey, and warm water. Mix all the these ingredients together and drink it. Instantly you will feel better. This recipe is from my Serbian grandmother. I have been drinking since I can remember, and I have never taken any medication for colds.
Honey
Posted by Alex (Nottm, United Kingdom) on 09/06/2007
★★★★★
honey has hydrogen peroxide in it. Having suffered from bronchitis boils carbuncles tonsilitis sinuvitis. Started taking honey 28 years ago, cut out the sugar totally. My drinks all have a spoon of honey-put a spoonful at back of the throat first thing morning last thing night total intakeone and half pound a week takes 3 to 9 month to take effect -subdues the streptocci, no coughs, no colds, no infections.
Oregano Oil, Echinacea, Golden Seal
Posted by Liz (Chandler, AZ) on 01/31/2007
★★★★★
I recently got a natural cure for the cold and or flu. Our amazing chiropractor let us in on this secret. When you fist start to feel sick, ie: sore throat, runny nose, etc., take this remedy morning and night after you eat. Get empty gel capsules, the small size. You will also need the liquid form, with droppers, of OIL OF OREGANO and ECHANACHA with GOLDEN SEAL. Put 8 drops of each liquid in capsule and take with a full glass of water. NOTE - you may burp this up a little when you first start, but it just tastes like you ate pizza. Also DO NOT take if you are vomiting! Good Luck. This will make you fell better!
