You may think that there is nothing you can do to prevent a cold when you experience symptoms that signal that the disease is imminent. In fact, adding a little garlic to the daily menu can help boost the immune system to reduce the impact of colds. While calling garlic a "medicine" may be a bit of an exaggeration, you can use this ingredient to speed up the recovery process of your body from a cold, and ease your suffering!
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Method 1 of 2: Using Garlic to Relieve Cold Symptoms
Step 1. Research if garlic can relieve cold symptoms
A recent study tried to test the effectiveness of garlic on 146 people over a three-month period. People who took garlic supplements experienced 24 episodes of cold symptoms, while those who did not take them experienced 65 events. In addition, the group that consumed garlic experienced 1 day shorter cold symptoms.
- In another study, the group that consumed garlic experienced fewer cold symptoms and recovered more quickly. This may be due to an increase in a group of immune cells in people who took 2.56 grams of garlic supplements per day.
- Most researchers believe that the sulfur compound (allycine) in garlic is responsible for the anti-cold effect. However, there are many other compounds in garlic, such as saponins and amino acid derivatives, that play a role in suppressing viral load, although it is not clear how these substances do this.
Step 2. Compromise with the smell of garlic
Many people have a problem with the smell of garlic. It's the compounds in garlic that appear to be effective against the cold-causing viruses that cause the odor. So, you have to compromise with the smell of garlic in order to help relieve cold symptoms.
The good news is that you should stay home, take breaks from all activities at work and school, and keep your distance from other people. Also, rest and drink plenty of fluids. This means, although the smell of garlic will almost always be smelled, but only yourself and those closest to you can feel it. The smell of garlic is just a small sacrifice in order to recover faster and experience fewer symptoms
Step 3. Eat raw garlic
If possible, always use fresh garlic. Peel the skin of the garlic and use a garlic press or the side of a knife to crush it. Eat about 1 clove of garlic every 3-4 hours. Just peel it and eat it!
- Mix it with orange juice to disguise the garlic taste if you don't like it.
- Lemon juice can also be mixed with garlic. Add the garlic to a solution consisting of 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 180-240 ml of water, then stir.
- Raw onions can also be mixed with honey water. Honey contains antibiotic and antiviral substances. Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey to 180-240 ml of water, then stir.
Step 4. Make a dish with garlic
Cooked garlic still contains allicin, which is considered effective against colds, although raw onions are still the best choice. Peel 1 clove of garlic, then chop or crush it. Let the mashed/chopped garlic sit for 15 minutes. This will allow the enzymatics to "activate" the allicin in the garlic.
- Use 2-3 cloves of garlic for every meal during colds. For a light meal, add crushed/minced garlic to chicken stock or vegetable stock, and warm as usual. If you eat normally, try cooking garlic with vegetables or adding it to rice when it's cooking.
- Minced / ground garlic can also be mixed with tomato sauce or cheese when the body condition has improved. Coat beef or poultry with garlic and cook as usual.
Step 5. Make garlic tea
Hot liquids can also help relieve a lump in the throat. Boil 3 cups of water and 3 cloves of garlic (cut in half). Turn off the heat and add cup of honey and cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, including the seeds and rind. This herb contains a lot of vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Strain the tea and drink it throughout the day.
- Store leftover tea in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.
Step 6. Take a garlic supplement
Supplements can be a great option for people who really don't like the taste of garlic. Consume 2-3 grams of garlic per day in divided doses to help reduce cold symptoms.
Method 2 of 2: Recognizing and Treating Colds
Step 1. Understand colds
Colds are generally caused by rhinovirus. Rhinoviruses generally cause infections of the upper respiratory system or acute respiratory system infections (ARI), but sometimes can cause lower respiratory system infections and pneumonia. Rhinovirus is common from March to October.
The incubation period for this disease in the body is usually short, only 12-72 hours after exposure to the virus. Exposure to the virus usually occurs from being too close to people with colds and people who are coughing or sneezing
Step 2. Recognize the symptoms of a cold
Irritation or dry nasal passages are generally the first symptoms of a cold. Sore or irritated throat and itching are other common early symptoms.
- These symptoms are usually followed by runny nose, stuffy nose, and sneezing. This condition will worsen over the next 2-3 days after the first symptoms.
- Snot is usually clear and watery. Snot can thicken and change color to yellow-green.
- Other symptoms include: headache or body aches, watery eyes, pressure on the face and ears due to sinus congestion, decreased taste and smell, cough and/or hoarseness, vomiting after coughing, irritability or restlessness, and fever. Low levels may occur especially in toddlers and toddlers.
- A cold can be mistaken for an ear infection (otitis media), sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lungs with coughing and stuffy throat) and worse, symptoms of asthma.
Step 3. Treat a cold
There is no medicine that can completely cure colds at this time. So you should focus on alleviating the symptoms. Medical recommendations for reducing cold symptoms include:
- Rest a lot
- Drink plenty of fluids. These liquids can include water, juice, and chicken stock or clear vegetable gravy. Chicken soup is actually VERY good for relieving colds.
- Gargle with salt water. The salt water will help your throat feel better.
- Use cough drops or throat sprays if you have a serious cough that is making it difficult for you to rest.
- Take over-the-counter or cold medicine. Make sure to follow the instructions for use on the packaging.
Step 4. Consider whether the disease is severe enough that you should see a doctor
Generally, you shouldn't see a doctor when you have a cold. However, call your doctor immediately if you or your child experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever with a body temperature of more than 38˚C. If your child is less than 6 months old and has a fever, call the doctor. For children of all ages, contact the doctor if the body temperature reaches or is higher than 40˚C.
- If cold symptoms last more than 10 days.
- If your symptoms are serious or unusual, such as severe headache, nausea or vomiting, or shortness of breath.
