If you notice that you have respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, and sore throat, there is a good chance you have a cold. Although many people think that it is more common to get a cold in the fall and winter, it is possible to get one in the summer as well. Fortunately, as with having a cold at other times of the year, home remedies and homeopathic cold medicine usually help manage symptoms and help you get better quickly.
Why Do I Have a Cold in the Summertime?
It may seem unusual to get sick in the warmer months, but viruses are around all the time, so it is not unusual to get a cold in the summer. The biggest difference between a winter and summer cold typically is the virus that causes it. In colder months, rhinoviruses are usually the culprit, while enteroviruses are more common in warmer months.
Some people also confuse allergy symptoms with cold symptoms, which may have them reaching for homeopathic allergy medication. Allergies and the common cold have some symptoms in common, such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing and fatigue. However, allergy symptoms also usually include itchy, watery eyes and last longer than cold symptoms.
Allergy symptoms also reduce or disappear when the individual is no longer exposed to the allergen, while cold symptoms are present at all times throughout the duration of the cold. Being able to tell the difference between the two will help you manage the symptoms more effectively.
Getting Rid of a Summer Cold Fast
No one wants to miss out on summer activities because of an illness, so getting rid of a cold quickly is a priority. Antibiotics do not treat a cold, so at-home remedies are usually the recommended treatment plan. For those who want relief from symptoms, homeopathic cold remedies are preferred over other medication. Over the counter meds all have side effects, and they just suppress symptoms. Homeopathic remedies, on the other hand, work with the body so it heals more effectively. They also do not have harmful side effects.
There are additional things you can do to help you feel better. Sleep and rest are imperative for healing, so prepare to spend a lot of time in bed or on the couch. If you are congested, moisture will help. Use a humidifier or take a steamy bath or shower. Make sure you stay hydrated. Water is a good choice, as are herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger. Increase your intake of vitamin C and D to boost your immune system. Eat nutrient-dense food, and avoid sugar.
Herbs and essential oils are also helpful to boost immunity and manage symptoms. Beneficial herbs include echinacea, garlic, licorice root, elderberry, and zinc. Essential oils to incorporate include lavender, lemon, frankincense, peppermint, tea tree, oregano, eucalyptus, rosemary, and thyme. You can dilute them with coconut or olive oil before applying to your body, add them to water in a diffuser, or sniff them directly from the container.
Although having a cold during the summer is not fun, you can get over it quicker with homeopathic and at-home remedies.
