There is no cure for the common cold, but doctors say it can be reduced with the time you are sick. While cold makes it hard to focus on the things you love to do when your nose feels stuffy and runny, you cannot stop sneezing, and your throat feels scratchy. According to doctors, more than 200 viruses can cause the common cold, but it is most commonly caused by a group of viruses known as rhinoviruses which lead to upper respiratory tract infections. Also, there are a few ways you can treat with a few easy ways, which include:

Stroll the aisles of any drugstore, and you will see an impressive range of products that claim to shorten the length of your cold, however, a few supplements that are known to make a difference in how long colds last, include:

Vitamin C supplements do not prevent a cold but they can reduce the duration and make them less severe. According to the National Institutes of Health, you must take around 200 milligrams of vitamin C regularly to receive this benefit. It is unlikely to help once you already have cold symptoms.

Experts say doses on the upper limit have side effects, so taking higher doses for any duration comes with this risk.

Apart from vitamin C, another supplement that works swiftly on alleviating colds is zinc lozenges. Zinc helps cut cold duration by 33 per cent, which means at least a couple of days sooner. Doctors suggest taking these lozenges when you first develop symptoms. However, it is important to note that the dosages in these studies, 80 to 92 mg daily, are much higher than the daily maximum recommended by the NIH.

According to studies, drinking small amounts of beetroot juice at least six to seven times daily helps lower cold symptoms. Doctors say it is especially helpful for those battling asthma. Beetroot juice is loaded with dietary fibre – which helps increase your body’s production of nitric oxide that protects against respiratory infections.

Probiotics help strengthen your immune system – especially for those who are prone to getting colds. Doctors recommend taking a daily probiotic supplement which helps reduce the number of colds and repeat colds.

Honey is loaded with healthy compounds that support immunity – and thereby reduce microbes that lead to colds and coughs. Honey – the doctors say is among the most relied-on remedies for treating cold symptoms as a spoonful at bedtime can help kids sleep better by reducing nighttime coughing.

However, it is advised not to give honey to children under 12 months of age, as it can lead to botulism.

Black elderberry is a traditional remedy that helps fight colds in many parts of the world. Studies say elderberry supplements reduce cold duration and severity, and strengthen your immunity levels.

Experts say colds and stuffy noses can be treated with the help of a warm running shower, or you must breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water. Inhaling warm steam can make the mucus thinner, which will help your mucus drain better.

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