So far, dietary cure-all claims for curing common cold, sniffles etc aren’t backed by strong scientiï¬c evidence. Large doses of vitamin C won’t prevent a cold, but its antihistamine effect may ease your breathing.
Zinc and echinacea supplements may reduce symptoms, but they also may suppress, not improve, immunity. And stay away from lobelia, an herbal supplement, which may cause serious harm, from breathing problems and rapid heartbeat to coma.
To relieve cold’s symptoms and hasten your recovery:
- Take time to rest. Stay away from others if you can.
- Drink plenty of fluids, including vitamin C–rich juice (even hot chicken soup). Fluids and warmth help loosen nasal mucous.