When dealing with a minor condition, such as the common cold, aid can be sought from different herbal remedies that are just as effective as when using conventional pharmaceutical medicines. Although not all herbal remedies have the same effect on a person's body, they all function in the same way and for the same purpose, which is to remedy your cold. In order to know what herbal remedies to use, you must first know what the effects are of the different herbal remedies that you intend on using.

The common cold usually stems from viral exposure thus there is no definite cure for it. The affected individual must rely on symptomatic treatment which aims to alleviate the symptoms and relieve the effects that come with the condition. Because the upper respiratory tract is inflamed and other parts affected as well like ears and sinuses, herbs act to minimize pain, swelling and mucus.

In addition, sneezing and coughing spreads the virus to others. The rhino virus, one of the viruses that causes common cold symptoms, can live for three hours on the skin and other surfaces. If you sneeze, wipe your nose or cough and then shake hands with someone, then that person may contract the virus. Likewise, if you touch a surface (answer the phone, open a door) anyone who comes along within the next three hours may contract the virus. If you do not want to take common cold remedies for yourself, think of others and do it for them.

Another way to cure the common cold is by drinking plenty of hot liquids. If you have the options of staying in bed when you experience your first cold symptoms, you should do so. While in bed drink plenty of hot liquids. This will cause your body to sweat and flush out some of the bacteria. Another proven product in curing the common cold is garlic. Many people will grind up some fresh garlic and place it on a sandwich when they experience the first symptoms of a cold.

The ginseng common cold remedies sold in department, drug and health food stores may contain any form of the plant. It is necessary to read the ingredients label to determine exactly which plant is included. Some of the over the counter remedies for common cold may list a proprietary blend or plant phenols, but if it is unclear which plants are used, it is best to avoid them. Natural does not always mean safe.

Honey and lemon tea? Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C, which is important for proper immune system function. Herbal teas, made from mullein, sweetened with honey and lemon can be very soothing to the throat and can temporarily open clogged breathing passages. Horehound tea can also be used to relieve coughs. Green tea has been the subject of a number of studies and has been shown to effectively increase energy and metabolism. Honey should not be given to small children.