🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Cold is a common illness and also a frequent one, a minor member in the family of diseases, far less serious than cancer or AIDS. Although this is true, once the cold virus invades, no so-called miracle drugs seem effective. Therefore, while overseas medical research institutions are earnestly developing pharmaceutical treatments, they have never stopped searching for alternative remedies for colds.
1 Ironing the Body
According to American medical experts, Americans have a clever method to treat colds: maintain room temperature around 25°C, lay the patient prone on bed, cover the back with a hot, wet towel, then use an electric iron to gently iron the back. The iron temperature should not be too high, kept around 35–40°C, otherwise skin may burn.
2 Eating Chocolate
Researchers at a London university pointed out during a chocolate symposium that chocolate can stimulate the male immune system to produce a strong antibody called "Immunoglobulin A," present in saliva, capable of fighting colds. Interestingly, chocolate affects people differently by gender—women remain indifferent to its smell.
3 Acid-Base Nasal Drops
Many researchers found that cold viruses are more easily controlled in acidic or alkaline environments. Treatment can be achieved using vinegar or baking soda to inhibit viral growth. Method: Prepare a 5% vinegar solution or 6% baking soda solution using cool boiled water, choose one, and immediately drop into nose when having a cold, every 3 hours, 2 drops per nostril. Most patients recover after 2–3 applications, with overall effectiveness rate between 92–97%.
4 Nasal Inhalation of Vitamin C
Additionally, researchers discovered that commonly used vitamin C can also resist cold viruses. They sprayed sodium ascorbate powder into the nasal passages of individuals showing early cold symptoms (such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headache). Within 5 minutes, 90% of subjects experienced liquefaction of accumulated mucus in the nose. Continuous treatment in evening and morning often controls symptoms by afternoon of the same day.
5 Garlic-Sugar Water Mouthwash
The disinfectant and antibacterial properties of garlic are well known, and allicin in garlic also strongly inhibits cold viruses.
Use 4–6 garlic cloves, wash and slice, add 350 g water, plus 25 g rock sugar, soak and use for nasal drops or mouth rinsing.
Drop 1–2 drops into each nostril, rinse mouth 2–3 times daily, with good therapeutic effect.
6 Eye Drops in Nose and Eyes
In recent years, researchers found chloramphenicol eye drops can also treat colds effectively.
Method: First, apply 1–2 drops of eye drops to each eye, then drop 2–3 drops into each nostril, 4–5 times daily. However, this method is unsuitable for infants.
7 Bed Rest
Recent U.S. studies found that when patients have fever due to cold, their bodies produce a substance called "cell wall acid" which enhances immune function. This substance is also produced during deep sleep. Thus, it is recommended that cold patients sleep more to boost immunity and recover without medication.
8 Hot Air Blowing into Nostrils
A report from the Solberzi Cold Research Center in the UK indicates that blowing hot air into the nostrils using a hairdryer can effectively suppress viral reproduction, thereby improving cold symptoms and accelerating recovery. Some patients treated with hot air at 43°C or 30°C for 10 minutes saw their illness duration halved and symptoms significantly reduced. For home treatment, ordinary hairdryers can be used to blow hot air into nostrils at a comfortable distance, 5–10 minutes per session, 3–4 times daily. Alternatively, inhale steam from a cup of hot water, 2–3 times daily.<Cold>