Health & Wellness

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Summer Cold Right Away!

Sometimes the best medicine resides not in your first aid, but in your kitchen.


Written by Rachel Davis

On May 3, 2023 – 10 minutes read

Top 10 Effective Home Remedies To Treat Summer Cold

There are numerous Home Remedies To Treat Summer colds. Calling it a summer cold, makes it sound a bit fancy, doesn’t it? A summer cold is just a common cold that you get in the summer.

However, if you have ever gotten a cold, then you know that it is the most annoying sickness on the planet. I cannot even imagine having to deal with the stuffy nose, coughs, phlegm, headache, and fever that follows.

Usually, people associate common colds with the rainy season or winter. But it is possible to get nasty colds during the summertime. It is very easy to mistake a cold for an allergy.

Home Remedies to Treat Summer Cold

People usually believe that low-temperature climates cause you to catch a cold. It doesn’t really happen that way. You are susceptible to catching a cold in summer just as much.

summer cold

Common colds are able to go away on their own. Technically, you don’t really have to run to the doctor every time you get a scratchy throat or a runny nose. But, how do you Get Rid of a summer cold? Read on to find out.

What is Summer Cold?

A summer cold is exactly like any other cold that you can get. Statistically speaking, an individual catches a cold at least 2 times a year.

A common cold can strike at any time of year, as the virus is always present in our environment. Summer colds have proven to be more notorious in their symptoms as well. 

The summer cold mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, such as your nose and throat. An average person is supposed to recover from a summer cold in about a week or in 10 days.

The symptoms have proven to last long, in people who smoke. In most cases, you don’t really have to worry about common colds. However, if they don’t seem to go away after 10-14  days, then make sure you go see a doctor.

What Causes Summer Colds?

No matter what the season is, cold is always caused by viruses. There are mainly two types of viruses that cause a common cold; rhinovirus and respiratory enterovirus(1). Winter colds are caused by rhinovirus.

But, in the case of summer colds, it can be caused by both rhinovirus and enterovirus. The colds caused by rhinovirus are milder. Enterovirus is known to cause symptoms that are much more severe. 

What Causes Summer Colds

The main way in which summer colds are spread is when you come into contact with the infected person. You can get it if you ingest anything containing the virus as well.

Summer colds can be pretty contagious. So if you shake hands with, consume the same food or come into contact with an infected person, your chances of getting infected are high.

How to Identify Summer Cold and Allergy 

It can be a little bit difficult to differentiate between a summer cold and allergies. Summer is the season of allergies and most of the symptoms are identical to the symptoms of a cold.

If you are aware of the few major differences between the two, it would be easier for you to tell them apart. Some of the common symptoms of cold and allergies are sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, etc.

Summer ColdAllergies
  • If you have a cold, then your body will exhibit other symptoms such as dry or wet coughing, sweating, fever, and so on.
  • If you go from one place to another and your symptoms get worse or better, then you are dealing with allergies. This can be seen when you go from places that have highly pollinating plants or the presence of other allergens. 
  • If you have a cold then it is likely that you experience individual symptoms at different times.
  • However, when it comes to allergies, all the symptoms hit you at once.
  • If you are dealing with a cold, you might notice that the symptoms will fluctuate. The severity of the symptoms might bounce from mild to harsh etc.
  • Allergies usually tend to be more consistent. 
  • In a summer cold, then your nasal discharge will be thicker and slightly greenish in color
  • But the consistency of nasal discharges caused by allergies is usually translucent and thin.
  • If you are dealing with a cold, then the symptoms are bound to go away within a span of about 10 days or two weeks at the maximum.
  • If you are still dealing with it even after 2 weeks, then you’re probably dealing with allergies. 

Summer Cold Symptoms

Catching a cold can be really annoying. Symptoms of a cold can make you very uncomfortable. One of the common symptoms seen in summer colds are;

  • Coughing is a pretty clear-cut symptom of a cold. Coughing is your body’s way of trying to get rid of the mucus that is blocking the respiratory pathway.
  • A summer cold may cause watery eyes. Every time you sneeze or cough, it puts strain on the eyes, and they water. The sinus region getting affected might also add to this.
  • A stuffy and runny nose is a sure indicator of a cold. The cold will make the nasal pathway congested.
  • You might also experience slight body pain and headaches.
  • A sore and scratchy throat is a given when you have a cold. The viruses enter the nose and throat first so it will be one of the first symptoms to appear. 

Home Remedies for Summer Cold

Cold can make you super uncomfortable. If you have ever caught a cold before then you know how difficult it is to feel comfortable again. You can’t wait to get rid of it and the stuffy nose that is not letting you breathe. 

You don’t necessarily have to run to the doctor every time you get a common cold. Some people are not comfortable with taking antibiotics.

Are you searching for ‘how to get rid of a cold in 5 minutes?’ There are several effective home remedies you can try out in order to get rid of the summer cold. Some of the best summer cold home remedies that will clear your cold right up are;

1. Ginger

Ginger is one of the prime ingredients that will help fight a summer cold. It has antimicrobial properties that will help you get rid of the cold.

All you have to do is slice up some ginger and boil them in hot water. To this concoction add some lemon juice and honey. Drink this while it’s warm.

 It will reduce inflammations. If you are suffering from a sore and scratchy throat, then this will help you to get rid of that. Drinking this medicinal ginger concoction throughout the day will help you fight the cold.

2. Black Peppercorns 

Black peppercorns are a very commonly used home remedy to get rid of a cold. It’s very easy.

Black Peppercorns

You just have to crush some peppercorns and add them to some honey and consume it. The honey will soothe your sore throat (2) and will help the peppercorns to fight the cold.

3. Onions

Red onions are known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. All you have to do is take a red onion and cut it up into thin slices.

Pour some honey in between the onion slices and keep it aside for about 10-12 hours. Drink the thick syrup from the bowl to fight your cold.

4. Soup

Studies have shown that soup helps to fight the cold. Soup will help to get rid of a sore throat. The heat of the soup will help clear up congestion.

It might help relieve pain and sinus pressure. Soups have also proven to provide a speedy recovery from a nasty cold. 

5. Garlic 

Garlic is an age-old remedy for fighting a cold. It possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties that will fight the cold. It can be eaten raw, or it can be added to chicken soup or broth.

You can drink this to feel better and recover from a summer cold. There are also other ways to consume garlic to help you recover. Just take some garlic cloves and crush them. To this, add some honey and a pinch of chili powder and consume it. 

6. Gargling 

Gargling is one of the best ways to get rid of a scratchy throat. If your throat is itchy and irritated, all you have to do is boil some water and add some rock salt to it.

Gargling

Gargle with that solution. Gargling with saline solution (3) will help to draw out the excess fluid from the tissues of the throat that gets inflamed due to the cold. 

7. Cinnamon 

Like most of the home remedies mentioned above cinnamon has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties as well.

Add a stick of cinnamon and a couple of cloves to some water, bring that to a boil. Strain this liquid. Drink a tablespoon of this 2-3 times a day.

8. Honey 

Honey is known for its medicinal effects. It has antimicrobial properties that will kill viruses. To help yourself recover from a summer cold, you can just mix a spoon of honey with the juice of ginger and consume it.

It will relieve pain from a scratchy throat and soothe it. Consuming this 2 or 3 times a day will help you fight the cold better.

9. Hydration

Hydration is important even when you are not sick. But when you are suffering from a cold it is vital that you drink sufficient water. Keeping yourself hydrated will give you a better recovery.

Hydration

A cold means that you will lose a lot of fluids. So you have to drink more water to replenish the fluids you lose.

10. Resting 

Resting is mandatory when you have a cold. Try to restrain yourself from engaging in physically stressful activities that might challenge your immune system.

When your body is infected by a cold, you need to rest and give your body enough time to heal. 

What are the Other Best Ways to Treat a Summer cold?

Now, Let’s see, what are other home remedies to treat cold sores. The best way to treat a summer cold is to get plenty of rest. Summer colds can be more severe than winter colds. You need to let your body get better by taking plenty of fluids and getting some well-deserved rest.

Other Best Home Remedies to Treat a Cold

  • Usually, a common cold doesn’t really require medical attention. It passes on its own. But sometimes, colds can be pretty nasty, so you might need to consult with a doctor.
  • The main prescription for common colds is antibiotics. If you take them for a couple of days you should recover pretty quickly.
  • There are many home remedies you can try to get rid of a summer cold. You can try out many natural and herbal remedies for a summer cold. It is okay to take over-the-counter to clear up a stuffy nose. 
  • Another way to fight your cold is to inhale the steam. Inhaling steam is a good alternative to clear up your nasal tract. Your immune system will try to fight the cold as usual even if you inhale the steam. Steam inhalation will only clear up congestion, it doesn’t really help fight the virus.

FAQ

How Do You Get Rid of a Summer Cold?

Get plenty of rest and up your fluid intake. You can try out natural home remedies. But if the cold doesn’t go away in a couple of days, then consult a doctor.

How To Cure a Cold in One Day?

In most cases, the cold takes a couple of days to go away. But make sure to take rest and get good sleep. Drink plenty of water and take meds if necessary to get rid of your cold, fast.

What Are The Home Remedies For Cold And Sneezing?

You can inhale steam to clear up your nasal pathway. Stay away from anything that might be triggering you. Blow your nose often. Consuming honey will also help with the cold.

What Is the Best Medicine for Summer Colds?

If you go to a doctor for a cold, you are likely to get decongestants, cough drops, antibiotics, lozenges, etc. to treat your cold. You can take meds or home remedies and get good rest.

What are the Main Symptoms of a Summer Cold?

Coughing, stuffy and runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, mild body pain, etc are the symptoms of a common cold.

How Long Does a Summer Cold Last?

An average summer cold lasts about 7-10 days.

Final Verdict

Common colds are around us no matter what season it is. Colds are associated with cold weather, but you are just as likely to catch one in the summer as well. The summer cold is actually more severe than the winter cold. 

There are many medications and home remedies that are available on the market for summer cold treatment. Summer colds usually go away on their own. If you are not particularly fond of taking meds, you can try out some home remedies that are effective. 

Even though common colds leave on their own they can still make you quite miserable, so make sure that you get good rest and take care of your body so that you can get rid of your cold and be healthy.

  1. National Library of Medicine. (n.d). Rhinoviruses and Respiratory Enteroviruses: Not as Simple as ABC. [Online] Available at:

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728576/
  2. The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. (2022). 6 At-Home Remedies to Ease Your Sore Throat. [Online] Available at:

    https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/february/sore-throat#:~:text=%E2%80%9CHoney%20is%20one%20of%20the,while%20working%20to%20reduce%20inflammation.
  3. WebMD LLC. (2005 - 2022). Natural Allergy Relief: Saline Nasal Sprays. [Online] Available at:

    https://www.webmd.com/allergies/saline-spray

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Rachel

Hi! I am Rachel; a mom and a hair and makeup artist. I am very old-school and I love sharing my experiences on parenting, marriage, and daily life hacks. What is more fun than that! I believe that to take care of anything, you have to love and give your heart and soul to it. Writing has been my passion ever since I was little and it’s the best way I express myself – my thoughts and dreams. Here, I write about everything that I love.

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