I used to get colds all the time that would linger for weeks. Now that I follow this formula, I almost never get them, and when I do, they're milder, and only hang around a few days.
1. Drink green tea. Best to do this as maintenance therapy. This is my main beverage. I don't drink coffee, and hardly ever soda or juice. High quality tea (loose leaf) doesn't need sugar either. Since I've started doing this, I come down with a 3rd of the colds I used to. When I do get sick, I up my intake.
2. When you feel the early signs that you're coming down with something (achy, sore throat, whatever), eat raw garlic. Twice a day, at least one clove, two is better, and preferably on an empty stomach. It's gotta be
raw. If you want, mince the garlic and let it sit for 10 minutes. This eliminates the gassiness people sometimes get with garlic.
DISCLAIMER - this step is not fun. It stings your mouth, and then after a few minutes, it feels someone dropped a lead ball in your stomach. So brace yourself if you try it. (A chaser of bread or milk helps soothe things) But I've found it to be the most important step. And for me, 10 minutes of discomfort instead of days to weeks of grappling with a cold is an exchange I'll make everytime.
3*. Gargle salt water. I think it only helps a little bit, but doesn't hurt.
All of these things (with exception of tea) work best to fight off the cold. Once you're a few days into it, sleep and fluids are your only hope.
