Articles
Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt
Cold remedies with conflicting evidence
Content
Cold remedies that work
Soothe a sore throat
Ease stuffiness
Relieve pain
Try cold and cough medicines
Cold remedies that don't work
Medicines called antibiotics
Cold and cough medicines in young children
Cold remedies with mixed study results
Vitamin C
Zinc
Take care of yourself
Content
Cold remedies that work
Soothe a sore throat
Ease stuffiness
Relieve pain
Try cold and cough medicines
Cold remedies that don't work
Medicines called antibiotics
Cold and cough medicines in young children
Cold remedies with mixed study results
Vitamin C
Zinc
Take care of yourself
Zinc
Some studies show that zinc lozenges or syrup may prevent a cold or shorten symptoms. Other studies show zinc doesn't help.
Zinc can have harmful side effects.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises against using products with zinc you put in your nose. They can cause you to lose your sense of smell. Talk with your healthcare professional before using zinc.
