for helping a cold get better fast, and also to prevent it becomming full blown when you first start feeling symptoms???

i have a sore throat and usually it is followed by a head cold. i would like to try some home remides to see if i can make it go away, or have it get done with quickly....

thanks!!

My home remedy is to stay home and watch talk show all day under a blanket. Drink lots of Herbal teas.

I've found zinc losenges cut my colds down to 2-3 days and greatly lessen symptoms. Take them at the first sign of a sniffle. You can also get ones mixed with echinacea, and I've found brands without sugar.

If I feel it coming on like that I normally take 2000mg of vitamin C immediately. I will stay on 2000-4000mg a day for 3 days only and stop.
I also take an Echinacea (sp) before going to bed.
I too drink herbal teas, peppermint is good for the throat and also has a more calming aroma.

also drink warm chicken broth -- something about that always makes me feel better

I'll second the 2000g of vitamin C and Echinacea. A hot drink of lemon and fresh ginger with sweetener helps me feel good.

I have also tried the Russian remedy of vodka with pepper in it. I don't remember if it worked or not but you don't remember the cold after a while!

I will third the Vitamin C and echinacea! Take the Vitamin C during the day as it can disrupt sleep later. Drink echinacea tea, then go to bed early so that you can sleep as long as you need. Sometimes when I am coming down with something I will sleep 9 - 10 hours after this, much longer than usual, but I often feel somewhat better for it by morning.

Its not a home remedy but Zycam kills my colds in 1/3 the time they used to last.

I also put lots of mentholatum on the bottoms of my feet and pull on cotton socks before I go to bed. This opens up your head like you wouldnt believe!

wow!! thanks guys for all the suggestions!!! i am trying the echinacea, herbal tea, and off to bed early tonight(mostly because that is what i have at the house right now). hopefully i can kick it in the butt!!!

Zinc, definitely.
And echinacea + vit C.
And garlic of course. And gargling with warm saltwater.
And drinking lots of fluids.

Gesundenschnitzel!