A common cold is a viral infection that causes the walls of the respiratory tract to swell up; this common infection is sometimes treated by using cold remedies that contain hydrogen peroxide. Most cold symptoms generally last for a period of a week or ten days, but with a hydrogen peroxide cold remedy it is said that the symptoms can last for a shorter period of time and will be less severe. However, it is strongly advised that you do not consume hydrogen peroxide as cure for cold as it can have serious side effects.
Conventional remedies use antibiotics or prescription medication to treat a cold virus, but some times they are not effective. Alternative remedies recommend the use of various herbs and other ingredients that can be prepared by a person him/herself. In addition, alternative cold remedies also use a number of simple 'everyday' items to treat a cold and given time they can yield effective results. Unfortunately, the hydrogen peroxide cold remedy is not one of these home remedies.
Hydrogen peroxide is a pale blue liquid that is slightly more viscous than water and has strong oxidizing properties. It is used by many doctors as an antibacterial and antiseptic solution, and in addition is used in homes to bleach hair and to get rid of strong odors. Medical grade hydrogen peroxide has been deemed safe by the food and drug administration, but it should only be used by doctors, and then too is used sparingly. If it is not used correctly, hydrogen peroxide can also cause diarrhea and vomiting. High strength hydrogen peroxide is even more dangerous - it is considered to be about ten times stronger than what is conventionally recommended and can have dangerous side effects, even causing death.
Proponents of the garlic cold remedy say that the common cold infection sometimes starts in the ear canal, and therefore putting a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in the ear is an effective treatment. However, there is no firm evidence of this being effective, and any potential benefits are outweighed by the risks. An even more dangerous remedy involves using a solution of hydrogen peroxide as a nasal spray. This is supposed to clear up congestion and also help fight the infection, but once again the treatment can irritate the nasal membranes and also cause more serious damage. It is therefore better to avoid the hydrogen peroxide cold remedy, and instead use other, safer herbal and home made cold remedies.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.