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If you want to get rid of the common cold quickly, you may be disappointed to learn that there are over 200 viruses that can cause common cold symptoms. Recommendations about treatment for the common cold vary. Almost everyone has a home remedy. Researchers have studied the effects of zinc, vitamin C and numerous other herbs and botanicals.

Most in the news, these days, are zinc nasal gels and zinc lozenges, which reduce the duration of symptoms in some people. For years, vitamin C common cold remedies were all the rage. Some experts say that you can get too much vitamin C and too much zinc. Others say that vitamin supplementation is unnecessary. Those who are pro-supplementation say that they are interested in optimal good health and that those against supplementation are only interested in health that is marginally better than being malnourished.

The facts, which cannot be disputed, are that both zinc and vitamin C are necessary for proper immune system function and overall good health. Whether or not they can help you get rid of the common cold more quickly is debatable. Some studies support there use, others say that they are ineffective. Taking either or both for the common cold may reduce the duration of symptoms. Some studies indicate that vitamin C is a helpful preventative.

The U.S. recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 60-95 mg per day. However, this amount may not help you prevent or get rid of the common cold. A recently concluded five year study of 439 participants in a village in Akita, Japan, concluded that in those people who received 500 mg per day of vitamin C, common cold frequency was significantly reduced. The Nobel prize-winning biochemist Linus Carl Pauling advocated the use of 6000 to 18000 mg per day, but this recommendation is considered unorthodox by conventional medicine. Mega doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhea and anyone who is beginning a vitamin C regimen should note if symptoms of diarrhea appear and reduce dosages accordingly.

Two double blind, placebo controlled clinical trials appear to prove that the use of zinc nasal gels for the common cold is an effective treatment. These studies suggest that zinc can get rid of the common cold in a matter of days. The gel must be used within the first 24 hours after symptoms are noticed. In those participants who were given the zinc, symptoms were gone in as little as two days. Those who received the placebo exhibited symptoms for as long as two weeks.

Other studies contradict these findings, saying that zinc does not get rid of the common cold in a significantly reduced amount of time. In fact one study concludes that it is unethical to recommend a substance that could cause a permanent loss of smell for the common cold, a temporary discomfort. One company was sued after a number of people reportedly lost their sense of smell after using a zinc cold remedy. The company settled out of court without admitting fault. The risk of losing the sense of smell associated with zinc nasal gels is not associated with zinc dietary supplements or zinc lozenges.

An overabundance of zinc in the diet, for extended periods of time, can inhibit the body's ability to absorb iron and copper, which could lead to anemia. A lack of zinc in the diet can lead to hair loss, skin lesions and diarrhea. If the zinc deficiency is allowed to continue, death can result. A deficiency of vitamin C can lead to muscular weakness, bleeding gums, low infection resistance, loss of appetite and nosebleeds, among other things. Taking Vitamin C for the common cold is not believed to pose any serious side effects, other than diarrhea, if daily amounts are far greater than the individual needs. Most cases of zinc overdose have occurred in children and dogs that swallowed a number of US pennies minted after 1982. Rather than copper, US pennies minted after this date are composed mostly of zinc.

There are several herbs and other plant products that may help you get rid of the common cold. Some herbalists still support the use of Echinacea for the common cold. However, studies indicate that Echinacea can be toxic to the liver, when taken over an extended period of time. So it may not be the best choice for prevention.

Andrographis paniculata, green tea, piperine, olive leaf, and turmeric have all been recommended for the common cold. All of these are supported by numerous scientific studies, showing that they are safe and effective for boosting the immune system, possibly reducing the frequency of colds and other viruses. Sometimes the best way to get rid of the common cold is to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids and wait. If symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks, you could have an allergy or bacterial infection and should consult your doctor.