Do cold remedies really shorten the length of a cold?

Viral Illnesses: I know of no 'cold medication' that shortens the length of the viral illness. Most cold medications do not treat the virus but the symptoms that the virus causes.

Not really. : What we commonly call a cold is usually a viral infection that is self-limited, i.e., it will resolve itself without causing lasting harm. There is no cold remedy that is available otc or approved for prescribing that will shorten the cold. No folk remedies will do that either - though many folk remedies may be worth it as they reduce discomfort due to cold symptoms. Hope u feel better soon.

Cold rememdies: Can help to alleviate symtpoms when you have a cold. This doesn't mean that it shortens the length of the cold.