Millions of people are affected by the common cold each year and it is not fun.A cold can make people miserable for a few days, but most people don't need medical treatment.You just have to wait for your body to fight it off on its own, because there is no cure for it.There are a lot of things you can do to relieve your symptoms and make you more comfortable.Some remedies could help shorten your symptoms.Try to relieve your cold by doing these.
Step 1: Stay at home and rest.
Colds can drain your energy.Taking it easy is the most important thing to do.If you have to, try to sleep through the night and take naps throughout the day.Your body needs a lot of energy to fight the virus.If you can, take a day or two off.It is good for your health to have this.Take a day or two off if you exercise frequently.Your body needs energy to function.Lighter exercises like a walk are good for you.
Step 2: To stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids.
Dehydration makes it harder for your body to fight infections and can dry out your nose and throat.You should drink water throughout the day.If you are fighting an infection, you might need more glasses.You are getting dehydrated if your urine is dark yellow and you feel thirsty.To fix that, drink more water.Don't drink and eat until you've recovered.Both of these can cause dehydration.
Step 3: Gargle with warm saltwater to relieve a sore throat.
A saltwater rinse can help soothe your throat.The salt should be put into a glass of warm water.Put the water in the sink.Continue until the glass is empty.You can repeat it a few times a day.Don't swallow saltwater.Children under the age of 6 should not gargle with saltwater.They may not gargle properly.
Step 4: Humidify the air to keep your throat and nose moist.
Dry air can make your symptoms worse.If you want to soothe your airway, try setting up a humidifier.If you live in a dry environment, you could run a humidifier all the time.
Step 5: You can sip warm liquids to soothe your throat.
Warm liquids can relieve a sore throat.Tea, soup, or broth can be used to soothe your symptoms.Warm liquids can make your nose run, so keep tissues handy.Remember to drink coffee or tea with no caffeine because it could dehydrate you.
Step 6: Suppress your cough by drinking honey.
Colds and sore throats can be treated with honey.Try adding a small amount of tea or water to it.The honey plain could be eaten for a similar effect.Raw honey is better than processed honey because it is free of chemicals.Children younger than 1 should not be given honey.They could catch a botulinum infection from honey.
Step 7: Take a hot shower or bath.
A hot shower or bath can help clear your airway.It's a good idea to spend a few minutes in the shower or bath.It can clear your sinuses.
Step 8: You can draw out mucus by inhaling steam from the pot.
You could use this method to clear your airway.If you fill a pot with hot water, heat it on the stove until it is steaming.After putting your face close to the water, inhale the steam for a few minutes.It should loosen mucus and draw it out.Don't burn yourself if you boil the water.The idea of putting a towel over your head is not a good one.If you cover your head with heat, it could irritate your skin or eyes.
Step 9: The neti pot can be used to rinse your sinuses.
A neti pot is used to clean out your nose.Put the pot over the sink and tilt your head to the side.Take the solution out of your bottom nostril and put it in your top nostril.It will make you feel weird at first, but it will relieve congestion.Never use tap water and only use sterile saline solution in a neti pot.Non-sterile water can cause an illness.After each use, clean your neti pot.
Step 10: It's a good idea to boost your vitamins when you start to experience cold symptoms.
There is some evidence that if you take it right when your symptoms start, you can shorten a cold.If you feel a sore throat or nose, try to increase your intake to see if this will help you beat the cold faster.When you feel a cold, you should increase your intake of vitamins C and E from 200 to 3000 IU per day.Bell peppers, orange juice, and leafy green vegetables are good sources of vitamins C and E.You can get it from a supplement.
Step 11: It's a good idea to take echinacea early on.
Echinacea is a plant that is used to boost immunity and fight illness.Some people find that it shortens a cold if they take it right when they notice symptoms.If it works, you can try it for yourself.For powder or pill forms, you can get a dose of 300 or more.Dosing instructions can be found on the product.
Step 12: Before you take zinc supplements, ask your doctor about it.
Zinc can have side effects.It's possible that high zinc doses could cause illness.Before you try zinc as a remedy, you should ask your doctor if it is safe.Zinc can be used to kill virus cells in your throat.Don't use zinc nasal sprays because they are associated with serious side effects.
Step 13: You can try elderberry extract to shorten your symptoms.
Elderberry helps your body fight infections faster.Studies show that elderberry can help with cold and flu symptoms.If you start to feel unwell, try taking 15 liters of elderberry liquid.You could also make elderberry tea.
Step 14: See if garlic works to prevent colds.
It is a common home remedy for illnesses like a cold.Most of the claims are not confirmed by research.If you want to try it, you can increase your garlic intake and see if it helps you avoid colds.It is safe to eat about 3-4 cloves of fresh garlic per day.