The common cold is very common; most adults catch between two and four colds each year. Symptoms include a sore throat, runny nose, coughing and sneezing. Most of the time, a cold is mild and will resolve itself without a doctor's care. There are several household remedies that you can try to relieve your symptoms while you wait for your body to recuperate from the common cold.
Step 1
Drink plenty of fluids. Liquids help your body to expel excess mucus, which can reduce stuffiness and make you feel better. Try water, juice and decaffeinated sodas. Warm liquids, such as herbal tea and chicken broth, can be especially beneficial. Alcohol and drinks with caffeine can cause your body to lose fluids, so avoid these.
Step 2
Run a humidifier to help break up sinus congestion and to keep your throat and nasal passages moist. If you don't have a humidifier, achieve the same effect by running a hot shower and breathing in the steam.
Step 3
Take extra supplements. Vitamin C can boost your immune system, which in turn can help your body to heal from a cold faster. Zinc and echinacea have a reputation for helping the body fight off colds.
Step 4
Try gargling with salt water. This can help your throat feel better. Salt water also has antiseptic properties, which can encourage a raw, scratchy throat to heal more quickly.
Step 5
Eat well and rest. Take basic care of yourself to allow your body to do what it needs to do in order to fight off the cold virus.
Step 6
Consider taking medications such as pain relievers to relieve symptoms, or a cough medication to ease coughing. These can be especially helpful at night, to help you get a good night's sleep. Avoid taking multi-symptom formulas if you do not have all of the symptoms listed, and do not mix medications without asking a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Things You'll Need
- Humidifier
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Echinacea
- OTC medications (optional)
