There is no cure for the common cold, but there are plenty of remedies to treat it and get you back on your feet quickly. A cold can be miserable at times, bringing on feelings of helplessness and isolation. But home remedies and over-the-counter medications can relieve symptoms and help you feel better.
Step 1
Eat a healthy diet and exercise to strengthen your immune system. Avoid alcohol and tobacco products, which can weaken your system and make your body susceptible to viruses. Take vitamin C to boost your immune system as well.
Step 2
Drink plenty of water and fluids. This helps to flush a cold out of your system. Along with water, drink fresh juice, broth or lemon juice diluted in a glass of warm water with 1 tsp. of honey added to it.
Step 3
Gargle with salt water to relieve soreness or scratchiness of the throat. Medical experts suggest 1/2 tsp. of salt dissolved in an 8 oz. glass of warm water.
Step 4
Consume hot chicken soup. Just the steam from it can produce vapors that clear up congestion. The soup helps clear up cold and flu symptoms with anti-inflammatory properties and speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose, relieving congestion. Researches at the Mayo Clinic say that canned or homemade soups work just as well.
Step 5
Have garlic soup. This helps open up the respiratory passages. Boil three or four cloves of chopped garlic in a cup of water for an easy homemade soup.
Step 6
Use a humidifier to combat dry conditions where cold viruses thrive. Dry air also causes a stuffy nose and scratchy throat for cold sufferers.
Step 7
Take over-the-counter decongestants and pain relievers that provide relief from cold symptoms. The better you feel, the faster you can get back to work or healthy play.
Things You'll Need
- Foods or supplements with vitamin C
- Chicken and/or garlic soup
- Humidifier
- Decongestants
- Pain relievers
