5 Things You Need to Know About Curing the Common Cold

1. Over-the-Counter Medications Give Fast Relief

While there's no cure that eliminates the common cold, over-the-counter medications can provide fast relief. Take these medications as soon as possible so you don't feel miserable later. NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen and aspirin, reduce fever and relieve headaches or pain, but you should avoid them if they upset your stomach. Instead, take the gentler acetaminophen. Treat congestion, nasal discharge and cough with antihistamines and decongestants. See a doctor only if these medications don't cure the cold within a week.

2. Herbal Remedies Can Help

Honey, lemons, eucalyptus, zinc, Echinacea and vitamin C are popular for curing colds, although studies have not confirmed their effectiveness. Zinc and eucalyptus are in cough and throat lozenges, while vitamin C is in fruit or as tablets. Echinacea is in products like Airborne, which is taken to prevent or shorten a cold. Honey and warm lemon juice is a homemade cure for soothing your throat. However, do not give honey to children under 2 years old because it can cause infantile botulism.

3. Stay Hydrated With Liquid Intake

In addition to honey and lemon juice, drinking water, orange juice or broth hydrates you and reduces congestion. Doctors recommend drinking eight glass of juice or water per day while you're sick. Liquid intake is important during a cold because it keeps your throat and nose lining from drying out. Staying hydrated makes it is easier to get rid of mucus, and in turn, get rid of the cold. Avoid alcohol and caffeine since they produce the opposite effect. Also, a glass of warm water and 1/2 tsp. of salt helps for the nagging sore, scratchy throat associated with colds.

4. Feed a Cold With Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is a staple for many of us when we're sick, and recent research has confirmed its benefits. Recent studies show that chicken soup speeds up the removal of mucus throughout the chest and nose to alleviate congestion and lessen illness time. It stops the movement and inflammation of neutrophils, or the immune system cells, throughout the body. It doesn't matter whether you choose homemade or canned because they usually contain the same illness-fighting ingredients.

5. Prevention Is the Best Medicine

The ultimate way to fight the cold is to avoid it altogether. Cleanliness is a must, especially during cold season, so it's important to always wash your hands and use antimicrobial hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of germs. Disinfect counter tops, telephones, stairway railings and other surfaces since cold germs are spread by touching them. Get plenty of sleep and stay home if possible so others don't get sick.