If you have a common chest cold, you've been infected with one of more than 200 viruses that can cause this type of upper respiratory infection. The American Academy of Otolaryngology cites figures from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases indicating there are approximately 1 billion colds in the U.S. each year. Common chest colds are typically nonthreatening, but when you're down with this dreadful bug, the best thing to do is use appropriate home remedies to strengthen your immune system.
Rest and Relaxation
Get plenty of rest if you have a cold, advise Mayo Clinic experts. You may want to take off work if you're running a fever or have a bad cough, not only just for your own benefit--you don't want to infect your co-workers. Integrative physician Dr. Andrew Weil advises getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night, as your body requires. Inadequate sleep causes your immune system to produce fewer virus-destroying cells.
Fluid Intake
Make sure you're properly hydrated when you have a cold, advises the Mayo Clinic, which suggests drinking an abundance of water, tea, juice and soup to replace the fluids you lose during a fever or mucous production. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, which increase dehydration.
Eat Right
Eat a healthy diet when you have a cold. Dr. Weil urges consumption of foods that boost your immune system by providing you with the right vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds and nuts. Adding garlic, onion and ginger to your diet is also helpful, he says. What about chicken soup? Its benefits in treating chest colds aren't just based on old wive's tales, says Weil. He cites a University of Nebraska Medical Center study by Dr. Stephen Rennard, published in the 2000 edition of "Chest," that indicates that chicken soup can help your white blood cells fight off cold viruses.
Relieve Congestion
If you have nasal congestion, Mayo Clinic experts recommend using saline drops, which you can purchase without a prescription at most drugstores and pharmacies. Safe, effective and non-irritating, saline drops can be used in children and even babies, in conjunction with bulb suctioning the affected nostril.
Sore Throat Relief
If your cold also causes your throat to be sore, the Mayo Clinic recommends gargling with warm salt water several times a day. You can also sip on warm water flavored with honey and water to relieve your cough and sore throat.
Natural Herbs and Tonics
If you're not "bugged" by making a run to your natural foods market, taking an immune-boosting tonic or herb may speed your healing along. Dr. Weil recommends astragalus, a dried Chinese root, which you can simmer in your teas and soups. Astragalus is also available in liquid, capsule and tablet form. A lesser-known herb, andrographis (Kan Jang), can also be helpful, Dr. Weil says. This herb is most effective if you take two tablets three times a day.
