Home Remedies for Cold

There are multiple remedies advised for a common cold but you need to be aware that not all of them are effective. Nothing can cure a cold but there are specific home remedies which can ease the symptoms and offer some sort of a comfort. Most of the symptoms you go through when suffering from a cold are an indication of the immune system fighting this. Here are some home remedies for getting some relief from a cold.

Staying Well Hydrated:

With enough and more of intake of fluids you are well hydrated. This helps in thinning the mucus and prevents any sort of dehydration. Water works the best when talking about hydration, but soups do offer comfort when you are suffering from a cold.

You can try sipping on tea with honey to break up the congestion and also get relief from a sore throat. Spicy and hot soups can help in making the breathing easier. Stay away from any type of alcohol as this can increase the discomfort.

Gargling:

Mix ½ a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle with this for three to four times a day. This eases a sore or scratchy throat.

Rest Enough:

It is important to rest and stay warm when you come down with a cold. This helps the immune system of your body fight the virus.

Blow the Nose in the Correct Manner:

You need to blow your nose in the right manner to get rid of the mucus. Most of us tend to sniff the mucus back into the ears and cause more trouble.

Add Moisture to the Air:

A humidifier can add moisture to the interiors of your home. This can loosen the congestion and offer some relief. Make sure you change the water every day.

Difference between a Common Cold and Flu:

The flu and the common cold are similar, except that a cold is much milder. Both of these are viral infections and cannot be treated with anti-biotic.

Prevention against Cold and Flu:

As the saying goes, ‘Prevention is better than cure ‘and so

Make sure you cover your mouth with your elbow or a tissue when you are sneezing or coughing
Wash your hands frequently. In case you do not have soap and water handy, you can use a sanitizer.
Avoid any contact with those who are suffering from a flu or even a cold.

When to see a doctor:

It is not necessary to visit your doctor as soon as you get the cold symptoms. You need to wait for a couple of days and then if you are not feeling any better you need to consult a doctor. You also need to check your temperature and any fever that is more than 101 degrees need to be checked out. You check with the doctor if you find any shortness of breath, wheezing or severe headache and sore throat.

A little caution goes a long way in managing a cold.