Yes, it’s just a cold and nothing to worry about. However if you don’t do something about it, it can pretty well drain you and make you feel really bad. Instead of running to your doctor at the first signs of a cold or flu, its better trying out these tried and tested cold and flu home remedies.
1. Take 500 mg of vitamin C a few times a day at the first signs of a cold. If you develop diarrhea, just reduce the dosage. Even drinking lemon juice helps as lemon is rich in vitamin C.
2. For an excellent sore throat remedy, mix a teaspoon of salt in 250 ml of warm water and gargle away for pain relief.
3. Chicken soup it stops some white blood cells from triggering an inflammation and prevents the production of large amounts of mucus. For extra protection, add freshly chopped garlic to the soup as garlic not only kills germs, but also stimulates the production of natural killer cells. The broth’s decongestant power is increased by adding red chili pepper flakes to it.
4. Taking some steam helps clear congestion. Pour some boiling water into a large bowl and drape a towel over your head to trap the steam. Then breathe through your nose for 5 to 10 minutes. Don’t lower your face too close to the water as you may scald your skin or inhale too hot vapors.
Add 5 to 10 drops of thyme or eucalyptus oil to the water for more effect. However do close your eyes while breathing in the steam as both the oils can irritate your eyes. For relief while on the go, dab a few drops of eucalyptus oil on your tissue and hold to your nose when congested.
5. A cup of ginger tea helps as ginger blocks the production of substances triggering bronchial congestion and stuffiness and contains the natural cough suppressants, gingerols.
6. Drink as much water as possible, 8 or more glasses. It keeps the mucous membranes moist and provides relief to dry eyes and common flu symptoms. Moreover, fluids thin the mucus to make it easy to expel.
7. Rest in a moist, warm and well-ventilated room as it helps keep the mucous loose. Running a humidifier or placing bowls of water near the air ducts keeps the bedroom air moist.
8. Salt-water rinsing break nasal congestion and removes virus particles and bacteria from your nose. Mix quarter teaspoon salt and baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water and squirt the water into your nostril using a bulb syringe while keeping the other nostril closed. Let it drain and repeat twice or thrice and then treat the other nostril.
9. Drink hot liquids as it relieves nasal congestion, prevents dehydration and soothes the membranes lining your nose and throat. If you can’t sleep, make a cup of hot herbal tea and add a teaspoon of honey and an ounce of whiskey or bourbon. Limit to one cup as too much alcohol inflames the membrane and worsens things.
10. Eating infection-fighting foods help you fight your cold or flu. So eat more of bananas, carrots, chili peppers, onions, black and green tea and mustard or horseradish.
Of course, all these remedies help treat the common cold. However you need to consult your doctor if you have severe symptoms or if there’s no improvement.
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