Top 10 Home Remedies to Fight the Common Cold

It’s 12 a.m., and you’re fighting a constantly running nose, a barrage of sneezes, and a headache. You are tired and miserable, but you just can’t fall asleep. We’ve all been there, and we all know that there is no sure-fire cure for the common cold. However, you can take measures to combat the sniffles and aches and speed up your body’s natural defenses. We’ll discuss the top 10 proven home remedies that you can use to fight off the common cold.

1) Keep The Fluids Flowing

Whether or not you have a cold, it is always important to stay hydrated. However, when your body is working overtime to get rid of the cold virus, it needs extra fluid in the lining of the nose and throat to drain out mucus and clear away your cold. Warm or hot fluids like tea are especially beneficial as they both hydrate the body and soothe a sore throat. Keep the caffeine level of your tea to a minimum and avoid coffee, as caffeine can cause dehydration. Alcohol has a similar effect and should be avoided.

2) Bring On the Steam

Steam can assist in loosening up mucus congestion, and it can keep your nose and throat moist. A humidifier is a cheap, quick solution for creating a steam-filled room, and it is particularly effective in the winter when the air is already at its driest. You can also take a nice, long shower with the door closed. The shower will reinvigorate you and the steam will provide a much-needed decongestant.

3) Sleep It Off

Getting enough sleep can both prevent and help to remedy the common cold. Most individuals need 8 hours of sleep a day to wake up rested. If you have a cold, you should boost that up to 8-10 hours each day, and you should remain in bed even longer if you feel extremely weak or nauseous. Make sure to go to the doctor if your symptoms become severe enough that a cold may not be the only issue.

4) Use a Neti Pot

A Neti pot works by thinning out and flushing away mucus. The pots are filled with a saline or salt-water solution and placed inside the nostril. The user then tilts their head to allow the solution to flow through their entire nasal passage and out the other nostril. Many people who have sinus problems due to allergies swear by Neti pots.

5) Prop Your Head Up Using an Extra Pillow

This technique is used to relieve post-nasal drip. By lifting your head at night, you avoid congesting your nasal passages. This can help to relieve a sore throat, sinus issues, and sleep problems.

6) Try Echinacea

The jury is still out on exactly how effective echinacea is for the common cold, but many initial trials have indicated that it decreases the duration and severity of upper-respiratory conditions by reducing inflammation. You should take echinacea as soon as your symptoms appear for it to be effective, so don’t wait until you’re already a couple days into your cold.

7) Take Vitamin C

Taking vitamin C on a daily basis can help to prevent illnesses like the common cold. If you take vitamin C at the onset of symptoms, it can help shorten the duration of your runny nose, cough, and sore throat. This is especially effective if you are a teacher or caretaker who works with many children on a daily basis.

8) Don’t Forget the Soup

Chicken soup is the stereotypical home remedy, and there is some truth to using it to treat colds. For example, a warm bowl of soup will soothe your throat, and it can help decrease congestion by letting mucus flow more freely. Soup provides vital nutrients that your body needs to fight off the cold virus, just make sure to choose a low-sodium option. A ginger-carrot soup can also help with any nausea you might be experiencing.

9) Gargle Water

Drinking water is essential, and gargling water 3-4 times a day has been touted as a way to help prevent upper-respiratory-tract infections. In addition, you can add a little salt to your water gargle, roughly half a teaspoon for every 8 ounces of water, to moisten and help relieve a rough, scratchy throat.

10) Know What Doesn’t Work

If you are trying to use antibiotics to cure the common cold, you’re wasting time and money. This practice can also contribute to creating antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. Also, be cautious when giving over-the-counter medications to young children. Always speak with your doctor before giving them any cold or cough medicine.