Live Life Team
A cold can hit at any time of the year, knocking you down, making you feel terrible and possibly keeping you out of work for a few days. Most colds do not require an antibiotic but to get rid of your cold faster there are lots of remedies you can try at home. Here are 10 home remedies to cure the common cold.
Drink lots of fluids
It might seem like a no-brainer, but staying hydrated when you have a cold can help lessen the length of your cold. Try and drink at least eight glasses of water a day while you have a cold. Why is staying hydrated so important when you have a cold? It helps moisturize the lining of your nose which makes clearing mucus easier. Fluids to avoid when you are sick? Anything caffeinated or containing alcohol. These can cause dehydration.
Use a Neti Pot
Neti pots are a great way to prevent nasal dryness and to unblock nasal passages. You can buy neti pots at most drug stores. You fill the neti pot with warm water and a saline solution. Then you tilt your head while allowing the water to flow up the nasal passage and out the opposite nostril.
Take Vitamin C
Taking Vitamin C when you have a cold is a great home remedy. Vitamin C helps lessen the severity of your cold.
Gargling Salt Water
If your cold comes with a bothersome sore throat you can gargle with salt water to lessen the pain. Not only does gargling with salt water ease your sore throat but it also removes bacteria from your throat
Drink Warm Liquids
In addition to helping you stay hydrated, sipping warm liquids can be soothing to sore throats and can ease congestion by increasing mucus flow.
Use a Vaporizer or Humidifier
Another great home remedy to lessen your cold is using a vaporizer or humidifier. Moisture in the air can loosen congestion and moisten nasal passages.
Take a Hot Shower
Steamy showers can moisturize your sinuses and can help loosen any mucus you may have. It is also particularly soothing if you have the chills.
Try Zinc
Zinc boosts the immune system and helps fight your cold faster. You can purchase Zinc in a lozenge form. It also does double duty with helping soothe a sore throat.
Chicken Soup
Grandma always knows best. Chicken soup can be effective in boosting the immune system, soothing sore throats, and loosening mucus. The warmth is soothing to a sore throat and there are also amino acids in the soup that can make your cold go away faster.
Rest
Rest is very important when you have a cold. Try and nap and get a lot of sleep when you have a cold. Resting boots your immune system and will help you start feeling better faster.
When you have a cold there are a lot of home remedies available to you to help you feel better and save you a trip to the doctor’s office.
