11 Easy and Effective Cold Remedies.
When we think of winter, family meals, gifts and vacations spring to mind.
But it's also the season for colds! A runny nose, a stuffy nose, and a fever: it's a real pain.
If cold symptoms are plaguing you, try these home remedies.
You are only going to treat your cold, but in addition it will prevent you from going to the doctor.
1. Drink regularly
When we have a cold, our nose is congested and our body is dehydrated. Drink water or fruit juice regularly to relieve your nose.
Drinking regularly will also prevent a dry throat and dehydration. As a general rule, you should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day when you have a cold. A standard glass contains 25 centiliters.
Favor water, fruit juices, and herbal teas. A good homemade soup won't hurt you either!
On the other hand, avoid sodas and coffee. They have caffeine which is a diuretic and will dehydrate you!
2. Take inhalations
If your nose is stuffy or won't stop running, here's how to prepare one of the best remedies: inhalation.
It couldn't be simpler, you don't even have to leave the house. Boil some water in a saucepan. Tilt your head over the fumes from the pot and breathe through your nose.
If the steam is burning your nostrils, just breathe a little more slowly.
You can also cover your head with a towel. This will create a mini steam tent above the pot. The vapors will have a beneficial effect which will moisten your nasal cavity and decongest it.
3. Blow your nose, but blow your nose well!
The trick sounds silly, I know. But when you have a cold, it is very important to blow your nose regularly. Otherwise, we sniff phlegm (snot) and it ends up in our throat. Yuck!
Be careful, I am surprised by the number of people who blow their noses badly! If you blow your nose too hard, the pressure can carry germs into your inner ear. You will have an earache in addition to having a cold.
Here's how to blow your nose correctly: you have to do one nostril at a time. Place a finger on one of your nostrils and gently exhale through the other nostril to decongest it.
4. Make your own nasal spray
Another very effective remedy is the nasal spray. You can always buy one at a drugstore. Or, take matters into your own hands and make your own saline solution!
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 of baking soda in a glass of lukewarm water. Then fill an enema bulb. You can find some here. If you don't have an enema bulb, try using a needle-less syringe.
Tilt your head back over the sink. Place a finger on one nostril to close it and gently pour the solution into the other nostril. Let irrigate and repeat 2 to 3 times per nostril.
Be careful, to avoid exposing yourself to germs, be very careful with what you put in your nose! Here are some precautions for irrigations. Use either deionized water or boiled water and let it cool. Remember to clean and air dry your enema bulb.
5. Rest in a warm place
When you have a cold, your body is attacked by a virus. It’s a real battle in your body, and it is tiring!
So help your body and lie down under a good blanket! Rest and warmth will help your body focus its energy on defending itself.
6. Take mouthwashes
Gargle with a solution of lukewarm water and salt. It will moisten and relieve your throat. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and gargle 3-4 per day.
If your throat is itching, try Grandma's recipe. A tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of honey in a glass of hot water. Let cool to room temperature. It gives a viscous solution which will relieve your dry throat.
7. Discover the grog
Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion (a stuffy nose), prevent dehydration, and soothe irritated membranes in your nose and throat. If you're so congested that you can't fall asleep, try good old grog.
Prepare a cup of tea. Then add 1 spoon of honey and 1 small glass of rum. And there you have it, not only does it feel good, but it's also very good!
Be careful, drink only one, as too much alcohol can irritate the membranes even more. It would give exactly the opposite effect than what we want. So, moderation with the grogs!
8. Take a good hot shower
Take a hot shower. The goal is to create lots of steam. The vapors moisten your nasal cavity and rest your body.
If you are dizzy with the flu, standing is going to take too much effort. Do not hesitate to wash while sitting down to enjoy the good effect of the vapors.
9. Apply mint ointment
Is your nose red and irritated from blowing your nose? Apply a small amount of mint ointment under your nose.
Menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor will soothe your irritated skin. In addition, it decongests the nasal cavity.
10. Apply warm towels
A heat source applied to your nose will decongest it. Nothing could be simpler to implement!
Dampen a washcloth and microwave it for 30 seconds. Remember to check the temperature before applying it to your face.
11. Sleep with an extra pillow
Take a second pillow when you go to bed. The angle under your head will be increased and this will help decongest your nose.
If the angle is too awkward, try to decrease it by placing the pillow between the box spring and the mattress of your bed.
Your turn...
Have you tried these natural home remedies for a cold? Tell us in the comments if it worked for you. We can't wait to hear from you!
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Also to discover:
A Surprising Grandma's Cure for Colds.
12 Particularly Effective Natural Remedies for Colds.
