Home Remedies for Colds
By: Molly Plummer
Remedy #1: Drink Many Fluids!
Fluids help break up congestion, as well as prevent dehydration. Fluids also keep the throat moist.
Remedy #2: Inhale Steam
Do this to ease congestion. Can hold head over a pot of boiling water or humidifier. Breathe slowly and be careful to not burn the nose.
Remedy #3: Blow Nose Properly
Is it important not to blow hard because it can cause an earache. Press a finger over one nostril and blow gently out the other.
Remedy #4: Salt Water Rinse in Nose
Salt-water rinsing helps break nasal congestion while also removing virus particles and bacteria from your nose.
Recipe: Mix 3 teaspoons of iodide-free salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Add 1 teaspoon of this mixture to 8 ounces of lukewarm boiled or distilled water. Fill a bulb syringe (Or Neti Pot) with this solution. Lean your head over a basin, and using the bulb syringe, gently squirt the salt water into your nose. Hold one nostril closed by applying light finger pressure while squirting the salt mixture into the other nostril. Let it drain. Then treat the other nostril.
Remedy #5: Be Warm and Rested
Staying warm and resting when you first come down with a cold or the flu helps your body direct its energy toward the immune battle.
Remedy #6: Gargle Salt Water
Gargling can moisten a sore or scratchy throat and bring temporary relief. You can try a half teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water four times daily. Or you can steep one tablespoon of raspberry leaves or lemon juice in two cups of hot water and mix with one teaspoon of honey.
Remedy #7: Drink Hot Liquids
Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, prevent dehydration, and soothe inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat
Remedy #8: Take Steamy Shower
Steamy showers moisturize your nasal passages and help relax you.
Remedy #9: Sleep with an Extra Pillow
This will help relieve congested nasal passages. Do not have pillow at an awkward angle, but at more of a gradual slope.
Remedy #10: Mentholated Salve Under Nose
Try this to help open breathing passages and help restore the irritated skin at the base of the nose. Menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor can all be used.