There are many remedies out there for the common cold, but which ones are most effective? Here are 20 home remedies that have been proven to help reduce symptoms of the common cold:
1. Drink plenty of fluids. Keeping your body hydrated is essential to flushing out toxins and helping your body fight off the virus. Drinking warm tea or soup can also be beneficial.
2. Get some rest. Getting enough sleep gives your body the chance to focus on fighting off the cold instead of being distracted by other activities.
3. Use a humidifier or vaporizer in your bedroom at night before going to bed and throughout the day as needed for symptom relief.
4. Gargle with warm salt water. This can help soothe a sore throat, reduce swelling and loosen mucus.
5. Eat some garlic or drink freshly-squeezed lemon juice to boost your immune system.
6. Take a hot shower or bath and try steam inhalation to clear the nasal passages and reduce congestion.
7. Use over-the-counter remedies such as decongestants or antihistamines if needed for symptom relief.
8. Make sure to get plenty of Vitamin C by consuming oranges, grapefruit, lemons and other citrus fruits or taking a supplement daily for an extra immunity boost.
9. Try using natural remedies such as echinacea, zinc, slippery elm, elderberry or ginseng to help strengthen the immune system.
10. Drink hot tea with honey and a dash of lemon juice for a soothing throat remedy.
11. Use a nasal rinse such as a neti pot to flush out the sinuses and reduce mucus build-up in the lungs and nose.
12. Sip on warm ginger tea throughout the day which can act as an expectorant and help clear out the nasal passages.
13. Try adding some spicy foods like cayenne pepper, garlic, horseradish or ginger into your diet; they contain compounds that can thin mucus secretions in your throat.
14. Apply heat or cold packs to the chest, throat or sinuses as needed for symptom relief.
15. Try gargling with apple cider vinegar which has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help reduce symptoms.
16. Make sure to get enough Vitamin D by going outside during the day and exposing yourself to natural sunlight; this helps boost your body’s natural immunity to fight off cold viruses.
17. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if you have a headache, fever or muscle aches caused by the virus.
18. Eat honey mixed into warm tea or on toast for a soothing sore throat remedy; honey has antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
19. Apply menthol balms or ointments to the chest, neck or forehead which can help reduce congestion by opening up the nasal passages.
20. Avoid smoking and being around secondhand smoke as this can irritate your lungs and worsen symptoms.
By incorporating these remedies into your daily routine during cold season, you may be able to reduce symptoms of the common cold and get back on your feet sooner! Remember to always consult a physician if your symptoms become worse over time or last longer than expected.
