How To Cure a Cold – 8 Tips

Looking to cure a cold? You’re in the right place! There are many common remedies for the common cold; some are more effective than others while others are just plain myths.  There are popular remedies and old folk ones, homemade herbal remedies and over-the-counter ones.  The common cold is so common because there is still no cure for it; but there are steps you can take to make your bout with the cold virus a less miserable experience.  Here are some tips on how you can shorten the duration and reduce the severity of your cold symptoms as well as prevent any complications.

How To Cure a Cold

Flush it Out of Your System

Not literally, of course, but increasing fluid intake can help a lot.  Drinking plenty of water and juice and having clear soup will help decongest your nasal passageways and keep you hydrated.  While your body is doing its best to fight off the viral invasion, give it support by staying away from any caffeinated and/or alcoholic beverages, which can worsen dehydration.  Dehydration is responsible for the headaches and sore throat that come with the cold.

Wash Your Throat

You can’t shove your hand down your throat to scratch but you can dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water to make a saltwater gargle and use it to relieve that scratchy feeling in your throat.

Get Unstuffed

Use saline nasal sprays or drops to help reduce stuffiness and congestion.  Saline nasal drops are safe to use in infants and sprays in older children.  They are non-irritating and do not make symptoms worse when you stop using them, unlike nasal decongestants.

Soup Up

Chicken soup has been an age-old remedy for the common cold.  According to experts, chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties and is very effective in thinning mucous.  A warm bowl should also give you the comfort of warm memories when your mother used to nurse you back to health with chicken soup every time you got sick as a child.

Spice it Up

Eating spicy foods is one of the best ways to clear clogged sinuses.  Add a bit of pepper or some minced garlic to your soup and other dishes.  Garlic is also well-known as an excellent immune booster, with its antioxidant and antiviral properties.

Dampen The Mood

This simply means increasing the humidity in your home.  The common cold is more common during cold weather, such as during winter, because dry air creates a favorable condition for cold viruses to flourish.  Dry air also contributes to the stuffiness and scratchy throat as it causes mucous membranes to become dry.  Increasing moisture in your home with a humidifier can help breathe more easily and make your unwanted viral guests go away.

Freshen Up

Take a hot shower or soak in a hot bath.  The steam will also provide temporary relief from congestion and the hot temperature will make your body a less favorable place for viruses to thrive.

Take a Day or Two Off

Your body will be busy fighting off the virus, which means your immune system will need all the energy available to eliminate the infection.  Staying at home will also ensure that you will not be spreading the virus or getting infected with anything else, especially when you are more susceptible to additional infection and complications.  If you must work or go out, limit contact with other people; wash your hands frequently, especially after blowing your nose or coughing; cover your mouth when coughing; and avoid touching surfaces that are frequently touched by other people.

How To Cure a Cold Summary

If you’re not fortunate enough to dodge the common cold, you can still make yourself as comfortable as possible even while you’re sick by following the above steps to shorten the duration of your illness and ease the discomfort of your symptoms.

Have a tip on how to cure a cold? let us know by commenting at the bottom of this page.