Ease the Common Cold with Simple Home Remedies

"Do nothing and your cold will last for seven days. Do everything and still it lasts for a week."

The following simple home remedies may help you feel comfortable:

1. Maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and do not share towels, dishes and glasses with others at home.
2. Drink plenty of fluids like hot water, soups, herbal teas, warm milk to prevent dehydration and to keep the throat moist.
3. Inhale steam to ease your congestion and drippy nose. Using a few drops of eucalyptus oil in hot water can help loosen phlegm and reduce sore throat.
4. Stay warm and rest as much as possible. Try to break from your routine and read a good book, watch television, and take naps. If you are feeling miserable, try to just stay in bed.
5. Eat a nutritious and healthy meal that enhances your immunity. Go for foods rich in vitamin C that can help to suppress and prevent common cold.
6. Gargle with warm salt water. Gargling can moisten the sore throat and bring temporary relief.
7. Apply hot packs around your congested sinuses. You can make your own hot pack by dampening the cloth with hot water. Test the temperature before you place it over the nostrils.
8. Avoid taking antibiotics, as they have no role in the treatment of these viral infections.
9. Avoid smoking and alcohol as it can further weaken your immunity.
10. De-stress yourself with techniques like yoga and meditation.

Try these natural remedies rather than taking any supplements and antibiotics:

1. Boil 1 tsp of pepper powder in a cup of milk along with a pinch of turmeric.
2. Cut ginger into small pieces and boil it in water and drink the strained hot liquid with a tsp of honey throughout the day. Ginger acts as a natural decongestant and also helps with pain relief.
3. Add garlic to the foods you eat or crush garlic, boil it in water and have it in the form of a soup.
4. Add a table spoon of crushed ajwain (carom seeds) and tie it in a muslin cloth. Inhale whenever nose is blocked.
5. Lemon in warm water with one teaspoon of honey can be taken anytime of the day.

If your common cold lasts longer than 5-7 days, check with your physician before going for any over-the-counter medications!