There are hundreds of different viruses that can cause upper respiratory tract infections leading to the symptoms that are known as the common cold.
You may begin with common symptoms such as stuffy nose, runny nose or sneezing. A bad infection may cause fever as well.
Mild itching sensation is perhaps the first warning sign of catching cold. This irritation in the nose or throat can lead to other symptoms such as sneezing, blocked nose caused by the buildup of mucus and phlegm.
Most important aspect to remember is to avoid the circumstances that can cause this infection. You can get it from other people who are suffering from it.
Don't rush to get some over the counter medicines if you caught a common cold. Following natural treatments at home work better, and they have no side effects. However, if the condition worsens then visiting a doctor is your best option.
Following 7 simple home remedies to get rid of common cold are very useful:
1. Inhale Steam
Steam inhalation to clear the throat has been used for centuries. It is simple and always readily available home method to get rid of cold.
- Boil water and let it steam for 30 seconds before pouring it in a convenient pot.
- Keep your face above (about 6-12" above) steaming water in the pot.
- Cover your head and the pot with a towel around your head to stop steam from escaping fast in the atmosphere
- Inhale the steam through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
- Make sure that your face or nose doesn't get burns due to close proximity of the pot.
- Inhale slowly to suit your comfort levels.
Steam eases congestion. Do this routine steam inhalation 3-5times a day. This remedy works well most of the time. Once the mucus is removed and the throat is d-congested, you will feel relieved.
2. Use Salt Water Rinsing (Nasal Irrigation)
Salt water rinsing is very helpful method of breaking congestion and fighting virus and bacteria in the nasal tracks. The process of making the salt water is easy.
- Take 16 ounce of warm water in a pot and stir mix 1/2 teaspoon of common salt and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Use a funnel or Neti pot (available at most health stores) to irrigate your nasal tracks.
- Stand up by leaning your face ahead of your body.
- Turn your face on one side and pour the salt water in one nasal and let it drip out of the other side.
- Do it 2-3 times on the same side and then turn you face on the other side and repeat the irrigation from the other nostril.
- Finish the water in the pot by irrigating both nostrils
- Remove the remaining water from the nostrils as under:
- Hold one nostril closed by a finger to push the water out of the other by exhaling action.
- Repeat the process by closing the other nostril.
- After completing the process on both sides, you must remove the remaining water from both the nostrils together by exhaling 4-5 times with speed as if you are throwing out air from the nostrils(like sneezing).
Salt water rinsing also called as salt water irrigation and Neti should be done twice a day for best results.
3. Gargle with Warm Salt Water
Gargling moistens the throat and provides temporary relief.
- Mix one teaspoon of salt in warm water
- gargle 3-4 times a day.
- There are many other mixtures of fluids which can be used to gargle but warm salt water is the best and easiest method.
4. Take a Steamy Shower
Steamy shower opens up the pores of the skin of the entire body. It relaxes the nasal passage as well. This is a temporary relief but worth the time and effort when you are suffering.
- Take steam shower for 10-15 minutes
- Don't use soap or other chemical liquids on the body
- Clean yourself with a fresh towel
- Wear cloths to fully cover yourself
5. Blow Your Nose
Blow your nose frequently but in such a way that it doesn't pressurize the ear passage. it is always better to blow the nose than to sniff the mucus back.
- The best method to blow your nose is to close one nostril and slowly but firmly blow one nostril
- Repeat the same with the other nostril.
This way the ears will be saved from congestion and ear pain. At the same time your nostrils and throat will be clear of phlegm and mucus.
6. Increase Your Fluid Intake
Dehydration increases congestion.Drinking a lot of water (10-12 glasses a day) helps loosen the congestion by reducing dehydration. Juices and other fluids do help. Avoid drinking caffeinated or aerated drinks like coffee, cola and sparkling water because they act as diuretic leading to dehydration.
This is a habit changing method for most people as it requires to consume at least one glass of water every hour. Best way to do it as under:
- Set alarm in your mobile phone for every one hour to buzz
- Keep a water filled glass covered next to your desk if you have an office job
- Drink the water as soon as alarm bell rings and fill the water glass and cover it for the next hour
This system works very well. You can continue even after the cold is gone to make it a new habit of consuming 8-10 glasses of water a day. This will increase your immunity and help you prevent the next cold infection and many other diseases.
7. Take Rest
Resting increases immune system Staying warm and rested in the early stages of the common cold will help in solving the problem early.
There are many other common cold home remedies which are not covered here. If you have been benefited by any of such method then post a comment for others to benefit from it.
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