The common cold is an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract caused by a viral infection. It occurs more often than any other disease, usually lasting between five to 10 days, varying from person to person. Common cold symptoms mostly affect the nose, but can also affect ears, sinuses, and bronchial tubes. With no cure in sight, current common cold home remedy treatments can bring symptom relief and even shorten the duration of the symptoms.
Relieving Nasal Symptoms of the Common Cold
Common cold symptoms primarily affect the nose. There are various home remedies people can make use of to relieve uncomfortable nasal symptoms:
Drinking lots of liquids and hot liquids:
Drinking lots of fluids can help to thin the mucus, keeping it moving freely and making it easier for the body to expel it, also getting rid of viral particles. Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion and can soothe membranes lining the nose and throat. In particular, hot tea with honey will loosen nasal passages; try tea with spices and herbs such as ginger, mint, thyme, lemon balm, garlic or mustard. Also, chicken soup actually helps a cold and is one of the most beneficial treatments; the smell of the soup releases mucus in the nose to help the body fight viral invaders; it also contains cysteines which are good at thinning mucus.
Blow the nose often and do it correctly:
It is important to blow the nose regularly when trying to relieve nasal symptoms. However, do not blow too hard as this can cause an earache. The best way to blow a nose is to press one finger over one nostril and blow gently to clear the other. Of course, it is necessary to wash hands after blowing a nose.
Vapourize:
Steam can loosen mucus, especially if it is thick. As well, a hot, steamy shower can moisturize nasal passages and provide relaxation. Try using a humidifier to add moisture to an immediate environment, keeping nasal tissues moist and more comfortable.The most important thing to remember is that dry nasal membranes provide poor protection against viral invasion.
Salve and nose drops:
A small dab of mentholated salve under the nose can open breathing passages and soothe irritated skin at the base of the nose; menthol, eucalyptus and camphor all contain numbing ingredients. Another solution is to rub a drop of sesame oil inside the nostrils as this can moisten nasal passages better than recommended saline drops. People can also make their own saline drops by adding a quarter teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of water and filling a clean nasal spray bottle; spray each nostril three to four times, five to six times per day.
Other Home Remedies for Common Cold Treatment
There are other home remedies and ideas to relieve symptoms of the common cold:
Stay rested and warm:
Staying well rested helps the body direct its needed energy toward the immune system battle which taxes the body. It is important to relax, so read a book, watch TV and skip any normal exercise routines, at least when feeling the worst. Also, try to stay inside and keep covered, especially with a fever, as it is important not to stress the body further.
Gargling for a sore throat:
Gargling can moisten a throat and bring temporary relief. To do this at home, mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle; do this four times per day.
Stop smoking:
Smokers often have a tougher time getting rid of their cold symptoms. In fact, smoking irritates the bronchial tubes, thereby increasing the risk of developing pneumonia. Additionally, smoking depresses the immune system.
Treating the Common Cold with Home Remedies
While there are many medicines available for people to treat common cold symptoms, there are also a number of things people can do at home. From uncomfortable nasal symptoms to irritated bronchial tubes and sinuses, trying any of these home remedies alone or in combination may bring much needed relief.
Sources:
"16 Home Remedies for Colds", health.howstuffworks.com, accessed June 13, 2010.
"9 Tips to Treat Cold and Flu the 'Natural' Way", webmd.com, accessed June 13, 2010.
Mary Margaret Peralta - Mary Margaret is a mom to three children, with a passion for reading, writing and cooking.
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