Cold & Flu Treatment, Causes, Types, Symptoms, Medication And Facts

The bad news is this: there is no cure for the common cold. The good news is this: there are quite a few remedies for the common cold. Technically time heals all wounds and cures most colds. But that’s cold comfort if you’re suffering from the symptoms. So consider these remedies if you’re sitting at home with nothing better to do than getting over your cold. All others are welcome to read along as well.

Blow Your Nose
Yet another good reason to stay home when you have a cold is you can blow your nose in the privacy of your own home without disturbing your coworkers. Still another good reason to blow your nose, in any case, is to get rid of the disease causing organisms that gave you your cold in the first place. Even though you’re at home there is a proper way to blow your nose and an improper way. Put a finger over one nostril and blow gently to clear the other nostril’s contents.

Fluids and More Fluids
You’ve heard it many times before but we would be remiss if we didn’t remind you once more: drink plenty of fluids when you have a cold. It’ll help you get rid of congestion and keep you hydrated, which the germs don’t like. Eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day is this suggested daily requirement. Hydration derived from tea or fruit drinks and ginger ale is also okay. Chicken soup can stay on the menu and is highly recommend. Caffeine drinks and alcoholic drinks should stay off the menu for the time being.

Build up Steam
We can’t build up steam highly enough when it comes to fighting a cold. Breathing in some steam rising from a hot bathtub or a hot pot of water or even a tea kettle can do you a world of good when you have a cold. A hot steamy shower can work nearly as well on your stuffy head.

Just add Salt
Using a Neti pot and saline rinses are also effective decongestant remedies. Rinsing your nasal passages with salt water actually flushes out the virus particles and bacteria.

Common Sense
Rest and keep warm. This common sense remedy allows your body to fight off a cold more effectively. The last time we looked, your mail wasn’t being sent to the Fortress of Solitude and you’re not in the habit of changing your clothes in a phone booth. You’re not a superwoman and you’re not a superman so don’t try to act like one. Put on a blanket, not a cape.

Add More Salt
When’s the last time a health tip told you to add more salt? If you add some salt to warm water and then the gargle with it you’ll most likely relieve that itchy scratchy throat for a time. You can repeat as needed at least four times a day.

Tea for You
As an alternative you can gargle was tea. The tannins found in tea can tighten the membranes found in your throat and this can have a soothing effect.