Whatever you believe, make sure to blow your nose gently to avoid excess pressure and use the recommended blowing method, which involves pressing one nostril shut with your finger, while blowing very gently to clear the other, then repeating on the other side. [4] X Research source You should avoid sniffing and snuffling as much as possible, as this only draws the mucus back into your head. [4] X Research source If you have to be out of the house, be prepared and carry a handkerchief or tissues at all times. You should always wash your hands after blowing your nose to prevent spreading the cold virus. Frequent blowing can irritate your skin - use some soft, good quality handkerchiefs to avoid irritating your skin. Use moisturizer on your nose if you need to. Avoid using paper tissues or Kleenex; they irritate your nose more than cloth handkerchiefs.
The tea should take effect immediately and should ease cold symptoms for at least a few hours. For optimum feel-good factor, drink this tea while curled up in a comfy chair in front of a roaring fire. You will feel a lot better very soon. Nasal virus thrives in cool temperatures, which is why they thrive in your nose out in the cold air or wind. Studies in Israel showed that breathing warm air reduced cold symptoms. Holding a warm hand over a cold nose for half an hour, breathing through the mouth, can also give the cold-loving virus a set-back.
Just be aware that overuse of nasal decongestant sprays (over 3 to 5 days) can actually worsen mucus production, potentially trapping bacteria. [6] X Research source
To use a Neti pot, lean over a sink and tilt your head to one side. Insert the spout of the pot into the nearest nostril and pour in the saline solution. The salty water should flow in one nostril and out the other. By reclining and tipping your head back, it can flow into sinuses too. Once the water stops dripping, gently blow your nose, then repeat on the other side. [8] X Research source
Expectorants come in liquid, powder and capsule form and are available over-the-counter. Side effects of expectorants include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately. [9] X Research source
You can also mix a drop or two of essential oil into a little petroleum jelly to make your own vapor rub to massage onto your chest or feet before bed. Alternatively, you can add a drop or two to your pajamas or to a hot bath, making it easy to inhale the vapors.
If you have long hair, use a blow dryer to minimize losing your body heat after the fact.
Drink enough fluids to quench thirst. Getting enough fluids when you’re sick is important, but getting too many may actually force your liver and kidney to work overtime in order to process it. Drink a little more than normal when you’re sick, but don’t feel like you need to drink 12 or 15 glasses a day. A good indication that you are drinking enough fluids is that your urine will be almost clear. [11] X Research source The deeper yellows imply higher concentrations of waste in your body that are not dissolving and diluting enough - so raise your fluid intake. Avoid coffee at all costs. It contains caffeine that can run your body into even deeper symptoms of a cold.
Try propping your head up with an extra pillow or cushion in bed - even if it feels a little strange. If your head feels like it’s at a funny angle, try placing the second pillow between the sheet and the mattress, or under the mattress itself, so it feels less noticeable.
Just make sure the water is not too salty or that you don’t do this too often or it could dry out your throat and make symptoms worse. If it’s too salty, it will really hurt delicate membranes, your clue to add more water to the mix. Some pain, about as much as getting any water up your nose, is to be expected.
Some studies have suggested that humidifiers and vaporizers may do more harm than good. That’s because humidifiers can spread pathogens, mold, and toxins, in addition to causing nasty burns. Use your own judgement to decide if using a humidifier is right for you. [15] X Research source
It is a long-standing idea that you can “sweat out a cold”, but there is little scientific evidence to back this up. Although many runners swear a good run early in the symptoms and the cold never happens.
Analgesics (painkillers), including acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen, may be helpful if your cold is accompanied by muscle aches, headaches or fever. [16] X Research source Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers because it is linked to Reye’s syndrome. [17] X Research source Antihistamines are a common ingredient in many OTC cold and allergy medications, and help to control runny nose and watery eyes. Cough suppressants, also known as antitussives, stop the body’s reflex to cough. Only take them when your cough is dry and non-productive. [18] X Research source A productive cough that helps your body eliminate mucus is good and should not be suppressed. Do not give OTC cough medications to children under 4 years old. Only take over-the-counter medications that contain decongestants if your nasal passage is swollen, making it hard to breathe. They shrink the blood vessels in your nose to open your airway. Antihistamines can make you more comfortable, and will also make you drowsy so you sleep better while ill. Thin the mucus from your cold with an expectorant so that you can cough it out if it is too thick or heavy to move.
You should also consider adding a dash of red cayenne pepper to your soup as the heat from the spice will help to clear your head.
A large array of supplements can be found at drug stores, supermarkets, and health food stores. Taking an immune-boosting supplement probably won’t get rid of your cold any faster, but it will help you to avoid getting sick again.
Try crushing fresh garlic clove with a teaspoon of honey and quickly chew and swallow it.
Wash your hands after you blow your nose. While this will not help you, it will reduce the likelihood of the virus being transmitted to someone else. [28] X Research source www. aliveberry. com/2013/06/how-to-get-rid-of-a-cold/ Avoid human contact as much as possible. During all stages of a cold, the cold virus (usually rhinoviruses, or coronaviruses) can be easily communicated to other people. [29] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Staying home from work or school is the “nice” thing to do. If you must work, limit physical contact with people, try not to touch things and wash your hands often. This will lower your chances of getting sicker.
