When you have a cold, your nose runs, your eyes itch and you feel miserable. You also have some sniffles and sneezes that keep coming back. This can be very irritating especially if you just want to get better and get on with your life. But there is no getting over a cold as quickly as possible so what can you do?
And while there are no miracle cures for the common cold, there are several things that we can do to speed up recovery and feel better sooner. Here are some home remedies for a cold that will hopefully help shorten its duration and make you feel better faster.
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Drink lots of fluids
When you have a cold, your body naturally produces more mucus to fight off the bacteria or virus that is causing the illness. This extra mucus can cause your nose to run and your throat to feel clogged up. Drinking lots of water and other non-caffeine, non-alcoholic drinks can help to flush out any bacteria and lessen the amount of mucus that is produced.
Also if you are feeling really sick with a cold, it is very easy to get dehydrated. When your body is low on fluids, it has to divert blood flow from less essential areas to the kidneys which means that less blood is circulating to fight off infections.
This could make you feel much worse as your immune system is already weakened by the cold. So it is very important to stay hydrated when you are unwell and to drink lots of water.
Use a humidifier
Humidifiers are very useful in the winter months, especially if you live in a dry environment such as a desert, or somewhere with very good central heating. Dry air can irritate your nasal passages and make your cold symptoms worse.
So, using a humidifier can be very helpful in keeping your nasal passages moist and preventing dryness and irritation. This can help to ease symptoms such as a runny nose and congestion.
In addition to this, humidifiers are also great for helping people to sleep better as they create a calming and soothing environment, which is what you need when you are sick.
And if you are worried about bacteria in the humidifier, you can add some vinegar to the water to kill any bacteria that might be present and then boil the water before adding it to the humidifier to completely kill any bacteria.
Eat prebiotic foods
Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that is found in certain foods such as asparagus, artichokes, garlic, leeks and onions. These foods are especially beneficial for people who have a cold because they can help to reduce symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, and sore throat.
They do this by feeding the good bacteria in your gut and this can help to alleviate some of the symptoms of a cold.
Many people don’t realize that a cold is actually an infection that starts with bacteria in your nose, especially if you have been around someone who is sick. Or you may have been exposed to a bacteria or virus in the air, such as when riding in a crowded elevator.
When you eat prebiotic foods, these prebiotic fibers are fermented by the good bacteria in your gut. This can help to fight off infections because the good bacteria produce vitamins and acids that can kill the bad bacteria.
Take vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most commonly used natural remedies for the common cold. It is thought that taking vitamin C when you first notice symptoms of a cold can help to shorten the duration and reduce the severity of the cold and its symptoms.
Many people recommend taking high doses of vitamin C supplements but there is no scientific evidence that this will shorten the length of a cold.
There are many other ways to get your daily dose of vitamin C, such as eating more oranges, strawberries and kiwis, or adding a squeeze of lemon to your water.
Many people forget to take their vitamin C when they have a cold and they may feel that they are wasting their money on supplements. It is best to take a daily dose of vitamin C when you are healthy to protect against colds and flu.
And it is also recommended to take a daily dose of vitamin C when you have a cold, even if it is in a much smaller dose.
Breathe in the aromatherapy benefits of eucalyptus and peppermint oils
These two essential oils are both very useful in treating nasal congestion and helping you breathe easier when you have a cold. You can use a humidifier to release the scent of these oils or you can also use a nebulizer.
A nebulizer is a device that sprays the oil into the air where you can inhale it. You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil to a hot towel and breathe in the vapour.
You can also add a few drops of these essential oils to a pot of boiling water, place a towel over your head and breathe in the vapour. Or you can add a few drops of these oils to a bowl of hot water and breathe in the steam.
Be careful with nasal sprays and decongestants – they can be addictive
There are many different nasal sprays and decongestants that you can use to relieve the symptoms of a cold. These are particularly useful if you have a stuffy nose and are having difficulty breathing.
However, nasal sprays and decongestants are only meant to be used for a short period and then you should stop using them.
Overuse of nasal sprays and decongestants can be very harmful to your body, particularly if you have a cold or flu. These medications can cause your blood vessels to constrict, including the blood vessels in your sinuses.
This can cause a feeling of pressure in your sinuses and can make you feel as though you have a blocked nose. And although decongestants can help to unblock your nose and make you feel better, they can also make you anxious and stressed. So they are best used occasionally when you really need them, rather than on a regular basis.
Get plenty of rest
This may seem obvious but when you have a cold, it is very easy to be tempted to push yourself, especially if you have a busy life and lots of commitments. But when your body is fighting an infection, it is very important to rest, sleep and recuperate. If you are feeling unwell with a cold, it is best to take a day off work or school, if you can.
This can help to reduce the spread of the infection and make you feel better faster. It is also best to reduce your stress levels and rest as much as possible. This will help your body to recuperate and fight off the infection.
When you are unwell, it is important to eat healthily and hydrate yourself, but it is also important not to overdo it. This is because you want to catch up on your energy levels but not expend them.
So it is best not to eat too much or drink too much caffeine or alcohol as these can make you feel more tired. It is also important to rest as much as possible, including resting your eyes. If you are spending a lot of time looking at a screen (TV, computer, etc.) it is best to take regular breaks and rest your eyes.
Don’t forget to breathe!
Breathing is one of the easiest ways to help your body to relax and get rid of any stress and anxiety you may be feeling. When we are stressed, our breathing becomes rapid and shallow, which can make us feel more anxious. Breathing techniques can be very helpful in helping to calm you down and get rid of any stress and anxiety.
There are many different types of breathing techniques but the most important thing is that you find the one that works best for you. So you may want to try several different techniques to find one that really helps you to relax and feel better when you have a cold.
And while these breathing techniques can be really helpful, it is important not to rely on them too much when you are feeling stressed and anxious. It is important to talk to someone if you feel you are becoming stressed or anxious. It can be very helpful to talk to someone because when you are stressed or anxious, it can be easy to push people away because you don’t want to make them uncomfortable.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best way to get over a cold as quickly as possible is to make sure you get lots of sleep, drink plenty of fluids, and don’t forget to take your vitamins. If you go for a walk every day, you might find that your cold doesn’t last as long as someone who just sits
