9 Remedies for Common Cold

The name of the ailment suggests that it is a common condition, it is truly so. All of us must  have suffered from a common cold many times; we usually try treating it at home. Whatever one may try, it takes its own sweet time to leave. Usually a cold takes a week or so to go in most cases.

 

But sure, there are many tried and tested home remedies that help cope with and manage this nasty issue which disrupts our daily lives and affects our efficiency. The only problem that can come in the way of  these seemingly simple remedies is that they may not impress everyone.

Though it is well known that some of the home remedies are completely safe and the physician is also going to prescribe them along with his medications.

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List of Effective Home Remedies

Drinking Fluids

Fluids make the mucus thin, and it becomes  relatively easier for the body to get rid of the thin mucus. When the mucus goes out of the body it is likely to expel the viruses also.The discomfort due to clogged respiratory system decreases when we increase the intake of fluids.

It is best to consume  lukewarm fluids and approximate recommended quantity per day is 3 liters.Alcohol and caffeinated beverages should be avoided, though most of us tend to drink  these thinking that they are beneficial. They dehydrate the body instead of hydrating.

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Inhaling Steam

The steam inhalation should be considered as one of the first remedies upon catching cold. Steam inhalation is inexpensive, very effective and simple. You should buy a mini steam inhale to inhale steam. It is easily available and very reasonably priced, use it as per the instructions. Take care that the  heat of the steam is bearable.Even after the inhalation is over, keep your head covered with a cloth for the next 10 to 15 minutes. We are not supposed to expose ourselves to the wind or breeze after the sweating because of steam.

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Drink Tea

Holy basil tea with honey will help you immensely. It will lift your spirits up and clear your nasal passage. This tea is anti-viral and should be taken four times a day for four to five days. It will benefit even more if you can manage to get some black cardamom and black pepper.

A tea made with all these condiments from the kitchen helps in relieving the feverish feeling which often accompanies a common cold. A word of caution for the frequency and dose. According to Ayurveda this tea has a warming  effect. If the weather is cold you can take a cup of this tea four times a day, but in warm weather it should be taken in the diluted form twice a day.

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Use a Vaporizer

If the room where you sleep is dry, it may not allow you to get a comfortable sleep. It is a good idea to invest in a humidifier or vaporizer. The humidity will keep the mucus loose and the breathing will not be disrupted.

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Take Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps in getting rid of common cold. You may take citrus juice, if you like. But if you feel that this does not suit you, there is one easy and better alternative.

Drink some warm honey and lime. Take a glass of warm water, put a tbsp of honey and the juice of a quarter of lemon. Sip it through the day, it will help you to strengthen your immune system.

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Gargles

Gargles are not just for soar throat, but they are good even for treating the symptoms of cold. Do warm saline gargles after the meals. Take a cup of warm water, it should be very warm but not hot, mix 1/4 tsp of salt and use it for gargling.

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Ginger and Lemon

Make an infusion of ginger, by boiling an inch of ginger root, it is  better to use grated ginger. Boil it in a glass of water for 5 minutes, mix a tbsp of honey and half a tsp of  lemon juice. This makes enough  infusion for a day. The recommended frequency is thrice a day.

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Taking Rest

Staying indoors and taking a day off goes a long way to help alleviate the symptoms of cold. When one is feeling miserable due to cold, it helps to take rest. The rest  gives a chance to the body to heal itself.

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Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar

Take an equal measure of honey and apple cider vinegar, mix them and put them in a bottle. Have one tbsp of this mixture four times a day, it sure will give some relief.