Cold is a very common illness in the winter, and it can be treated with home remedies. There is best way to treat the cold at home. Some of them include: drinking hot tea or soup; taking warm baths; using vaporizers; taking over-the-counter medications;
and more.
The first thing you should do when you have a common cold is to drink lots of fluids. This will help keep your body hydrated and prevent dehydration. You should also take plenty of rest. If you are feeling tired, try to sleep as much as possible.
You can use steam inhalation for treating common cold. Steam inhalation helps clear out mucus from the lungs. It also opens up blocked airways and allows better breathing. To perform this treatment, fill a large bowl with water. Put a towel on top of the bowl and place it under a shower head. Turn on the shower and let the water run through the towel until the water temperature reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Then inhale the steam while sitting in front of the bowl. Do this three times per day.
You can also make a decongestant tea by mixing one teaspoon each of honey, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper into eight ounces of boiling water. Let cool before drinking.
If you want to avoid getting sick, then you should stay away from people who are ill. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. Wash your hands frequently. Also, don’t share food, drinks, utensils, or towels with anyone else .
If you feel like you need to cough, sneeze, or blow your nose, cover your mouth with a tissue. Don’t throw tissues away. Instead, put them in a plastic bag and tie it closed. Keep these bags in your refrigerator so that they’re ready whenever you need them.
To get rid of a sore throat, gargle with saltwater. Mix two teaspoons of table salt with one cup of warm water. Stir well and gargle. Repeat every hour.
To relieve congestion, chew sugarless gum. Chewing gum stimulates salivation, which helps loosen phlegm.
If you have a fever, you should drink plenty of liquids. Drink about six glasses of fluid a day. Try to drink water instead of soda because it’s healthier.
Cold is one of the respiratory infection that can cause coughing. Coughing is an important part of clearing the lungs of mucus. If you have a persistent cough, see your doctor.
If you have asthma, you may find relief from bronchial spasms if you breathe through a humidifier. Humidifiers work by adding moisture to the air. They can be used indoors or outdoors.
If you suffer from hay fever, you might benefit from a nasal spray containing antihistamines. These drugs reduce swelling and inflammation in the lining of the nose.
Aromatherapy is another effective method of treating colds. Aromatherapists often recommend diffusing essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, chamomile, and ylang-ylang.
Infected person should wear loose clothing and avoid contact with other people. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away any used tissues immediately. because cold viruses spread easily through the air.
If you have been exposed to someone who has a cold, wash your hands regularly. Use soap and hot water. Dry your hands thoroughly after washing. This will help prevent spreading germs.
If you have allergies, try using a neti pot. Neti pots are small containers filled with saline solution. The solution is poured into the nostrils and then drained.
Flu season usually begins in October and ends in April. During flu season, take care not to catch colds. Stay home when you’re sick. If you do go outside, wear a face mask and gloves.
What are the cold symptoms
The cold symptoms include the following :
• A stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling weak
scratchy throat
Once you experience the above cold symptoms then you need to visit your doctor
Cold and flu are interrelated, to differentiate between them below are the flu symptoms
Flu symptoms include:
• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Headaches
• Stuffy nose
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
What are the best way to treat the cold
The following are the list of the best way to treat the cold:
1).Drink Hot Tea/Soup or hot water:
One of best way to treat the cold is Drink hot tea/soup to cure cold. The best way to treat the cold is to drink hot tea/soup. Drinking hot tea/soup will not only reduce the symptoms but also provide relief from the pain caused due to the infection. Chicken soup is considered to be very beneficial for those suffering from cold. It contains many nutrients like vitamin B6, zinc, potassium, etc. which are required for proper functioning of our body.
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2).Take Warm Bath:
Taking warm bath is another effective method to treat the cold. Take warm bath to cure cold. Taking warm bath will not only reduce the pain but also provides relief from the symptoms.
3).Use Vaporizer:
Using vaporizer is an easy and effective way to treat the cold without any side effects. Using vaporizer will not only reduce the severity of the disease but also provide relief from all the symptoms.
4).Over-the-Counter Medications:
Another best way to treat the cold is Taking over-the-counter medication is another effective way to treat the cold. Over-the-counter medications such as Sudafed, DayQuil, Nyquil, etc., are available at your local drug store. These medications are safe and effective to treat cold.
5).Steam Inhalation:
Steam inhalation is another effective way to cure the cold. Steam inhalation is very useful to treat the cold. Steam inhalations help clear out mucus from lungs. It also open up blocked airways and allow better breathing. To perform steam inhalation, fill a large bowl full of water. Place a towel on top of bowl and sit in front of it. Turn on the shower head and let the water run until the water temperature reaches around 100 degree F (38 degree C). Then inhale the steam for 10 minutes. This treatment will help to remove toxins from body.
6).Cough Syrup:
Cough syrup is another effective way to deal with the cold. Cough syrup contains codeine, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine. These ingredients work together to reduce coughing and prevent further damage to the respiratory tract. You can buy this medicine at your local pharmacy.
7).Echinacea:
Echinacea is another effective herb to treat cold. Echinacea has been used since ancient times to treat cold. Echinaecia comes in different forms such as tincture, capsules, tablets, and liquid extract. All these forms contain echinacea root that is known to boost immunity and fight off infections.
8).Ginger:
Ginger is another effective herb to cure cold. Ginger is a natural remedy for cough and cold. Ginger is rich in gingerol, shogaols, and zingiberene. Ginger is widely used in Asian countries to treat cold.
9).Garlic:
Garlic is another effective herb to get rid of cold. Garlic helps to strengthen immune system and fights against viruses. Garlic is one of the most commonly used herbs to treat cold.
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10).Hot Compresses/ cold compress:
Another best way to treat the cold is Hot compress is another effective home remedy to treat cold. A hot compress warms up the affected area and relieves pain. Make a hot compress by mixing equal amount of baking soda and Epsom salt. Soak a clean cloth or cotton ball in the mixture and apply it directly to the affected area. Leave it there for 20 minutes before removing. Repeat this process twice daily till you feel better.
11).Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice is yet another effective home remedy to cure cold. Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C which boosts immunity and fights against bacteria. Drink 2 cups of warm lemonade each day to get rid of cold fast.
12).Peppermint Tea:
Peppermint tea is another effective home remedy for cold. Peppermint tea is rich in menthol which provides instant relief from sore throat and nasal congestion.
13).Pumpkin Seeds:
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc and magnesium which improves overall health and fights against viral infection. Take 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds regularly to get rid of cold faster.
14).Turmeric:
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory spice that treats cold effectively. Turmeric is widely used in Indian cooking and Ayurvedic medicines. The active ingredient responsible for turmeric’s healing properties is curcumin. Curcumin works by reducing inflammation and fighting bacterial infections. Take 500 mg of curcumin three times a day to get rid of flu quickly.
15).Vitamin C:
Vitamin c is essential nutrient required for healthy living. Vitamin c cures cold because it reduces stress hormone cortisol and increases production of white blood cells that kill virus. Take 1000mg vitamin c supplement daily to get rid of cold within few days.
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16).Watermelon Seeds:
Another best way to treat the cold Watermelon seeds are also beneficial to get rid of cold naturally. Watermelon seeds have high content of lycopene, an antioxidant that protects body from free radicals and prevents cell damage. Take 3 tablespoons of watermelon seeds once daily to get rid of flu.
17).Yogurt:
Yogurt is very helpful to get rid of cold due to its probiotic qualities. It promotes digestive health and fights against harmful bacteria in our gut. Add some plain yogurt to your breakfast to get rid of cold in no time.
18).Zinc:
Take zinc supplements to boost immunity and reduce risk of getting cold. Zinc deficiency can lead to weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to respiratory tract infections. Include foods rich in zinc like oysters, beef, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seafood in your diet.
19).Green Tea:
Green tea is one of the best home remedies for cold as it contains antioxidants called polyphenols. Antioxidants help fight free radical damage caused by toxins and pollutants in the air we breathe. Consume green tea to stay healthy and fight off cold.
20).Olive Oil:
Olive oil helps to improve digestion and boost metabolism. It also has antimicrobial properties and fights against harmful bacteria. Mix olive oil with honey to make homemade cough syrup.
21).Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is a warming herb native to India and Sri Lanka. Cinnamon is antiseptic and antiviral and relieves stomach pain. Add cinnamon powder to hot milk or drink cinnamon tea to get rid of cold.
22) pain relievers
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) work well at treating symptoms associated with colds. However, they don’t cure colds. Consult your doctor before taking any medication if you have certain medical conditions.
23) Saline nasal sprays
Saline nasal sprays contain sodium chloride, which makes mucus thinner so it drains out easily. This will relieve congestion and clear sinuses. You may use saline nasal spray when you feel congested, stuffy nose, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, etc.
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What are the cold medicines
Below are the cold medicines recommended by doctors:
1). OTC Cold Medicines:
These include decongestant nasal sprays, cough syrups, sinus medications, throat lozenges, fever reducers, and other products designed to relieve common cold symptoms. These medicines contain either pseudoephedrine or ephedrine as their primary active ingredients. Both of these drugs stimulate the central nervous system and cause dilation of blood vessels. This causes the nose to become engorged with blood, which makes breathing easier. Pseudoephedrine is available only by prescription, while ephedrine is found in many over-the-counter cold medicines.
2). Prescription Cold Medications:
These include amitriptyline, chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan , diphenhydramine, doxylamine, guaifenesin, loratadine, phenylephrine, promethazine, pseudoephedrine, triprolidine, and zolpidem. All of these medicines are used to relieve cold symptoms. They act on different parts of the brain and nervous system. For example, amitriptyline works on serotonin receptors; diphenhydramine affects histamine receptors; and loratadine acts on adrenergic receptors and other antiviral medication.
3). Herbal Cold Medicine:
Herbs that are commonly used to treat colds include echinacea, goldenseal, elderberry, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginger, horsetail, licorice root, motherwort,
Counter medicines for cold
There are some natural ways to prevent colds. Some of them are counter medicines given below:
1).Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts the body’s resistance to infection. Vitamin C also strengthens the immune system. One study showed that vitamin C supplementation reduced the incidence of colds by 50 percent.
2).Zinc:
Zinc is essential for good health because it plays a role in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body. A deficiency can lead to diarrhea, poor growth, impaired immunity, and even death. The World Health Organization recommends zinc supplements for children under five years old who live in developing countries.
3).Elderberry:
This plant has been used since ancient times to treat cold s and flu. It contains flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and anthocyanidins. Elderberries may help reduce the duration of colds and flu.
4).Garlic:
This herb has long been used to fight infections. Garlic contains allicin, a compound that kills viruses. In one study, people who ate three cloves of raw
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What are the other cold remedies that does not work
The other cold remedies that does not work include the following:
1) Antibiotics
Antibiotics do not cure cold but only suppress symptoms temporarily. Overuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance and makes us more susceptible to diseases in future.
2) Hot Compresses
Hot compress may feel soothing initially but they actually cause further discomfort when you remove them.
3) Ice Pack
Ice pack may numb pain but it will also constrict blood vessels and slow down circulation. This causes even more discomfort when ice pack is removed.
When to get help from doctor for cold
You can quickly visit your doctor if your are experience the following symptoms:
• Fever above 102 degrees Farenheit (38 degrees Celsius)
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Body aches
• Difficulty breathing
• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Chills
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Dizz
What are infection related to cold
1) Cold sore
A cold sore or fever blister is a painful ulceration caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). HSV-1 usually infects the mouth or genitals. Most people recover within two weeks without treatment. However, cold sores can be very contagious. If you have had a cold sore before, you are at risk of getting another one. You should avoid kissing anyone with a cold sore
2) Ear infection
Ear infection is an inflammation of the ear canal. An ear infection often starts as a mild problem such as a runny nose or cough. But sometimes it becomes so severe that it requires medical attention. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and pus coming out of the ear.
3) Sinus Infections
Sinus infection occurs when bacteria enter the sinuses through the nasal passages. These infections are common among young adults. They occur most frequently during the winter months. Symptoms include headache, facial pressure, bad breath, and stuffiness in the head.
4) Urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections of the urinary tract. UTI is the second most common type of bacterial
Conclusion
The best way to treat the cold is to rest, drink plenty of fluids, avoid strenuous activity, eat well-balanced meals, and take good care of yourself. If you want to know how to get rid of cold fast then follow these simple tips
