Cold is probably the most common disease or health condition that happens to everybody and that too frequently. And there is no specific medicine or treatment to vanish if off. It was there and it is going to be.
What causes cold?
There are a number of viruses that causes it. The viruses enter our body through our mouth, nose or eyes.
And it spreads through air droplets when someone having it talk to other person or coughing, handshakes, sneezing or just being around.
Many think that you catch cold because of the cold temperature or winter season but that is not just the case. It may be because of weak immune system or exposure to viruses when our while travelling or gatherings and ageing.
Did you know?
There are over 200 viruses that can cause cold. Amongst which Rhinoviruses are the most common.
Home remedies for common cold
Certain home remedies that can help you treat cold at home are:
Keep yourself hydrated
Hydration is super important. Drink lots of fluids like water, juices and soups. Hot liquids will help open your nasal congestion. Hot soups, or sipping hot water will soothe your throat and nose to help you sleep better at night.
Teas like ginger tea or herbal teas will help reduce your cold symptoms.
Rest well and enough
Listen to your body and take rest whenever needed. Your immunity is little low and it’s fighting with the cold and flu. Help it by resting enough and staying warm.
Do not look at screens much while resting; it will worsen the situation. Just relax, try reading if that’s not putting a station to your eyes. Lie down and think of the good times to help your mind refresh.
Have sound sleep at night. Try putting on diffuser with oils like eucalyptus and peppermint which aids decongestion and reduce fever. It is a good aromatherapy to relax your mind & body and help you sleep better.
Water gargles
Hot water gargles work magic on sore throats. Not just hot but wtaer at room temperature can help too.
Take a glass of hot water (not boiled) a littles less hot than your mouth can bare because it’s for your throat. Add half tspn of salt and gargle at least twice a day.
Adding a little honey to your water or honey and apple cider vinegar makes a good mixture to tighten the membrane.
Steam it up!
Take a nice steamy shower any time in the day or before going decongest your nasal passages and to relax your body.
Take steam on your face and near your throat from vapourizers. Adding eucalyptus here too is a good option!
This will open your nasal passages. Let the mucus flow, it is good as it helps the virus wash away.
Blow your nose the correct way.
Yes! There’s a particular way to blow your nose so that the mucus flows in a way that the virus doesn’t get back in.
Cover one notril with your finger and blow from the other. Repeat the same with other nostril. Do no sniff the liquids back in again.
Keep blowing your nose often to ward off cold away faster; make sure you don’t apply a lot of pressure while doing otherwise you might get an head or ear ache.
Eat infection fighting foods.
- Foods that are rich in Vitamin C should be consumed more to boost immune system.
- Carrots, good sources of beta carotene which converts into vitamin A(retinol) which is good for strong immune system and mucus membrane.
- Chilli peppers and soups to open sinuses and break the mucus in lungs.
- Green and blacks teas that contain catechins for antibiotic and anti-diarrhea effects.
See a doctor
Go see a doctor when the symptoms are severe and you are suffering a lot. Doctor’s recommendations and medications will guide you through your cold.
Preventing cold
You cannot completely prevent it but try to prevent its spread.
- Wash your hands with soap & water before and after using washroom, eating a meal, coughing , sneezing, blowing your nose and frequently for 20 seconds to kill the germs.
- Cover your nose and mouth completely with tissue while coughing and sneezing
- Avoid travelling if possible while you have flu.
- Avoid close contact with people like handshakes, hugging, kissing.
- Do not share your utensils and clothes with others.
- Wash your clothes and utensils with warm water.
- use hand sanitizers and disinfect the surfaces you have touched.
Bottom line
Common cold cough and flu can be treated through some simple steps taken at home. However, it is always advisable to check with your doctor if the symptoms are severe and if any allergies trigger.
