Healthy Living

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Common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract that is the throat and the nose. Cold is commonly occurring ailment in both children and adults, but children are more prone to getting affected with the cold virus. The symptoms of common cold usually abate in seven days. Symptoms of common cold are runny nose, itchy or sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, body ache, sneezing, mild headache, congestion, fatigue, watery eyes and mild fever. Health remedies like over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines and antihistamines are some of the ways through which you can find relief for the common cold issue, but there many other natural health remedies for helping with common cold symptoms. Here are some of them.

1. Increase Intake of Liquids

When suffering from common cold, the mucus levels in your body will increase which can cause dehydration. It is advisable that you increase your intake of liquids. Drinking extra fluids will make the mucus thinner and it becomes easy to cough out the mucus or blow the nose. Adding a few drops of honey and lemon to warn water helps a lot in fighting the virus. People who are suffering from cold should avoid coffee, aerated drinks and alcohol because they could lead to excess dehydration. Other than water, warm lemon juice, ginger and mint tea are some of the liquids which you may drink as a natural remedy to cold.

Chicken soup can also be of immense help. It mainly has two effects. The first is that it has anti-inflammatory properties. It will inhibit the movement of neutrophils, which are the part of WBCs (white blood cells) that your body responds to the inflammatory mediators. Second is, it will temporarily accelerate the movement of mucus which will help in relieving congestion.

2. Shower with Hot Water

Sufferers of common cold are usually advised to shower with hot water. The steam that is generated from the hot water will help in loosening the mucus plus hot water will ease the pressure in the throat and chest, and will help reducing the fatigue that is sometimes caused to common cold patients. People can also use the hot fomentation that consists of inhaling the steam of warm water. You may also add some drop of peppermint oil to the warm water to help in decongestion.

3. Soothe the Throat

Common cold will cause soreness and scratchiness of the throat which can be very discomforting. For temporary relief from these symptoms one can soothe the throat using saltwater. Add about half a teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of small water and gargle with it.

4. Wash Your Hands

During the cold season, the infection spreads quickly. So in order to guard yourself from the common cold virus or prevent spreading of the virus if you are suffering from cold, one should wash his/her hands regularly. People suffering from common cold should also use a clean handkerchief to blow their nose. If you are using a tissue paper to clean the mucus, dispose it off properly so that the infection does not spread to other people. It is advisable to carry a hand sanitizer in case you do not have access to water and soap to wash hands.

5. Natural Lozenges

A lot of health food stores and local pharmacies sell lozenges that help in soothing the throat and providing relief from cough. These lozenges mostly contain ingredients like ginger, mint and honey. You can even make homemade lozenges containing honey.

6. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil has a lot of benefits. It is used for treating flu, cough and cold. It helps in relieving the symptoms of fever and itchy throat. Eucalyptus oil has natural properties of anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, astringent, antiseptic, antispasmodic, expectorant and analgesic (pain killing) medicines. Add few drops of eucalyptus oil to warm water and it helps in unblocking the stuffy nose. It will also help in easing the breathing during sleep and it also soothes the respiratory system.

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