Home Remedies for the Common Cold
By Donna Stark
How many times a day do you wish for something to happen? Do you wish the office would be just a tad bit quieter so you can concentrate better? Do you wish your coffee would stay hot longer so you don't have to keep microwaving it? Do you wish you weren't fighting a cold ... again? Well, as much as we wish our wishes would come true, it's inevitable that the cold virus will catch up with you at some point during your life. But don't worry! There are things you can do to help your body recover faster.
Home Remedies for the Common Cold
Dealing with a cold can certainly make the next week or two miserable, but it doesn't mean you need to be airlifted to your local hospital. There are some simple home remedies you can incorporate into your routine to help ease your symptoms. Check them out below.
- Rest - You don't need to fully hibernate for the next 10 days, but you do need to give your body the rest it needs. It's the number one defense against this virus and it's the time your body uses to recharge, rejuvenate, and recover.
- Stay hydrated - It's always important to stay hydrated but it's especially helpful when you are feeling under the weather. Try drinking some warm lemon water or hot peppermint tea with honey to help loosen the congestion you have.
- Conquer congestion - Sinus congestion can make breathing and sleeping difficult, so fight back with saline nasal sprays or over-the-counter medicines that help relieve the swelling. Taking a hot shower and breathing in the steam can also help loosen chest congestion.
- Humidify your room - Adding moisture to your room with a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can work wonders when it comes to fighting a cold. Humidifiers can help with dry sinuses, bloody noses, and cracked lips but they do need regular maintenance. It's important to change the water daily and clean it as recommended.
- Consume a healthy diet - Consuming a healthy diet packed with nutrient-dense foods is important too! So make sure you grab some extra citrus at the store and pull out your grandmother's chicken noodle soup recipe. You can also include some sweet potatoes, Greek yogurt, bell peppers, and garlic to your shopping list for added protection.
Fighting the Cold Virus With Action
Since you don't have that famous blue genie in a bottle, it may be time to take another path to wellness. Shorten the duration of your cold by following some of the tips above and save the wishes for your birthday!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Renton, Wash.