A relatively common illness amongst people of all ages, colds are generally the result of viruses accompanied by seasonal changes. Common presenting symptoms of a cold include fever, chills, headache, cough, nasal congestion, sneezing as well as a sore throat. Tried and tested homes remedies are excellent for alleviating symptoms of the common cold. Following are some cold treatments for adults that can easily be tried from the comfort of your home.
-
Increase Your Fluid Intake
Fluids help keep your throat from getting dry allowing it to break up any chest congestion as well as keeping your body hydrated at all times.
-
Steam Inhalation
Humidity is ideal to break up any nasal congestion that might be hindering your normal breathing. Hold your head over a pot of boiling water and inhale the steam to relieve congestion. An alternative is to use a humidifier in your bedroom or warm showers in an enclosed space to take in as much as moisture as it is possible.
-
Blow Your Nose
Instead of sniffing your phlegm inside, blow your nose so that it exits your system and helps relieve nasal and chest congestion.
-
Saline Rinse
Saline rinses are ideal for breaking up nasal congestion. All you will be required is a bulb syringe and saline water. Keep one nostril closed by applying light finger pressure and squirt the rinse into the other open nostril. Allow the rinse to drain and proceed to the next nostril.
-
Stay Warm and Rest
When combating an infection, our body tends to become quite weak. Rest is essential for recovery, therefore, it is important to stay warm and relaxed when dealing with the cold.
-
Salt-Water Gargles
A salt-water concoction is a perfect tool for cold treatment for adults. Not only does it help keep your sore throat moist and hydrated but it also helps with the disinfection process thereby promoting healing. Try gargling with tea or add honey to your salt-water mix for additional benefits.
-
Hot Beverage Intake
Hot beverages help relieve congestion and help soothe the inflamed lining of your air passages. Herbal tea with honey and one shot of strong alcohol is a tried and tested method that guarantees results.
-
Mentholated Salves/Ointments
Salves are a traditional cold treatment for adults. Rubbing some on your chest, dabbing some under your nose and adding some to your steam bath are known to provide relief to congestion owing to the numbing and soothing properties of menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor.
-
An Extra Pillow
Elevating your head’s level more than the usual when you sleep is an effective way to help relieve nasal congestion. Try using an extra pillow and keep your head raised slightly more than normal.
-
Hot Packs
Hot packs are very soothing. Use them for your sinuses as well as for your chest and you will find temporary relief.
The common cold is not a monster to combat. Try these home remedies and witness visible result in no time.
