The Best Cold Remedies To Manage the Symptoms

When you’re sick, sometimes the first thing that pops into your mind is getting some rest and drinking plenty of fluids. However, the truth is being sick can be pretty uncomfortable, and in most cases cold remedies may be necessary. The overwhelming part of it all is trying to find out which remedies you should pick, what actions you could take, and how long it would take for the cold to subside.

Fortunately, there is a lot of information online that will help make things easier for you. So, I created this list of OTC options and easy homemade cold remedies that you can make quickly to get rid of your congestion, or reduce your fever or chills. This will make you feel better faster.

Take An Over-The-Counter Cold and Flu Medication

If you have a blocked nose, sinus pain or a cold flu tablets to help relieve the symptoms are the right solution. There are many types available at the pharmacies and supermarkets. Still, it’s important to read the instructions on any medication carefully before using it, as some should not be used by children or people with certain conditions.

There are dozens of over-the-counter flu and cold tablets available, promising to relieve symptoms like coughing, congestion, body aches, and fever, so consider your symptoms when shopping. For instance, decongestants can help unblock your nose but don’t use them for more than a week at a time because they can make congestion worse if used for longer than this.

If you’re having trouble with runny nose, or postnasal drip, then antihistamines are the better choice. In case you have asthma, high blood pressure, or heart problems, consult with a pharmacist as well as your doctor before using either of the two types of cold flu tablets. In terms of fever, ibuprofen and acetaminophen based options are commonly accepted. However, if you’re neither too young nor too old, most doctors would suggest you let it help your body fight off the infection naturally instead of trying to lower it.

Drink Hot Ginger Tea

Ginger is one of the most popular herbs used for cold prevention in homes across the country and throughout the world. In fact, it’s so commonly used that many forget how effective it can be in fighting off a cold or flu. Ginger tea has been used for centuries as a natural treatment for colds and other health issues.

In fact, many people have come to rely on it as their everyday cold remedy over the years. And while it’s true that there are some negative side effects of drinking ginger tea on a regular basis, such as nausea, heartburn, and upset stomach, you can greatly reduce these symptoms by making sure you’re using quality ginger teas.

How to Make Your Own Ginger Tea:

Ginger tea is made by steeping fresh ginger in hot water — preferably boiling — for ten minutes. You can also use it to make ginger honey or ginger syrup. In fact, cooking up a batch of ginger syrup would be a good way to start making your own homemade cough syrup.

You can vary the amount of tea to water ratio depending on your personal taste. If you want more of a soda-like taste, try steeping half a teaspoon of fresh ginger in about eight ounces of warm water for about three minutes.

Eat Some Honey

Studies have shown that honey can be a powerful weapon against upper respiratory tract infections. Taking a spoonful at bedtime can also help you sleep better, which is always in short supply when you’re sick. Honey has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and can help alleviate sore throat pain. But not just any honey would do. Manuka honey with an antibacterial strength rating of 10 UMF or higher is recommended for treating sore throats. You can find manuka honey in most health food stores or online.

Eat Chicken Noodle Soup With Vegetables

The old-fashioned chicken noodle soup is a time-honoured remedy for the common cold. There’s a reason grandma used to feed you chicken soup when you had a cold. It’s warm and comforting, which soothes sore throats and coughs. Plus, the broth provides protein and other nutrients that help your body fight off the virus.

Chicken noodle soup has been shown to reduce inflammation in the upper respiratory tract and also help thin mucus, making it easier to cough up. Plus, it’s soothing, which can help soothe a sore throat. So, whether you make your own, or use canned soup, it’s still a good cold remedy.

Gargle With Warm Salt and Water

Gargling with warm salt water can help relieve a sore or scratchy throat. It’s also thought that gargling helps break up mucus in the back of your throat. This can help you breathe easier and decrease postnasal drip.

Saltwater gargles are a time-honoured remedy for sore throats. They work by drawing out fluid, which may reduce swelling, help thin mucus, and keep your throat moist. A study found that gargling three times a day with warm salt water is just as effective at relieving a sore throat as using ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

To Sum Up

It’s always a good idea to have some form of cold remedy on hand, just in case. Whether it’s an all-natural home remedy or a synthetic medication stocked in your medicine cabinet, you’ll be glad to have something available when the sniffles set in. But maybe even more importantly, there are some lifestyle choices you can make that can help as well. Avoiding stress and getting plenty of sleep will boost your immune system and keep the cold at bay. And even if you don’t manage to avoid the cold entirely, making sure to take proper care of yourself will help you feel better faster than if you did nothing.