The common cold is an unpleasant condition marked by symptoms such as congestion, sore throat, headache, fatigue, muscle ache, and a persistent cough. Unfortunately, medical science has yet to discover a cure for this nuisance, which means that most people suffering from it will have to endure a week or more of symptoms while they wait for their immune system to rid the body of the virus. However, some relief is still possible. While they won’t completely rid your body of the common cold, these five remedies will help reduce the severity of some of its symptoms.
Salt Water
To help relieve a cold-related sore throat, try gargling with some salt water. Simply mix a half-teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water and stir until the salt is dissolved. This is only a temporary fix, so you’ll need to do this regularly for long-term relief.
Hot Tea
Hot tea (or any other warm beverage) can help reduce sinus congestion and reduce inflammation in your nose and throat. Drinking liquids that are too hot can be counterproductive to these goals, so don’t go overboard—but try to get it as warm as possible while still being able to sip it comfortably.
Menthol
Mentholated salves are great for reducing congestion and improving your breathing when dealing with a cold. Additionally, they can also provide relief to the skin near your nose that’s been rubbed raw due to sinus drainage and incessant blowing. A small dab directly beneath the nose or on the chest is more than enough to get the job done.
Extra Sleep Support
Sleeping with an extra pillow underneath your head can sometimes help with congestion and drainage problems at night. If the angle created by this setup is too uncomfortable for you to manage, try placing the pillow between your mattress and box spring so the angle isn’t as noticeable.
Over-the-Counter Drugs
Medication can be effective for relieving a cough caused by the common cold, but there are a few considerations to think about before using it. First, due to the potential for serious side effects, cough medicine is not recommended for children under the age of six. Secondly, over-the-counter drugs should only be taken sparingly if used at all. Coughing is your body’s natural mechanism for removing mucus from the lungs, and you should only inhibit it if it’s become painful.
