8 Common Cold Remedies For Quick Relief And Prevention

Are you struggling with a runny nose or throbbing throat? If yes, you’ve probably caught a cold!

In addition to these annoying symptoms, you may also experience stuffy nose, cough, extreme fatigue, headaches, body pains, watery eyes, and even fever.

While it is true that there is no quick-fix for the common cold, you can certainly take steps to reduce the severity of its symptoms and go about your day as normal.

Let’s take a look at some common cold remedies that work effectively to provide quick relief.

1. Stay Hydrated

common cold remedies

One of the best measures you can take when it comes to combating cold is to keep a bottle of water or your favorite juice at hand.

Drinking loads of water affects the viscosity of mucus, thinning it to get rid of congestion.

It will also keep your body hydrated and prevent headaches that may be caused by dehydration.

Keep in mind that when you catch a cold or flu, your body works overtime to restore itself to health.

Dehydration only adds to the trouble, elongating the recovery period.

So, drink up a lot of juices and water, and stay away from caffeinated drinks and alcohol as they can lead to dehydration.

2. Gargle With Salt Water

common cold remedies

This is one of the most effective and quick-acting common cold remedies that you can try to soothe a sore and scratchy throat.

The reason why this remedy works so well to provide relief to a throbbing throat is that salt and warm water work together to reduce inflammation and loosen the mucus.

All you need to do is dissolve around a half tablespoon of common table salt in a glass of warm water.

Use this water to gargle and provide immediate relief to your sore throat.

For best results, it is advisable to gargle at least 3 – 4 times a day using warm salt water.

Always test the water before taking a sip to make sure it is not too hot and make sure you don’t swallow it.

3. Use A Humidifier

common cold remedies

High humidity can help reduce nasal inflammation, making it easier for you to breathe. Moreover, cold and flu spread more easily in dry environments.

This makes it essential to maintain the right humidity in the environment if you or someone around you has got the cold.

The way to do that is to use a humidifier in your room. This is especially helpful during winters when the indoor air is generally dry and aggravates the symptoms of a cold.

4. Soothe Your Throat With Honey

common cold remedies

Honey is a natural wonder that works exceptionally well when it comes to alleviating the symptoms of a cold.

It is a strong antioxidant and is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Having a spoonful of honey will coat the throat and pacify a cough immediately.

While you can have honey at any time, consuming it before bedtime is highly recommended.

You will sleep more soundly, and your body will get all the rest it needs to fight the cold. You can have honey on its own or mix it in tea or water.

Either way, it will reduce the symptoms of a cold and help your body regain its strength quickly.

5. Try Ginger Root

common cold remedies

Ginger is more effective at alleviating cough and cold than you may have imagined.

Owing to its curative properties, it has been for treating symptoms of the common cold for centuries. It is also known to help relieve nausea.

However, if you want to use this extraordinary root, it is important to know exactly how to do it.

Cut a piece of ginger into small slices and add them in a boiling pot of water. Let the water boil for a few more minutes before taking the pot off the heat.

Use a strainer to filter the pieces of ginger form the water. Once the water has cooled enough, sip it slowly to soothe the throat.

You can also add a tablespoon of honey to improve the taste and benefit from the curative properties of honey.

6. Add More Garlic To Your Diet

common cold remedies

Garlic is another ingredient in your pantry that is often used in common cold remedies.

It contains an allicin compound that has antimicrobial properties and can help you fight off the symptoms of the common cold.

Adding more garlic in your diet will not only help reduce the severity of cold symptoms but it can also help you avoid getting sick in the first place.

While you cannot chomp on raw garlic, you can use it for cooking up some delicious meals, including soups, spaghetti, garlic mushrooms, and much more!

7. Increase Your Vitamin C Intake

common cold remedies

Vitamin C plays an important role in supporting various cellular functions that strengthen your immune system.

However, it is advisable to take Vitamin C before the onset of a cold.

This is important because while Vitamin C may not keep you from catching a cold, it can certainly reduce the severity and longevity of the symptoms.

So, when the flu and cold are going around, you can prepare yourself by increasing your Vitamin C intake.

Some great sources of Vitamin C include oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruit, cauliflower, broccoli, guava, papaya, and strawberries.

Include these delicious fruits and veggies in your diet to reduce the symptoms of cold when you catch it!

8. Opt For The Right OTC Medicines

common cold remedies

A lot of people resort to using over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to reduce the symptoms of the common cold and go about their day as usual.

However, it is important to know which medicines to take for the common cold.

While painkillers are a good choice for reducing fever or body ache, decongestants are more suitable for treating stuffiness.

You can also take an expectorant to thin mucus or an antihistamine to dry up a runny nose.

Steer clear of using antibiotics for treating cold as these medicines attack bacteria, not cold viruses. It is advisable to consult a doctor before taking any medicine.

Also, make sure you read the dosage instructions carefully before taking an OTC medicine.

These are some common cold remedies that you can try right now to effectively reduce the symptoms of cold and recover quickly.

It is advisable to consult a doctor if symptoms persist after a period of 10 – 14 days.