Modern medicine has come a long way, and yet all attempts to cure a common cold have been thwarted by nature herself. There is nothing you can do except stew in your own misery, promising the universe that you will never take your health for granted again. Well, cheer up! You can still fight the symptoms simple home remedies like those listed below, and hopefully, you will find some comfort while you wait for the virus to vacate on its own accord.
1. Gargle with Salt Water
A scratchy throat is often your body’s earliest warning sign that a cold is about to attack. At the first indication of any irritation, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, and gargle the mixture for at least 30 seconds. This simple yet harmless concoction helps flush out those pesky microbes and reduces inflammation, so perform the action regularly. Another trick is to drink honey and lemon to soothe any troublesome swallowing.
2. Stay Hydrated
When you are sick, you lose a lot of fluid through sneezing, runny noses, and sweating. By routinely replacing your lost liquids, your mucus will loosen up and your sore throat will maintain its lubrication. If you find yourself bored by the tastelessness of water, swap it out for a warming cup of herbal tea.
3. Steam Inhalation
If your face feels like it’s been stuffed with cotton, why not try a hot shower? This will loosen any congestion by opening your airwaves, and warm you up at the same time, helping your mind relax whilst distracting the symptoms.
4. What to Eat to Beat Common Cold
It goes without saying that flooding your body with nutrients will only strengthen your defenses, which is why you should seriously consider adding fruits and vegetables to every meal. Raw garlic, mushrooms, and freshly squeezed orange juice are widely admired as powerful tools for your immune system, while spicy foods can help reduce sinus swelling, thin the mucus, and encourage your sweat glands to expel toxins. If your cold has stolen your appetite, a broth-based soup is easy to swallow and is a great way to warm yourself from the inside out.
5. What Not to Eat
Generally speaking, try and eat your normal regular portions, focusing on the select cuisine mentioned above. Food is necessary to provide nourishment, but digestion requires precious energy, so listen to what your body is asking of you. As a rule, always avoid high-fat meals as they will slow your immune system down, and remember that bacteria thrive on sugar!
6. Don’t Drink Alcohol
Related to the above, do not consume any liquor during your recovery period whatsoever. It depresses your immune defenses, does not mix well with medication, dehydrates you, negatively affects your sleep cycle, and will leave you with the hangover of death. Slightly off topic, but your sickness may also be the perfect excuse to finally give up smoking!
7. Get Plenty of Rest
You may look like a hero when you force yourself to go to work during times of illness, but it is a foolish move which may delay your recuperation and put your colleagues at risk. Rather call in sick, get your eight hours, nap throughout the day, and keep yourself propped up with pillows to help your nasal passages remain open. Your body is currently at war within itself, it needs your cooperation. If your boss isn’t to keen on this idea, simply request a working from home day.
8. Wash Those Hands
You should be automatically washing your hands before meals, after meals, after sneezing, after any public outing, after bathroom breaks, and after touching door handles or light switches or anything really. Keep hand sanitizer by your computer at all times, and avoid touching your face no matter what the reason.
9. Pamper Yourself
A good bedside manner leads to a healthy patient, so maintain an optimistic mindset even when self-pity comes more naturally to you. Watch comedies to stimulate your endorphins, get a full body massage to improve your circulation, and don’t forget that sexual activity boosts the immunoglobulin antibody, which in turn will improve your chances of fighting off this cold. Just be careful not to spread your virus to your partner!
10. Medicate Yourself
If your life has become unbearable, a visit to the pharmacy might be your last chance to achieve some degree of comfort. Be careful not to mix any medication without an expert opinion, and rather focus on eliminating your most annoying symptom. But whether you go for painkillers, cough syrup, sleeping aids, nasal sprays, or even vitamin C supplements, always follow the instructions to the letter, and see a doctor if this virus perseveres after 10 days or more.
