Common cold is one of the most common diseases people catch. Although not a serious illness, it usually causes a lot of distress, fatigue and discomfort to the patient. The discomfort it brings along is extremely exhausting. During cold, virus particles penetrate the mucous layer of the nose and throat. They get attached to the cells there. These viruses force the cells to produce many thousands of other virus particles.
Luckily, there are a huge number of ways in which a common cold can be treated and controlled at home with some simple remedies.
Salt Water Gargle
This is one of the best remedies to get rid of cold. It helps in alleviating throat pain and even loosens irritating mucous. Apart from offering these benefits, the technique can even help prevent colds. One should gargle with warm salt water thrice a day. This will reduce the chances of contracting common cold by ten times. You should dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a full glass of water and gargle for a few seconds.
Honey
Having one to two teaspoons of honey will treat nocturnal cough effectively. In fact, it is more effective than cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan.
Congestion Relief
For nasal congestion, you need to rinse it out at the source using a saline nasal spray. You may even use a neti pot to clear your nasal passageway.
No Stress
It is important to keep away from stress in order to fight off common cold. Psychological stress in your life can create many health issues. Using stress relief techniques will help you keep away from illnesses like common cold.
Rest
You need to rest as much as possible to keep away from common cold. Research and studies have proved that good sleep habits help you fight off a cold. This will also help you increase your resistance to catching cold in the first place.
Water
Having a lot of water and increasing fluid intake will help you in alleviating cold symptoms. Drinking lots of fluids during a cold is said to break up your congestion. It will keep you hydrated and keep your throat moist.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a wonderful medicine. You can add a teaspoon of turmeric to warm water and consume twice a day for cold.
Ginger
You can consume ginger in various ways to prevent and control common cold. You can have ginger tea, have a clean piece of ginger, or consume it boiled water.