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What remedies work for the common cold?

12/01/2021

The common cold is extremely normal. People have come up with their own cold remedies, but are they effective? Nothing can cure a cold. But some remedies might help relieve your symptoms and keep you from feeling so horrible.

If you catch a cold, you can anticipate being sick for one to two weeks.
These remedies might help you feel better:

• Stay Hydrated.Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which can make dehydration worse.
• Rest and Relax.Your body needs rest to heal.
• Soothe your throat.A saltwater gargle — 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.
• Combat stuffiness.Over-the-counter saline nasal drops, and sprays can help relieve stuffiness and congestion.
• Relieve pain.For children 6 months or younger, they may take an acetaminophen. For children older than 6 months, they may take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Adults can take Tylenol, Advil, Motrin IB, or aspirin.
• Sip warm liquids.Chicken soup or tea might be calming and soothing. This may also help congestion break up.
• Try honey.Honey may help coughs in adults and children who are older than age 1. Try it in hot tea.
• Add moisture to the air.A cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can add moisture to your home, which might help loosen congestion. Change the water daily and clean the unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Try over the counter (OTC) cold and cough medications.For adults and children age 5 and older, OTC decongestants, antihistamines and pain relievers might offer some symptom relief. However, they won’t prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects.