Head Cold Home Remedies

Head cold is nothing other than common cold that affects the upper respiratory system. This is a viral infection, wherein, the mucous membranes of the nasal passage and throat gets affected, resulting in symptoms, like, nasal congestion, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, headache, etc. Even though, it is a condition that heals on its own, it can cause utter discomfort to the affected person, who may also feel fatigue and small degree of fever. It is one of the common illnesses that can affect people at any time. As there is no cure for common cold, it will be better to opt for certain home remedies that can relieve the symptoms of the condition.

Home Remedies for Head Cold

Head cold often starts with sore throat and runny nose, gradually progressing to other symptoms. Though not complicated or life-threatening, these symptoms may affect the day-to-day activities of the affected person. Even though, there are various over-the-counter medications that may prove useful in countering the symptoms, most people prefer home remedies for head cold.

• One of the most important things to remember in case of a head cold is intake of lots of fluids and sufficient rest. As rest helps the immune system to concentrate on fighting viruses, fluid intake prevents dehydration and mucus breakdown. So, go for warm fluids like herbal tea and avoid milk and dairy products.
• Warm salt water gargling will be beneficial for clearing sore throat. You may also prepare a nasal rinse with ¼ teaspoon each of salt and baking soda in eight ounces of warm water. All you have to do is to gently squirt a small amount of this solution into a nostril and drain it out immediately. You may use a bulb syringe for this purpose.
• A steamy shower can work wonders in opening up the blocked nasal passages. This is one of the effective head cold home remedies. If you are not interested in steamy showers, you may opt for steam inhalation from a steam vaporizer or a pot of boiling water. Even vitamin C and zinc supplements are used as head cold remedies.
• You can try to open up the blocked nasal passages, by applying a small amount of mentholated balm around the nasal opening. While, blowing your nose, make sure to do it gently, one by one. If you blow the nose with high pressure, there are chances that the infection passes to the ear canals.
• It will be beneficial to place your head at a slightly elevated position, while sleeping. You may also apply hot or warm compresses over the sinuses, as this method is found to relieve pressure. It is better to avoid air travel, if you are having head cold. If it is unavoidable, use a nasal spray before take off and landing. Even chewing gum may help you in getting relief from ear pressure.
• There are various herbal head cold home remedies. You can try a warm mixture of ginger juice and honey (a spoonful) twice a day. Some people resort to chewing garlic cloves, for relief from head cold. Head cold remedies include pepper too. Make a powder of four to five pepper corns and a small amount of rock salt. Add this powder to warm water and mix well before drinking it. Homemade chicken soup can also be used for getting rid of head cold symptoms.

These head cold remedies are found to be sufficient in tackling head cold symptoms in normal cases. But, in case of high fever, wheezing, breathing trouble, intense pain (of the ears, tonsils and chest), large amounts of sputum that is greenish or bloody, you must seek immediate medical attention.