Home Remedies for Common Cold

Common cold is a viral infection confined to the upper respiratory tract, resulting in inflammation, excess mucus secretion and other worrying medical problems. It encompasses both head cold and chest cold. The most commonly occurring disease worldwide, young children may get affected with this viral infection for 8 times or more in a year. Fortunately, it is a self-limiting disease, and symptoms subside on their own within 7 - 10 days. Also, home remedies for common cold can be followed to combat discomfort symptoms.

Effectual Common Cold Home Remedies

In the initial days of infection, common cold remains contagious, and spreading of pathogen occurs by direct contact and respiratory secretions released during coughing, sneezing, etc. There is no proven cure for cold disease. Of course, you will come across several types of over-the-counter and prescription medications for treating common cold. But, they work in the same manner like self-care tips to treat common cold, i.e. to stay comfortably, while the body tries to get rid of infection. Home remedies for common cold in children and adults are highlighted below.

• Wear warm clothes to help break up mucus congestion in the nose and body parts. Applying warm washcloths over facial areas give instant relief from head cold. But, while using for young children, monitor the washcloth temperature carefully.
• Tips to treat common cold include taking steam therapy, both inhaling steam and steam bath. This loosens mucus and promotes quick drainage. A simple way is to turn the hot water tap on for 10 minutes in a closed bathroom, and sit inside for another 10 - 15 minutes.
• Both head cold and chest cold symptoms worsen with dry air, leading to thickening of the mucus. To get relieved from difficulty breathing through nose, run a cool mist humidifier or place a bowl with water in the bedroom. These common cold remedies benefit infants and young children having stuffy nose.
• Common cold episode is usually followed by bacterial infection of the paranasal sinuses, resulting in sinusitis. So, to avoid this, saline drops are applied to encourage nasal drainage. This is one of the much touted home remedies for common cold during pregnancy.
• Drinking ample amounts of fluids (water, herbal teas and hot liquids) is amongst the most effectual common cold remedies for children and adults. The objective is to dilute mucus, which otherwise will thicken and become difficult for draining.
• Consuming chicken soup is believed to be a good remedy for this contagious viral infection. This may not be directly related to treating common cold symptoms, but sipping hot fluid makes oneself feel better, and the rich protein strengthens the body.
• Speaking about natural head cold remedies, lemon and vitamin C rich foods benefit in shortening the disease duration. An antioxidant by nature, lemon works by increasing the body's resistance power to infection, reducing toxic agents released by pathogens and counteracting inflammatory responses.
• Prepare lemonade juice by mixing fresh juice of two lemons in a cup of water. Add honey and stir for even mixing. Taking this lemonade drink before going to sleep will provide relief from nasal stuffiness. Another method is steeping fresh lemon slices with barley in boiled water, and having the liquid after straining.
• Honey and lemon syrup is a great remedy to combat common cold symptoms, like stuffy nose, sore throat, headache and body pain. Simply mix 1 teaspoon each of honey and lemon juice in a glass, and fill it with hot water. Have this concoction 2 - 3 times daily, and common cold symptoms will disappear shortly.
• Ginger root is used as an age-old home remedy for treating cold and flu. The best way to use ginger for common cold treatment is making tea. Crush a small piece of ginger root (about 10 g), or chop it into smaller pieces and boil with 1 cup water. Strain, stir in sugar for taste and sip hot ginger tea slowly.
• Similar to ginger root, garlic is also one of the commonly used home remedies for common cold. It possesses antiseptic properties and help in shortening the duration of cold. For making garlic soup, chop 3 - 4 cloves garlic, add in 1 cup water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a dash of salt for taste and drink.
• Another remedy for treating a cold is consuming turmeric with milk. For this, use pure and fresh turmeric powder to get best results. Mix ½ teaspoon turmeric powder with two tablespoons of warm milk. Consume this mixture 2 - 3 times daily for relieving cold symptoms.
• Applying dilute eucalyptus oil over chest, nose bridge and forehead is a good natural remedy for head cold. Follow this before bedtime and sleep with a warm blanket. This essential oil is also used in steam therapy for treating common cold.
• Last but not the least, maintaining a strong immune system is the key behind providing a complete cure for common cold. After all, it is this natural body defense that deals with body infections directly. So, consume a balanced diet and take enough rest to boost your immune system.

While the nasal passages are the most affected areas due to head cold, this viral disease may also get into the sinuses, bronchioles and other lower respiratory tract organs. Thus, following home remedies for common cold, personal hygiene and self-care tips are crucial to ensure prompt recovery without further complications. If common cold symptoms still linger after a week's period, consult a health expert for further treatment and advice.