What is Good for Head Cold

A head cold, otherwise known as common cold is a contagious viral illness that commonly affects humans. Even though, it is not a life-threatening condition, a head cold may cause serious discomfort, with annoying symptoms, like, running nose, sore throat, watery eyes, sneezing, weakness, etc. As of now, there is no cure for this illness and most of the medications and other treatments are aimed at reducing the severity of the symptoms as well as the duration of the condition. In the normal course, a head cold may run for around seven to ten days, before subsiding on its own. If you take proper remedial measures, this duration can be brought down and you can also reduce the severity of the symptoms. What is good for a head cold? Let us find out.

Head Cold Remedies that Really Work

As mentioned above, there is no cure for a head cold and its symptoms can be countered with simple home remedies. Head cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract that causes severe discomfort. But, in most cases, head cold is found to subside on its own within a time period of seven to ten days. But, if the symptoms persist after five to six days or worsen, then, medical attention should be sought. This is because, head cold may lead to laryngitis, bronchitis, etc. Otherwise, you may opt for certain remedies that may prove useful in reducing the symptoms of head cold and in getting rid of the condition at the earliest. There are numerous head cold remedies, including over the counter remedies.

• Steam is a wonderful remedy that can provide you with relief from stuffy nose. Steam loosens up the mucus accumulated in the nasal passage. You may either inhale steam from a vaporizer or go for a hot shower. If you like, add a few drops of peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil to this water. Inhaling steam three to four times a day will be sufficient.
• Try to increase the intake of liquids, especially, hot ones. You may go for hot herbal teas with ginger. Take at least eight glasses of water to prevent dehydration. Apart from keeping the throat moist, excess liquids in the body may prove useful in easing the congestion.
• You might have heard that chicken soup is one of the best remedies for a head cold. It is said that chicken contains certain chemicals called cytsteines that are beneficial in reducing the severity of head cold symptoms. The steam from hot chicken soup will clear the nasal passages. Even pepper in this soup may promote flow of mucus, providing relief from nasal blockage.
• Blow your nose in a gentle and proper manner. Gargling with salt water may prove useful in getting relief from sore throat. You may also use hot packs over the sinuses. Saline nasal sprays or salt water nasal rinse may also prove useful for relieving a blocked nose.
• If possible, take rest. This gives the body enough energy to fight the virus. You may also use zinc lozenges that are said to be useful in reducing the severity of head cold symptoms. You may also opt for a humidifier, that can provide the much-needed moisture for the nasal passage.

The above said remedies are found to be useful for fighting a head cold and for relief from its symptoms. But, some of the over the counter medications as well as antibiotics may turn futile in tackling a head cold. In short, ample rest with nutritious food, along with the above said remedies are enough for fighting a common cold. But, if the symptoms worsen or are not subsiding within five to six days of infection, it will be better to consult your doctor, so as to rule out the possibility of other infections.