Home Remedies for Common Cold

Common cold is a viral infection medically termed as URTI (Upper Respiratory Tract Infection). Apparently, its not necessary that it may just be viral; sometimes it can be of bacterial origin too. More than 150 kinds of viruses are known to cause Common cold. Symptoms include sneezing, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and runny nose. Most of the times common cold is accompanied with fever.

Symptoms: 

• Sneezing
• Coughing (May be dry or productive)
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Nasal irritation
• Generalized weakness

Causes: 

• Viral infection by rhinovirus (in almost 40% cases)
• Bacterial infection by transmission of bacteria from one diseased person to other healthy person. Mostly it is caused by water droplets transmission after sneezing.
• Prolonged exposure to cold or wet weather.
• Allergy (Allergic rhinitis)
• Sudden change in body temperature. For eg. seating for prolonged time in Air conditioned room and then coming out in sun for reasonably long time.

Common cold is self-limiting illness that vanishes off with time without resorting to any treatment, provided it's of viral origin. But if it is known to have bacterial origin, specific antibiotic therapy needs to be given. But here we will first discuss the most common home remedies that are very effective.

Home Remedies:

1) Steam Inhalation:

The most effective and age old remedy for cold is Steam inhalation. Drape a towel over your head and bend over boiled water such that steam coming from it reaches straight into your nose and loosens the stuffy nose. But just remember that you should immediately withdraw yourself if you feel are too hot. Using lukewarm water is recommended. If necessary, cover your eyes with cotton.

2) Salt Water gargle:

Salt water gargle is another age old remedy for symptomatic relief of sore throat accompanying the common cold. Gargling will moisten a sore or scratchy throat and bring temporary relief. gargling must be done atleast 5-6 times ina day.

Also read: Home remedies for Sore throat

3) Bed Rest:

Complete or partial bed-rest. Body needs rest when its subjected to any kind of illness so that it can heal itself and counter the ill effects caused.

4) Vitamin C :

Take vitamin C rich diet. But don't overload yourself with it as its overuse can cause diarrhea. Vitamin C helps building a healthy mucosa. The mucosa which is damaged in case of rhinitis can be recovered by the intake of oral Vitamin C. But do not use supplements.

5) Remain hydrated. 

Runny nose or rhinorrhea can cause considerable amount of dehydration. So to counter that loss, drink plenty of fluids. Drinking fluids makes the mucus thin so that it can easily drained out.

6) Chicken Soup:

Chicken soup is another age old remedy for common cold; and is of utmost important if common cold is accompanying with fever.

7) Tea with Honey:

A cup of hot tea with honey is also good remedy for common cold. Honey will soothe the throat and hotness of tea will take care of nasal and throat congestion.

TRY THIS REMEDY: Take 1/4 cup of honey and apple cider vinegar each. Now add both of them in a bottle and seal it tightly. Mix them well. Take 1 tbsp of this mixture every hour.
It has been proved in researches that taking hot and spicy food during cold can actually helps in clearing the stuffy nose.

8) Steamy bath:

Taking a steamy bath will not only soothes the nose but also moisturizes it. It will overcome the irritating feeling of being not well and will give relaxation to your body and mind thus fastening the healing process. In addition to it, it also improves the blood circulation around the skin.

This is it for home remedies for now. I will keep all you updated with much more common cold remedies in near future. Stay tuned for more information about common cold.