Find care near me 
Key Points
- The article provides effective home remedies to relieve cold symptoms and potentially shorten the duration of the illness.
- Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, non-caffeinated tea, and chicken broth, helps prevent dehydration and soothes the throat. These fluids also assist in flushing out mucus and boosting the immune system.
- Using saline irrigation solutions, such as neti pots or nasal sprays, can alleviate congestion and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. A homemade solution can be made with salt, baking soda, and warm water.
- Gargling with salt water can prevent upper respiratory tract infections and soothe sore throats. A solution can be made with salt and warm water.
- Honey is an effective cough suppressant and can improve sleep quality. A beneficial hot beverage for a cold is a mixture of hot water, honey, and fresh lemon juice.
Dealing with a cold is miserable. Sometimes over-the-counter medications can make it worse. They make you drowsy or making your sinuses extremely dry. Here are the most effective remedies that can help relieve your symptoms and possibly shorten the time it takes to get over a cold.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
This is an age-old remedy that might sound pretty overused, but sometimes the ones suggested the most often are the best. Drinking fluids helps to prevent dehydration and keeps your throat moistened, which can ease scratchy or sore throats. There are certain fluids thought that will help you more than others.
The number one best fluid is good old water. It thins out mucus and helps flush everything out so you can get better faster. The next best thing is non-caffeinated tea and warm liquids. Many teas are rich in antioxidants, which give your immune system a boost to fight off diseases. Next comes chicken broth. Chicken soup can help reduce inflammation helping you feel better. Some fluids you should avoid like juice, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages like cola and coffee.
Related: Are You Drinking Enough Water? Probably Not!
Neti Pots and Nasal Sprays
For congestion symptoms, you can help decrease the severity by using some sort of saline irrigation solution. This includes the use of an irrigation pot (such as a neti pot) or a saline nasal spray. A study published in the "Canadian Family Physician" found that nasal irrigation is an inexpensive way to relieve sinus and nasal conditions and it reduces inflammation.
Make your own nasal solution by combining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 8 oz of warm water (make sure it's distilled water or water that was previously boiled). Then use a neti pot or bulb syringe to clear out your nasal passages.
Related: Care Continuum: Where to Go When Your Sick or Injured [INFOGRAPHIC]
Gargling with Salt Water
According to another study, which followed 387 healthy volunteers from ages 18 to 65 for 60 days during the cold and flu season, those that gargled salt water three times a day were 40 percent less likely to have an upper respiratory tract infection. It's also been found to help reduce the painfulness of sore throats when you're already sick. To make a salt water gargle, just add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt to 8 oz. of warm water. Gargle for a few seconds and then spit out. Repeat this until the cup is empty.
Honey
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics demonstrated that honey is actually a better cough suppressant than honey-flavored dextromethorphan. Monitoring 105 children from the ages of 2 to 18 that had upper respiratory tract infections, honey consistently scored the best and helped improve sleep quality of the children by settling their cough. Looking for a warm drink? One of the best hot beverages to drink when you're sick is hot water, honey, and fresh squeezed lemons. It eases sore throat pain while tasting delicious.
Related: Don't Eat That! 6 Poisonous Plants to Avoid Them
Many of these home remedies are made with ingredients
you already have around the house, making them great options. Get over
your cold quicker with these remedies.
Frequently asked questions
What are some effective remedies for dealing with a cold?
Some effective remedies include drinking plenty of fluids, using neti pots and nasal sprays, gargling with salt water, and consuming honey.Why is drinking fluids beneficial when dealing with a cold?
Drinking fluids helps to prevent dehydration and keeps your throat moistened, which can ease scratchy or sore throats. Certain fluids like water, non-caffeinated tea, and chicken broth can also help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation.What is the purpose of using a neti pot or nasal spray when dealing with a cold?
Neti pots and nasal sprays can help decrease the severity of congestion symptoms. They provide a saline irrigation solution that can relieve sinus and nasal conditions and reduce inflammation.How does gargling with salt water help when dealing with a cold?
Gargling with salt water can reduce the likelihood of getting an upper respiratory tract infection. It can also help reduce the pain of sore throats when you're already sick.What is the benefit of consuming honey when dealing with a cold?
Honey is a natural cough suppressant and can be more effective than some over-the-counter medications. It can also improve sleep quality by settling coughs.What fluids should be avoided when dealing with a cold?
Fluids like juice, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages like cola and coffee should be avoided when dealing with a cold.How can you make your own nasal solution for a neti pot?
You can make your own nasal solution by combining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 8 oz of warm water that is either distilled or was previously boiled.How do you make a salt water gargle for a sore throat?
To make a salt water gargle, just add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt to 8 oz. of warm water. Gargle for a few seconds and then spit out. Repeat this until the cup is empty.
