The common cold is impossible to escape and, given its nature, cannot effectively be combated using antibiotics. Cold sufferers often have to let the cold run its one- to two-week course and treat the symptoms as best they can. Many sufferers don't feel safe taking over-the-counter (OTC) cold remedies or other medications. Here are a few simple ways to quickly treat that stuffy nose, sore throat or cough without turning to OTC medicines.
Chicken Soup
Parents have been giving chicken soup to their children for centuries as a sort of cure-all. However, recently scientists have been able to back up the medicinal benefits of a good bowl of chicken soup. When it comes to a stuffy nose, the warm moisture in the soup can help to soothe the mucous membranes that cause a stuffy nose, providing a temporary relief from the congestion. More good news? Most canned varieties of chicken noodle soup are just as beneficial as mom's.
Hydrate Yourself
It is a myth that fluids can be used to flush a cold out of your system, but drinking plenty of liquid can certainly help do so. The best fluids, according to the Mayo Clinic experts, include water, juices, clear broth, and warm lemon water with honey. Be sure to avoid liquids containing alcohol, coffee or caffeinated sodas as these can increase the severity of symptoms.
Hydration is also key for treating a sore throat. According to the Mayo Clinic, mixing honey and lemon (to taste) into hot water and allowing it to cool to room temperature before sipping helps to coat your throat and decrease mucus. Mayo Clinic also recommends gargling 1/2 tsp. of salt mixed with a full glass of water to rid yourself of annoying mucus. Or try sucking on a piece of hard candy or a throat lozenge, which increases the flow of saliva to help keep your throat moist.
Humidity In The Air
Humid air is great for a congested nose or sore throat. Dry air can dry out the mucous membranes, making colds more common in the dry winter air than in the summer. A humidifier can be purchased at any drug store and is a great investment for treating many maladies, not just a cold. Using distilled water will ensure the best air quality. Also, it is recommended to clean your humidifier once a week. (Try running it using a solution of half water and half white vinegar.)
Can't afford a humidifier this time around? Try taking a nice warm shower and breathing in that moist steamy air to provide a little relief. Or keep open pans of water near your stove and radiators for a similar effect (making sure to change the water weekly).
Saline Spray
Most saline sprays are an excellent way to obtain relief from a stuffed-up nose. Unlike many of its over-the-counter nasal decongestant counterparts, saline spray has no other side effects and is often safe enough to treat children as well as adults.
Alternative Remedies
There are limitless suggestions of alternative remedies to help soothe your sore throat, but the evidence of effective remedies is somewhat limited. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are some herbal remedies that may help to relieve irritation. These include licorice root, marshmallow root, honeysuckle flowers, barberry, eucalyptus, chamomile and slippery elm. These usually come in the form of herbal teas and can be found in many grocery stores as well as health food stores. Check with your doctor before beginning any herbal remedies, as they may not be safe for those who are pregnant or have certain medical conditions; they can also interact with other medications.
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