You have ruined your day just because you have cold and you have spent the whole day with a stuffy nose and now that has leaded to the sore throat. It simply starts as cold and then might get serious as cold or fever. This is a very familiar scenario. Cold and cough is a very common sickness. Stormy weather or changes in weather can make it really bad and you may think of trying some medications for it. Actually, all the medications for cold and cough are temporary and might make you dizzy screwing the rest of the day. Better try some DIY remedies that are easily available and ingredients can be found at home.
- Take steam twice a day, which helps open the bronchial tubes and makes breathing easier. Fill the kitchen sink or bathroom tub with boiling water. Nowadays you can get the electrical steam machine that is used to take steam, which is very easy to use. Add some fresh ginger, or Vicks or a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water and drape a towel on your head for maximum exposure.
- Increase the liquid intake. Your body should be well hydrated because it keeps the respiratory system clean and hydrated. It is also advised that drinking warm water may be very beneficial instead of drinking cold water as it soothes the throat along with keeping the water level in the body high. Fruit juices, coconut water, lemon tea, green tea and fresh lime can be consumed, but lesser the consumption of tea, Coffee and any other canned or alcoholic beverages.
- Nasal sprays can be an effective remedy for the nasal drip and it can remove the bacteria from your nose. If not, then you can simply make salt water spray at home or buy a saline drops from the drug store and then spray it into the nostril. Blow the nose before the drops are sprayed and you can repeat the process till both the nostrils are clear.
- A hot water bath may sound funny, but it can work as a personal sauna as the steam from the hot shower can help clear the airways from the nose.
- Take enough rest and keep your body warm when you have cold as your energy can work with the immune system and taking enough rest in necessary.
- Use a dab of some menthol or Vicks under your nose so that it can help open the breathing passage and will not tingle the irritated skin under the nose which turns red after the nose drip.
- Use an extra pillow when you sleep as this can help the nasal passage breathe easily. The slope will make you feel better as the angle of the neck and the face is comfortable to breathe.
- Try a common expectorant which helps cure the cold and cough, but they should not be given to children under 4 and check the label before using.
Other homemade remedies can include the Epsom salt soak, peppermint tea, ginger root tea, honey which acts as a throat soother, homemade lemonade with honey and many others. Check some more homemade DIY remedies from your granny; she must have a great knowledge about the same.
