Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Clear your cavities
• Method 2 of 3: Take care of yourself
• Method 3 of 3: Give your immune system a boost
• Tips
• Warnings

The cold virus is a virus that thrives especially in your nose. It is transmitted by germs that reside on surfaces you touch, and then you sit with your hands on your nose, eyes, or mouth. For example, the doorknob contains millions of germs. Small children often also carry the cold virus, and if they sneeze or cough without covering their mouths, they can easily spread the virus. Children are also more susceptible to colds because they have even fewer antibodies against it than adults. Unfortunately, there is no real treatment to cure the common cold. Most colds will pass in about 3 to 7 days, although it sometimes takes longer. Treating a cold is limited to treating the symptoms, which can help limit the duration of the cold and prevent potential complications. The following steps will help make a cold less unpleasant.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Clear your cavities

1. Blow your nose in moderation. Your natural instinct may be to want to blow your nose when it's blocked, but opinions are still divided on whether or not it's a good idea. There are studies that show that blowing your nose forcefully can create too much pressure that can inflame mucus trapped in your sinuses. On the other hand, there are studies that state that it is good to blow your nose to get rid of the mucus and so that you can breathe better again. As a compromise, try to blow your nose only when you really have to.
   • Whatever you believe, be sure to blow your nose very gently so that the pressure does not become too much, and use the recommended method of doing so, which involves holding one nostril closed with your finger while blowing the other, then blowing the other. it repeats on the other side.
   • Try to get your nose up as little as possible, because that will only keep the mucus in. Bring a tissue with you when you go out the door.
   • Always wash your hands after blowing your nose so you don't spread the virus.
   • Repeated blowing can cause irritated skin - use a soft handkerchief to blow your runny nose.
   • Avoid paper towels. They cause irritation to the skin.
2. Drink tea with honey and lemon. This is a simple yet effective way to soothe the common cold. To make this boil some water, pour it into a mug, add 1.5 teaspoons of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of honey. The honey will soothe your sore throat and the lemon will relieve a stuffy nose. Honey also has anti-inflammatory properties, and the lemon contains vitamin C as long as you don't cook it.
   • You will notice the effect of the tea immediately, and you will be relieved of your symptoms for a few hours.
   • To feel even better, you should drink this tea while curling up in a nice chair in front of the fireplace. Then you will be well again. The cold virus thrives in cold temperatures, which is why you can catch a cold if you have been walking in the cold or wind. An Israeli study has shown that breathing warm air helps with cold symptoms. If you put your hands over your nose and breathe in and out like that for half an hour, you will also feel better.
3. Use a nasal spray. A nasal spray provides immediate relief from a stuffy nose, because it reduces the swelling of the mucous membranes and ensures less mucus formation. You can also find these types of products in tablet form and they are sold at the drugstore.
   • Just be careful not to use nasal spray for more than 3 to 5 days, as it is widely believed, though not proven, that nasal drops that shrink swollen mucous membranes (such as Otrivin) actually trap bacteria.
4. Rinse your cavities. One treatment for nasal congestion that has become very popular recently is flushing the cavities with a nasal cannister. The nasal cannister contains a saline solution that is poured into one nostril and then comes out through the other nostril. It thins the mucus so that you can dispose of it more easily. You can buy the saline solution at the drug store or make it yourself.
   • To use the nose cup, lean over the counter and tilt your head to one side. Place the nozzle in the upper nostril and pour in the saline solution. The salt water will now flow out through your other nostril. Tilting your head back can allow it to flow into your other cavities as well.
   • When the water stops dripping out, blow your nose and repeat on the other side.
5. Take an expectorant. Consider taking an expectorant to thin mucus and mucus, helping your body get rid of harmful bacteria.
   • There are expectorants as a drink, powder, or pills, and you can buy them at the drugstore.
   • However, side effects of expectorants can include nausea, dizziness and vomiting. If you experience any of these side effects, see your doctor.
6. Use essential oil. Essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, cloves or tea tree can clear the nasal passages, making it easier for you to breathe. There are several ways you can use essential oil. One way is to put a few drops of oil in a bowl of hot water. Soak a towel in the water, wring it out, and put it on your face for a few minutes. Try to take a deep breath and you'll notice that it becomes a lot easier after a few minutes.
   • You can also mix a few drops of essential oil with some petroleum jelly and spread it on your chest or feet before going to sleep.
   • You can also put some drops on your pajamas or throw them in the bath.
7. Take a hot bath or shower. The steam from the hot water clears your nasal passages and ensures relaxation. If the heat makes you a little dizzy, put a plastic chair or stool in the shower.
   • If you have long hair, blow dry so you don't lose too much heat when you get out of the shower.

Method 2 of 3: Take care of yourself

1. Take time off. Try to take two or three days off from school or work. This way, fewer people come into contact with the virus and you get enough energy to fight the disease. At home it is less bad to be sick, and you have everything at hand such as blankets, hot drinks and other things to get better quickly. You also do not pick up any other disease, because your immune system is already weakened.
2. Go to the doctor. Usually a cold disappears within a week. If it takes more than a week, see your doctor. Tell the doctor about your problem and ask about any medications you should be taking. Make sure you take the medications as prescribed (usually once or twice a day).
3. Drink plenty of warm drinks. By staying well hydrated, you can reduce the effects of many symptoms such as headaches and sore throats. Hot tea and soup are good ways to absorb moisture, it will help with blocked nasal passages and reduce inflammation in your nose or throat.
   • Drink enough to quench thirst. It is okay to drink a lot when you are sick, but if you drink too much your liver and kidneys cannot handle it. Drink a little more than usual, but don't overdo it.
   • A good indication that you are drinking enough is when your urine is almost clear. If your urine is dark yellow, it means that high concentrations of waste products in your body are not being dissolved and flushed out enough - so you need to drink more.
   • Avoid coffee. It contains caffeine that can enhance the symptoms of a cold.
4. Get extra rest. Your body needs all the reserves to handle the cold. Not getting enough rest will only make you feel worse. Take frequent naps and don't exhaust yourself in physical activities. Try to put your head higher when you sleep, so that your nose will be less blocked.
   • Put an extra pillow under your head in bed - even if it feels a bit weird. If your head is at an awkward angle, try putting the second pillow between the sheet and the mattress, or even under the mattress, and you'll feel less.
5. Gargle with warm salt water and baking soda. Gargling with salt water moisturizes your throat and helps with inflammation, as salt is a natural antiseptic. Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and let it dissolve. You can also add baking soda to make the salt sting less. Gargle with this solution four times a day to soothe your sore throat.
   • Just be careful not to overly salty the water or overdo it, as this will dry out your throat and make the symptoms worse. If it is too salty it will damage your mucous membranes, so add a little more water. By the way, it always hurts a little bit.
6. Use and humidifier. Place a humidifier in the room where you are most often to keep the air moist. This is especially helpful if your airways feel dry and irritated. Keep in mind that it will soothe symptoms, but it probably won't help reduce the symptoms or the duration of the cold.
   • New evidence suggests that for some people, humidifiers do more harm than good. That's because they can spread germs, fungi, and toxins, and burn you badly. Decide for yourself whether or not you want to use them.
7. Stay warm. It is important to stay warm when you have a cold, because a cold makes you weak and shivering. Cover yourself with extra clothes and blankets when you go to sleep or lie down. Staying warm will not get rid of a cold, but you will feel more comfortable.
   • It has always been thought that you can "sweat out" a cold, but no scientific evidence has been found for this.
8. Take over-the-counter medications as needed to control symptoms. Again, it does not cure the common cold, but it does relieve symptoms such as headache, constipation, fever and a sore throat. However, many over-the-counter drugs do have side effects including nausea, stomach pain, and dizziness. Understand the risks associated with over-the-counter drugs and talk to your doctor first if you are already taking other prescription medications.
   • Pain relievers (including acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen) can be helpful if your cold is accompanied by muscle pain, headaches, or fever. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers as it has been linked to Reye's syndrome.
   • Many over-the-counter cold and allergy remedies contain antihistamines and can treat runny noses and burning eyes. However, this can make you sleepy.
   • Cough suppressants stop the body's reflex to cough. Only take them with a dry cough without mucus. Coughing with mucus helps your body to get rid of that mucus and should not be suppressed. Do not give this type of medicine to children under 4 years old.
   • Only take nasal drops if your nasal passages are very swollen, making it difficult to breathe. They shrink your blood vessels in the nose, opening your airways.
   • Dilute the phlegm from your cold with an expectorant so that you can cough it up if it is too thick or stuck.
9. Avoid smoking. Tobacco can weaken the immune system and make cold symptoms worse, and you should also avoid coffee, black tea, and cola.
10. Eat chicken soup. There is scientific evidence that chicken soup slows the movement of certain white blood cells that cause cold symptoms. In addition, the hot liquid helps to clear your nasal passages and softens the throat.
    • You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper, which will also open your nasal passages.

Method 3 of 3: Give your immune system a boost

1. Take a supplement. Taking a supplement with essential vitamins and nutrients can boost your immune system. You can take separate supplements such as vitamin C or zinc, or you can take a multi-vitamin with everything in it. If you're not into fish, get a fish oil capsule, as Omega 3 fatty acids are said to be incredibly effective at boosting the immune system.
   • You can find a wide variety of supplements at the drug store, supermarket, and health food store.
   • You probably won't get rid of your cold much faster, but it will prevent you from getting sick again.
2. Eat garlic. Garlic is good for your heart and your immune system because it contains antioxidants and is good for the circulation. One of the greatest health benefits of garlic is that it enhances the activity of the immune cells.
   • Crush a clove of garlic with a teaspoon, put some honey on it, chew it quickly and then swallow it.
3. Try zinc. New research suggests that if you take zinc within a day of symptoms developing, you are more likely to be better than you expect and symptoms to be less severe.
4. Eat raw honey. Honey strengthens the immune system and contains antiviral properties. An additional advantage is that it soothes the throat, which is good news if you have a cold. You can eat a spoonful of honey as it is, or put it in the tea or warm water.
5. Eat a lot of vitamin C. Take a vitamin C supplement, drink orange juice, and eat plenty of vitamin C fruits such as oranges, kiwis and strawberries. Although the effectiveness of vitamin C against a cold is questioned, proponents recommend that you take extra daily so that your cold will clear up sooner.
6. Try echinacea. Echinacea is an herbal supplement that is said to effectively boost the immune system and act antiviral. Although disputed by some scientists, there are studies showing that echinacea can stop the onset of cold and shorten the duration of the cold. Try to take echinacea drops or tablets a few times a day as soon as you notice the first cold symptoms.
7. Take elderberry syrup. Elderberries are also a natural boost to the immune system. So take a spoonful of elderberry syrup every morning - which you can find at most health food stores - or put a few drops of it in your fresh fruit juice.
8. Stop spreading germs. Do not let others eat or drink anything you have been sitting on, and change your pillowcase every other day if you are sick. This limits the chance of spreading the infection and removes the germs from your environment.
   • Wash your hands after blowing your nose. While it doesn't matter to you, you reduce the chances of passing the virus on to others.
   • Avoid human contact as much as possible. During all phases of a cold, the common cold virus (usually rhinovirus or coronavirus) can easily be passed on to others. So staying home from work or school is actually a "nice" thing to do. If you do have to work, limit physical contact with other people, try to minimize the touch and wash your hands regularly. This will reduce the chance of getting even sicker.

Tips

• Take a warm bath / shower to clear your nose.
• Sleep with extra pillows to keep your chest and head at a 45-degree angle if your nose is blocked or if you are being kept awake by a runny nose.
• Disinfect surfaces so that you do not transmit the virus.
• If you have a cold and you use a shared computer, clean the keyboard and mouse when you're done.
• Blow your nose regularly. Blowing your nose too often can make the outside of your nose dry and painful.
• If a stuffy nose gets annoying, breathe through your nose.
• Try putting a hot washcloth over your face and breathe through your nose.
• Drink hot tea with honey. It softens your throat.
• Put a chopped onion on your bedside table overnight. It helps well against a stuffy nose.
• Hot peppers are a good source of Beta carotene, and chewing raw garlic (yes, it's nasty) is better than pills or capsules. Garlic contains allicin, a powerful antiviral agent. Echinacea, zinc and vitamin D3 strengthen your immune system.
• Most colds are gone after 3-7 days. If it lasts longer than a week, you will usually have a second infection, often caused by a bacteria. Bacterial infections can be controlled with antibiotics, but it will not help with a virus.

Warnings

• If cold symptoms last for more than 7 days, see your doctor as something more serious could be going on.
• If you get a fever over 38 degrees, see the doctor. A high fever and chills could be the flu or a more serious illness.
• As with all home remedies, see your doctor if you are going to take more than the recommended daily amount of vitamin C.