Home remedies for Cold

Hello my beautiful friends,

Sorry that I couldn’t post much this week because I am down with a crappy cold. For those who aren’t aware,  I am allergic to quite a bit of clinical medicines. And when I fall sick, it really becomes a hassle to recover. So I was researching home remedies to help people like myself or those who want to try home remedies first.

1.Hydrate!

This is a no-brainer, we need adequate hydration especially when we are under the weather. Why? It aids to thin the mucus in you nasal passages. Which in turn reduces the pressure in your sinuses and helps to push the fluid out of our stuffy nose. Less pressure = less inflammation/irritation . So drink up anything that makes you feel better;water, tea, chicken soup, herbal drinks or ginger ale.

2. Shower

I know it feels better to curl up and sleep when you are sick . But trust me a hot steamy shower helps so much when you are down with  a stuffy nose. This is because the moist air helps to thins out the mucus as well reducing the inflammation.  This will at least help to ease your breathing for a short duration.

3. Steamy air 

This works just like the hot shower. Inhale hot steam from a pot of boiling water by covering your head with a towel (beware not to burn your face). This helps to reduce inflammation and makes it easier to breathe.

Tip: You could also add a few drops of axe oil, vicks or any essential oil of your choice  in the boiling water!

4. Saline spray (DIY)

• Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda with 3 teaspoon of iodine free salt
• Store it in airtight container
• Use 1 teaspoon of this to mix with 8 ounces (~236ml) of lukewarm water or distilled water.

Use a bulb syringe with this solution and tilt your head over a basin and gently  squirt into one of your nostril while keeping the other closed. Let it drain completely before repeating with the other nostril. This helps to increase moisture in your nasal passage and thins the mucus in your nasal passages and reduces inflammation.

Alternatively you could purchase a nasal saline spray over the counter. Talk with your pharmacist before using saline sprays with decongestants as this can worsen your congestion if you have used it over three days. Or it may cause side effects if you take it with other medications.

5. Adequate rest

It is essential to get rest when you come down with a cold or flu. It helps you body to use all its energy to fight of the infection. So help yourself so that your body can do its job. Snuggle under the warm cozy blanket.

6. Warm compress

This works same as the warm the steam from the shower which aids to open your nasal passage from the inside. Warm compress does it from the outside. Soak a towel in warm water and remember to squeeze excess water out. Fold and place it over your face focusing on your forehead and nose area. The warmth may help to relive some of the inflammation. Repeat as often as necessary

You could alternatively get reusable ones at any drugstores.

I hope those who are unwell, a speedy recovery !

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Disclaimer : Above post is strictly informational and should not be considered as medical advice. See a certified medical professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.