Okay so you have colds … or maybe someone you know and care for have colds and you want to know the best way to take care of him or her. So what’s the best home remedy for colds? Below are some suggestions you might find helpful.
Fluids, Fluids, Fluids!
This is top of the list. A person suffering from colds should consume and drink at least 8 to 10 ounces of water or any other liquid such as fruit juice daily. The fluid will help a lot remove the congestion that normally accompanies colds and cough. It also helps keep the throat moist. People with colds are advised against taking caffeinated drinks like soda and coffee because caffeinated drinks are diuretics and they may cause dehydration.
Steam
Steam helps a lot in loosening congestion, so go ahead and take a hot shower. There are also other ways to make steam. One way is to boil water and then transfer the boiling water into a pan. Place the pan with the hot water in a safe area where it will not easily tilt. Position your head over the pan so that the steam will touch your face. Be careful not to burn yourself. You can also use a humidifier or a saline nasal spray. These two will give the same relief as the steam.
Blow Your Nose Regularly
Blowing your nose regularly helps keep your nose free from mucus. There is, however, a proper way of blowing your nose. How? Here’s how: with a finger pressed over one nostril, blow gently the other nostril to clear away the mucus. So what happens if you don’t do it the right way? Well, blowing hard will cause the pressure to carry phlegm back into the ear passages. The phlegm has lots of germs and will therefore cause harm in the ear. So what’s the usual result for not blowing the nose properly? It’s almost always a terrible earache.
Warm Salt Water Gargle
Gargle with warm salt water. Gargling helps moisten the sore throat and it also helps bring temporary relief. To make salt water gargle, mix half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. To get the best result, gargle four times a day. You can also try other types of gargles such as astringent gargle which helps reduce the ‘tickle’ in the throat. You can also try making a honey gargle. To make, use one tablespoon of lemon juice or raspberry leaves in about two cups of hot water. Add a teaspoon of honey. Allow the mixture to cool and then use this to gargle.
These are just some of the best known home remedies for colds. Try them but when things don’t work as well, do not delay and see your doctor as you may need medical attention.
This guest post/article is written by Siena Lombardi of Accessrx.com. Visit also Accessrx.com blog and read current articles on relevant health issues.
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