Home Cold Cures

Colds are an infection of an individual's upper respiratory tract. The average adult will have two to four colds annually, while children, particularly very young children, may catch 10 colds a year because they're still developing their immunity.
Colds are characterized by a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, headaches, a scratchy or sore throat, watery eyes and congestion.

Alleviating Congestion

• Steam is an excellent way to treat congestion due to a cold. Taking a hot, steamy shower for as long as possible, or bending over a sink filling with steaming water with a towel over the head, are good ways to loosen mucus.
  There are several saline nasal sprays on the market that are also helpful in aiding congestion--a health care professional or pharmacist can recommend one. Follow the instructions specific to the nasal spray purchased.
  Humidifiers--a health care professional can also recommend a good one--keep sinus membranes moist, which prevents the body from producing more mucus.
  Mentholatum is also helpful--smear a dab of Mentholatum the size of a pea under the nose.

Take it Easy -- Physical Considerations When Treating a Cold

• If sick with a cold, it is ideal to stay home and rest. Not only will the risk of infecting others be reduced, resting will also help the body heal itself. Getting plenty of sleep is important, though possibly challenging. Sleeping in a recliner or with extra pillows under the head will help ease breathing and coughing. When sleeping, keep warm and covered.
  If it's unavoidable to go out with a cold, it's important to regularly wash the hands in a scrubbing motion with warm water for at least 30 seconds. Always wash the hands after blowing the nose or sneezing.
  It's important to not sniff loose mucus back into the sinuses; blowing the nose regularly when mucus is loose is essential for comfort and to clear the virus from the body.

Food Treatments

• Staying well hydrated by drinking lots of water, juice, herbal tea or eight ounces of hot water with one tablespoon of lemon juice and one tablespoon of honey will keep the sinus membranes moist--which will prevent further congestion and removal of the virus--and assist in flushing the virus from the body. Hot drinks will also soothe a sore, scratchy throat.
  Scientists, such as those at The University of Nebraska Medical Center, have been studying the benefit of chicken soup for treating colds. They have found that chicken soup may slow the movement of white blood cells which cause the symptoms of a cold. Additionally, some believe the combination of fluid, salt and heat may aid in preventing infection. If nothing else, it will soothe the throat and aid in congestion.
  Spicy foods, such as cayenne pepper, may be helpful for clearing sinuses.