As it turns out, you might not have to go those routes if you’re dealing with cold and cough symptoms. Within this article, we’ll cover some natural remedies that may help ease your ailments without having to turn to conventional methods of treatment. It can feel difficult navigating through all the advice out there when you’re dealing with cold and cough relief, so read on for some peace of mind.
Stay Hydrated - Drink Plenty of Fluids
It's easy to forget about the importance of keeping your body hydrated when it's chilly, but staying hydrated is one of the most straightforward and beneficial home remedies for cold and cough relief. Drinking enough fluids helps thin mucus so it can be cleared more easily, and also keeps your throat lubricated and supple.
Some water-rich foods like oranges, cucumbers, and watermelons are also good for hydration. You can even make your own hydrating tea blend with natural ingredients like ginger, mint, lemon, and honey—all of which can help support your immune system. Plus, drinking warm beverages can soothe an irritated throat or help loosen congestion in the chest.
Get Extra Rest - Sleep Helps Your Body Heal
When you're feeling under the weather, it's time to dial down the hustle and get some much-needed rest. It may seem counterintuitive—after all, why rest when you already have a million things to do? But getting extra sleep has many benefits when it comes to fighting off colds and coughs.
First of all, sleep helps your body fight infection. A good night's sleep helps regulate your body's immune system and gives it the energy that it needs to fight off illness-causing bacteria. Secondly, getting enough rest can help speed up the recovery process so that you can get back on your feet faster. Finally, if you don't give your body the rest that it deserves, any home remedies or over-the-counter medication will be less effective in fighting off your cold or cough.
So put your work aside for now and get some much-needed rest and relaxation! Maybe cozy up with a warm cup of herbal tea or read a book in bed—whatever helps you relax and get plenty of shut-eye is the right choice for your health right now.
Try Honey - A Natural Cough Suppressant
Honey has long been used as a natural cough suppressant, and for good reason. Research has shown that honey can reduce coughing and help alleviate the symptoms of a cold or flu. In fact, a study from the University of Oxford found that a small dose of honey was more effective than over-the-counter (OTC) cough syrup in reducing coughing at night.
So why does honey work so well? Well, it contains an antioxidant called gluconic acid, which helps loosen mucus and reduce inflammation associated with upper respiratory infections. Plus, its natural sweetness can help soothe sore throats and offer relief from coughing.
To use honey as a natural remedy for colds and coughs:
Stir 2 teaspoons of raw, organic honey in a cup of hot water
Add lemon or other herbs like sage or thyme to make the concoction even more effective
Drink this mixture every two to three hours until the symptoms subside
If you don't have any raw, organic honey on hand, you can use store-bought honey too - but make sure it isn't processed or pasteurized. It's also important to note that children under one year old should not consume any type of honey due to the risk of botulism infection.
Use a Humidifier - Moist Air Can Ease Congestion and Sore Throat
Did you know that using a humidifier at night can help to reduce congestion and sore throat associated with colds and coughs? Moist air can help to soothe the airways, making it easier to breathe.
If you're prone to colds and coughs, investing in a quality humidifier is a great idea. When shopping for a humidifier, consider the following:
• Size – bigger is not always better when it comes to humidifiers. Make sure you get the right size for your space.
• Noise level – if you're using it in your bedroom, look for one with a low decibel rating.
• Cleaning – some models have filters that need to be changed or cleaned regularly; make sure you understand how often your selected model needs maintenance before buying.
• Price – prices can range from as low as $30 up to around $400 for some top-of-the-line models.
Once you have your humidifier up and running, fill it up with clean and filtered water, set the desired humidity level (usually between 40–60%) and turn it on before going to bed—you should notice an improvement after just one night!
Gargle With Salt Water - Relieves Sore Throat and Thins Mucus
One of the simplest but most effective home remedies for cold and cough relief is to gargle with salt water. It's an age-old trick that helps reduce inflammation in the throat, relieve soreness, and help thin mucus.
To make a saltwater gargle, mix about half a teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water and stir it up until the salt is dissolved. Then gargle with the solution for 30 seconds. Repeat this twice per day—you'll be surprised at how much this simple remedy can help with your symptoms. Make sure you spit out the solution after gargling!
You can also add other ingredients like honey or lemon juice to your solution to boost its effectiveness even more. Honey has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the throat, while lemon juice helps thin mucus and stimulate saliva production. This will make it easier to expel mucus when you cough.
Gargling with salt water is an easy and powerful way to relieve your cold and cough symptoms—all without spending a dime!
Try Over-the-Counter Medications - For Fever, Congestion and Cough Relief
In some cases, over-the-counter medications may be needed to get complete relief from cold and cough symptoms. Again, speak with your doctor before taking any type of medication, especially if you have a preexisting condition.
When taking over-the-counter medications, it is important to make sure that you follow the directions carefully. Here are three types of medications to consider when looking for cold and cough relief:
Fever reducers
Fever reducers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help reduce fevers associated with cold and flu viruses. These medications should not be taken for more than 48 hours without speaking with a doctor.
Decongestants
Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine can help clear congestion in the nasal passages. It is important to note that these types of medications should not be taken by someone with high blood pressure, glaucoma or hyperthyroidism without consulting a physician first.
Cough suppressants
Cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan can help reduce the urge to cough. These medications may also contain antihistamines, which can help reduce sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes from allergies or a cold virus.
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