Few people have the time or desire to fall victim to the common cold, but it happens often. Germs are everywhere, and most people forget to wash their hands when they do everyday things such as touch door handles and railings in public. Your child brings home germs from school and they end up all over your house. Your immune system isn’t working well because you haven’t been caring for yourself, and you suddenly feel weak, tired, and your congestion makes focusing on anything else near impossible. It’s time to learn how you can use a few natural remedies to get rid of your common cold at home.
Rest
The best thing you can do for your body when you fall victim to a cold is rest. You cannot cure a common cold with medicine, and your body needs the rest. When you’re sick, your body works overtime to fight the virus or infection in your body, and you need to take the time to give your body the rest it needs to replenish all the extra energy it’s using to do that. Stay in bed, don’t go to work, don’t go to school, and don’t exert yourself. Not only do you get to stay home and rest, you also prevent your body from spreading those germs to everyone you come in contact with when you leave the house.
Drink Water
Your body needs water to remain hydrated, and it’s easy to become dehydrated when you’re not feeling well. Keep up your water intake, but do yourself a favor with your morning, afternoon, and evening glasses of water. Add a tablespoon of Bragg apple cider vinegar to the glass to help you fight your virus. Apple cider vinegar helps alkalize your body, which kills viruses and bacteria faster. It can help you feel better faster, which is the goal when you have a cold.
Utilize the Benefits of Hot and Cold
One of the most uncomfortable side effects of a cold is the congestion you feel in conjunction with the sinus pressure you’re experiencing. You can’t breathe, you head feels full and heavy, and you’re miserable as a result. Hot and cold packs help relieve sinus problems. When congestion is a problem, alternate cold compresses and hot packs throughout the day to help ease the pain and the congestion and to help you feel better.
Sleep with Elevation
One of the most underutilized ways to help with the cold is to sleep with your head elevated. Sleep helps your body recover from the cold you’re dealing with, but it’s hard to sleep when you’re congested and unable to breathe. If you sleep with a second pillow under your head, you do yourself a big favor at bedtime. Your sinuses drain more easily when you’re upright, which helps you breathe easier at night. Breathing is easier, and being able to breathe well allows you to sleep better at night.
Gargle with Salt Water
If your throat is bothering you, try gargling with warm water and salt throughout the day. Do not swallow this salty mixture. Stand over the sink and use it as you would your typical mouthwash. Try this every few hours to help ease the pain you feel in your throat. You’ll notice instant relief from the worst of your pain when you do this.
The common cold is too common in many homes, but you can help prevent it from happening to you if you keep your hands washed, keep your hands away from your face, and you take care of yourself. A healthy diet, exercise, and the appropriate amount of sleep each night helps you keep your body in tip-top shape, which is what helps your immune system fight off cold viruses and other bacteria faster and without as much stress on your body.
