How to Use Cold Remedies Effectively

A cold can leave you feeling cranky and miserable. Generally, it will take about a week before you are back to feeling normal. In the meantime, there are many things you can do to relieve your symptoms and feel better.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Chicken soup really does make you feel better. There are some studies that show it has medicinal powers. At the very least, it's healthy, will prevent dehydration and the soup will soothe the inflamed membranes in your nose and throat.
2. Use salt water or a nasal spray to irrigate your nose. The rinsing will help break up nasal congestion and remove bacteria from your nose. You will feel better once you breathe better. To be effective, you should irrigate your nose at least twice a day.
3. Drink plenty of fluids. Juice, water and hot tea will relieve congestion and fluids are especially important if you are taking medication for your cold.
4. Sleep with an extra pillow under your head. Resting on a slope will help you breathe better.
5. Earlier studies showed that zinc could help fight off a cold; more recent research seems to indicate that zinc has minimal effect.
6. As with zinc, echinacea does not appear to either prevent colds or help treat them.
7. There seems to be some benefit from vitamin C. It may shorten the duration of the cold. Drink 100% fruit juices for extra vitamin C.
8. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve your symptoms. Read the label carefully and take as directed.
9. If you are taking medication, take it as directed. More is not better. If you are taking a prescription medication, be sure to take all of the medicine as directed. Don't stop taking it when you begin to feel better.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay warm and rested.
• Get a flu shot.
• If you aren't feeling better within a few days or you are running a high fever, seek medical attention.