The common cold causes a runny nose, congestion and prevents proper breathing, leading to a decrease in the quality of life and fatigue. If you want to get rid of this situation when you have a cold, there are simple methods you can apply at home. Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated are two of the best and proven ways to get back to feeling 100 percent. But there are other, slightly more unusual ways to combat a runny nose, sore throat and barking cough, according to experts.
WARM SHOWER CAN CAUSE A LOT OF PROBLEMS
A warm bath or shower can relieve aches and pains, one of the nasty side effects of bugs lurking quietly this winter. According to Dr Simon Clarke, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Reading, staying warm can actually help reduce cold symptoms. “If you’re cold and need to raise your body temperature, taking a bath or shower is one way to do it,” she said.
YOU CAN INhale HOT WATER STEAM
The steam in the shower not only warms you up, but also clears your clogged sinuses by thinning the mucus. This makes it flow more easily. Pharmacist Thorrun Govind suggests filling a bowl with hot water and inhaling the steam to get the same benefits. “If you’re breathing deeply out of a bowl of water, it can thin the mucus and help it flow a little better,” she said. Hot water in the shower or bath also increases blood flow, which relaxes and soothes your muscles – freeing you from those fairytale aches and pains.
BEAUTIFUL WALKING IS GOOD FOR TIRED
If you’re feeling exhausted, you’re probably reluctant to face the cold outside. But experts say finding the courage to go outside for a brisk walk can really help. Dr Clarke adds that taking a walk and getting some fresh air is always good for your health. But dress tight this time of year, she insists. The Mayo Clinic, a U.S. medical research center, says that exercise can temporarily relieve your stuffy nose by opening up your nasal passages.
REGULAR EXERCISE STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
However, not everyone agrees that going for a walk when sick will help.
“You just want to rest, sleep and stay warm. You should avoid contact with other people until you feel better,” Govind said. Regular exercise also strengthens your immune system over time, which can help you in the long run.
EATING CURY OPENS YOUR NOSE
Dr Clarke said: “Personally I think it works. I don’t know of any scientific basis for this, but eating spicy food does cheer you up a bit.” He explained that one reason might be that the spices irritate your airways, opening them up. It opens your nose and allows you to breathe easily, but Dr Clarke admits that experts aren’t 100 percent sure why it works.
REDUCES Cough and THROAT PAIN
Tests by leading cold researchers have found that eating a Madras can also help. The Center for Colds at Cardiff University found that spicy food helps you salivate and reduces your cough and sore throat symptoms.
DESTROYING VIRUSES
Ingredients like garlic and ginger, which are added to add extra flavor to dishes, are abundant in zinc, which can help fight rhinoviruses that cause many colds. Experts don’t think they’ll act right away, but they could potentially be helpful.
PREFER HOT DRINKS
Professor Ron Eccles of Cardiff University’s Cold Center and his team once studied the effects of consuming a comforting hot beverage on nasal congestion. A 2008 study in the journal Rhinology found that a warm beverage offered instant relief from a runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chills, and fatigue. But a room-temperature drink only relieved symptoms of runny nose, cough, and sneezing. Professor Eccles said: “Any hot and tasty beverage will relieve most cold symptoms, especially sore throat and cough.”
FOR LARGE QUANTITIES OF WARM LIQUID
He conducted a clinical trial testing the theory of hot blackcurrant liqueur helping to soothe a sore throat. But it doesn’t have to be hot currants, she said: “Any warm tasty liquid encourages salivation and mucus secretion and soothes an inflamed throat.” The theory on how a hot shower and the humidity in the air can help is that the steam in the hot drink softens and breaks up the mucus, making it easier to breathe. “You need to drink lots of fluids because it will keep your mucus membranes slippery. We encourage people to drink warm fluids as it can make you feel a little more comfortable,” Ms. Govind said.