4 home remedies that can help ease cold symptoms

The common cold is a viral infection that can be spread by direct contact with someone who has a cold. It can also be transferred from one person to another by way of tiny air droplets released through a sneeze, cough, or by someone blowing their nose. Cold viruses can live on surfaces for several hours, too; you can become ill by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

Typical symptoms of a cold include runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and headache. Symptoms usually last for three to seven days, up to two weeks. 

Simply put, aside from giving you an excuse to binge-watch your favorite TV shows, catching a cold stinks.

The good news is that keeping up on your overall hygiene, including washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds each time, can help prevent the spread of germs. So can wearing a medical mask over your mouth and nose, much as you would to help prevent COVID-19.

Although there is no proven cure for a cold, there are ways to get some relief. Here are four remedies worth trying.

A humidifier won’t get rid of your cold, but if you have a stuffy nose, it might make it easier for you to breathe. It does this by helping to keep the mucous membranes in the lining of your nose moist. Try to maintain your room’s humidity somewhere between 30 and 50 percent.

Take note, however: Although a humidifier can be a useful tool to generate moisture, it can also spread germs and mold through the air if you don’t rinse and scrub it with dish soap and warm water frequently. Keeping your humidifier clean is especially important for people with allergies or asthma.

Taking a hot shower may help temporarily, too, thanks to the humidity it generates within a closed space.

When mucus drips into the back of your throat (also called postnasal drip), you may end up with a sore throat, but gargling with salt water may provide temporary relief. Try mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of table salt into 4 to 8 ounces of warm water, and then gargle. While it won’t cure the underlying infection, it’s not likely to be harmful.

Although staying hydrated doesn’t reduce the duration of cold symptoms, it may ease them. Drinking plenty of water can loosen congestion in the throat and maintain your balance of bodily fluids. Maintaining proper hydration can help especially if you feel a fever coming on: Any time you’re sweating out your liquids, it’s important to replenish them. In addition to water, drinking warm beverages such as tea or soup can help relieve congestion.

Always talk to your healthcare provider (HCP) about how much water is right for you. Individual needs vary depending on your activity level, the weather, environmental conditions, and medications you may be taking.

Unfortunately, there’s no medication proven to cure the common cold. Sometimes, however, nasal decongestant or antihistamine medicines may help a runny nose and sneezing. Some pain relievers can ease discomfort associated with a headache or sore throat, as well, and certain cough suppressant medications could help control short-term coughing.

It’s important to find what works for you. Carefully read product labels and only take medications as directed. Speak with your HCP if you have any concerns about specific drugs. Also reach out to your HCP if your cold symptoms don’t improve or worsen after three to five days.