Top 10 Ways to Naturally Heal a Head Cold at Home
The common cold – ahh, the bane of our existence during the colder months and early spring. If you’re one of the unlucky ones that have caught it, you know how frustrating it can be. The runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and fatigue can put a damper on your day-to-day life. But fear not, there are several natural remedies that can help alleviate your symptoms and get you back to your normal self. So, let’s dive in and take a look at 10 natural ways to heal a head cold at home that don’t involve running to the pharmacy:
- Drink plenty of fluids: When it comes to fighting a cold, staying hydrated is crucial. So grab a big glass of water, some warm tea, or clear broth, and sip away. Drinking more fluids helps wash out and cleanse your system to help you heal faster. Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine, which can dehydrate you and worsen your symptoms.
- Rest: As tempting as it may be to power through your day, your body needs rest to fight off the virus. So snuggle up in bed or on the couch and catch up on some much-needed sleep.
- Use a humidifier: The dry air can irritate your nasal passages and make it harder to breathe. That’s where the humidifier comes in. It’ll add moisture to the air and ease your congestion, making it easier for you to breathe. This could be especially helpful at night while you’re trying to sleep.
- Take a hot shower: Is there anything more soothing than a hot shower when you’re feeling under the weather? The steam from the shower can help clear your nasal passages and relieve congestion. Plus, it’ll help you relax and de-stress.
- Gargle with salt water: Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation. It’s not the most pleasant experience, but it can make a big difference in how you feel.
- Use a saline nasal spray: Saline nasal sprays can help moisturize and clear your nasal passages. You can buy a saline spray from a drugstore or make your own by mixing a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
- Drink herbal tea: There’s nothing quite like a hot cup of tea when you’re not feeling well. Try chamomile, peppermint, or ginger tea – all great options to soothe a sore throat and alleviate congestion. Add raw honey for an extra boost of antioxidants, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Eat foods with immune-boosting nutrients: Foods like garlic, ginger, spinach, red bell peppers, and citrus fruits contain immune-boosting nutrients that can help your body fight off the virus causing your head cold. So go ahead and load up on these tasty treats!
- Use essential oils: Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree oil can help relieve congestion and ease breathing. You can add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam or use a diffuser to spread the scent throughout the room. A small dab of peppermint oil rubbed on your temples can help alleviate an aching head (just do not get in in your eyes)!! Alternatively, you could rub peppermint oil in the palms of your hands, cup them together over your mouth and nose and breathe in the oils. This will help clear your nasal passage as well as help with the pressure and headache.
- Stay away from irritants: Last but not least, stay away from smoking, secondhand smoke, and other irritants that can make your symptoms worse. If possible stay inside for a few days to rest and avoid the winds and pollen that can worsen your symptoms. No one wants to feel worse than they already do, so take care to avoid these irritants.
- Bonus Tip – Ease facial pain with warm compresses: Applying warm moist heat may help soothe the sinus pain. Grab a washcloth and run it under hot water, apply it to your nose, cheeks, and eye area to ease the pressure and help clear the nasal passages from the outside.
In conclusion, a head cold can be a real pain in the butt. But with these natural remedies, you can alleviate your symptoms and get back to feeling like yourself again. So, make yourself a cup of tea, grab a good book, and rest up – you’ll be feeling better in no time. Just remember, if your symptoms persist or get worse, it’s always a good idea to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional. Stay healthy everybody!
