Caught off guard by a cold? Here’s how to recover quickly 0 125

Allocate enough time for rest. Few people know that one of the most effective methods to improve your well-being and overcome a cold and cough is to sleep up to 12 hours a day. If you are sick, do not delay, take a day off, do not sit at the computer, do not strain your eyes. It is best to lie in bed, and if you really don’t want to sleep, listen to an audiobook or watch a light entertainment show. This way, you won’t overstrain your body, and it can direct all its energy towards destroying the virus. Moreover, you will take care of the health of your colleagues and friends, preventing them from getting infected.

Humidify the air. When suffering from colds and coughs, it will be much easier for you to breathe if the air in the room has optimal humidity. It is best to use special home devices for this purpose – humidifiers and air washers. If the design allows, add eucalyptus oil to the device. It will help you breathe easier.

Drink more. Thanks to fluids, the illness leaves your body faster, so try to consume warm water. In addition to it, you can also drink juices, herbal tea, vegetable broth, or clear chicken broth. It wouldn’t hurt to add honey and lemon to your water or tea (if, of course, you are not allergic). Avoid consuming coffee and alcohol, as they put excessive strain on the body and slow down recovery.

Eat healthy food. When you are sick, it is important to get the nutrients your body needs to heal itself. Good food, rich in vitamins and minerals, also boosts your immune system, which can help you fight off a cold. You can take dietary supplements to ensure you are getting the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals. Also, try to eat more soups, especially if they contain red pepper, ginger, or lemongrass – these components help alleviate symptoms.

Gargle with warm salt water. Salt water helps reduce swelling in the throat and makes coughing less likely. Add one teaspoon of sea salt (or table salt if you don’t have any other) to 180 milliliters of water. Stir to dissolve and perform the gargling procedure. Sea salt also provides various minerals that can be beneficial for the immune system – zinc, selenium, magnesium.

Use expectorant and medicinal herbs and/or essential oils. Some of them are taken internally, while others are meant for inhaling vapors, but they all share antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. Be sure to consult with a doctor if you are taking other medications, are pregnant, or are considering giving them to a child. Some herbs are quite easy to obtain, as they are sold in pharmacies:

Eucalyptus essential oil Anise essential oil Yarrow Linden flowers St. John’s wort Chamomile Sage St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), etc.

Inhale steam from herbal infusions. This old-fashioned method is still popular for a reason. Steam helps open nasal passages and soften mucus. You can use either dried herbs or essential oils to add to the water. Both options are effective and depend on your preferences and what you have on hand. Add the herbs to boiling water, remove after a couple of minutes. Cover your head with a large, clean cotton towel, close your eyes, and inhale the steam. Keep your face at least 30 cm away from the water. Breathe in through your nose and exhale through your mouth after a couple of seconds. The procedure should last about 10 minutes. You can do it no more than once every 2 hours.

Use specialized cold medications. They are very effective at alleviating symptoms. Effervescent tablets and powders will improve your well-being, reduce fever, nasal drops will clear nasal passages, allowing you to breathe easily, and throat tablets will eliminate pain to make swallowing easier. But before using them, consult with a doctor and read the instructions, learn about possible drug interactions. Follow the specialist's recommendations and the information in the medication instructions, and do not exceed the dosage.