What's the best way to get rid of a cold?

Question

I have a horrible cold, and I know there's no cure, but was wondering what you guys thought was best to relieve the symptons (bunged up nose, sore throat, snot!).

Thanks!

Answer 1

My advice is to pick out the symptom which is causing you the most distress/discomfort (ie. sore throat, headache, whatever) and target reducing that pain as best you can. I find a sore throat usually spoils my day more than anything else so if that's the case, get some Tyrozets (throat pastilles that anaesthetize your throat) or other anaesthetic throat medicine that appeals to your particular taste - this should decrease that pain to some extent and as anaesthetic can numb specific areas of pain, at least you'll know you should not be feeling that pain as much of the time. If its a headache that is most painful, stick to medical advice but take the maximum healthy dose of a painkilling drug (ibuprofen, paracetemol, asprin etc) that suits you, as recommended by the medical advice BUT no more than this.
The old saying "starve a fever, feed a cold" has some truth in it: colds zap your energy levels and you need your energy to fight the germs; so, best thing is to use as little energy as possible (ie. moving around, going to work etc. best avoided if possible). Stay in comfort at home or if sunny, get some of the sun's rays on you to energise your bones.. and basically eat plenty of nutritious energy giving food and some of (I would personally have as much of what I fancy as I like but then I also like healthy food) what you fancy (chocolate, crisps, whatever). The aim is to realise your energy levels and strength are under par, so to try bring them up for the short term strongly - try not to worry bout the calories just now, unless you have a reason to.
Finally, think about using foods which are particularly good at combatting dirty coldy germs: I find some foods naturally give you a lift because they are so healthy: vitamin c is associated with maintaining a healthy immune system and there is no harm in taking a larger than advertised dose to combat cold - I personally take a third of a teaspoon every half hour with water (powder available from health shops eg holland & barrett behind counter) when I'm at my weakest but watch how your body is reacting because it will make you visit the bathroom a bit more often and there is a point when its having no greater effect to flood yourself with vitamin c. Another wonderful food is broccoli: it oxidises your blood and cleans your insides.. and you feel healthier just for eating a bowl of it (preferably steamed but boiled for five mins so not too limp is fine too). Oranges are also good for circulation and the vit c is there again. Grapes, fruit, veg on the whole will help your body and in this respect its a good idea to have what you feel like of these, even if its health giving properties may be less than something you don't feel like.
Lastly, I can personally say that I have managed to kill colds and such germy terrors with a session in the pub or a bit of booze to please your palate at home. I can't advocate this very strongly for other health reasons and because there is no official evidence to my knowledge to back this up. But if you know your body well enough to feel happy to do this then that is a choice which might appeal to those who just want to get rid of the bloody cold ASAP..
NOTE: this is a personal account of what I have found helpful in fighting the cold. there is as they say no real cure but I know my body and have found some of these things to work more than occasionally. When taking medicines and alcohol, the official advice is always there to be adhered to and ignoring these instructions is not advisable.
Good luck in fighting those germs!

Answer 2

The best thing to do is to allow a cold to run its course. Any medication will only suppress it for a few days and it will return with renewed vigour. If your nose is blocked, try to inhale slightly hot but bearable steam to clear up the sinuses. Drinking juices with Vit C and avaoind ice-cold food and drinks also helps.

Answer 3

Honey and lemon in warm water for your throat, put your head over hot water with eucolyptis oil in it for your breathing. When you go to bed use karvol capsules on your pillow. The herb echinacea will help you fight the virus, and can shorten the length of your cold.

Answer 4

Thera Flu.. I have tried everything, and that is the wonder cure. It tastes bad. so we squeeze a lemon in it, and then force ourselves to drink it all up, but it does wonders. Helps you get to the end of the cold. YOu will sleep alot, but it works soooo good.

Answer 5

How singers get rid of it...(I use these tricks)

VITAMIN C IS YOUR FRIEND.

Take one big cold cup of Airborne a day (pills that fizz in water)

Three-go nuts and drink LOTS OF WATER. 9 glasses of water in one hour works miracles. BUT MAKE SURE YOUR HOME.

No chocolate or sugar, eat healthy

blow your nose as much as possible

and sleep right

good luck

Answer 6

take cold eaze at the first sign of a sore throat.eachineicea and zink seem to cut my colds in half. if i take it as soon as i get a tingling of a sore throat,the next morning i am usu ally fine,and have cut the cold off at the pass.

Answer 7

inhale with some eucaleptous oil.

Drink vodka with pepper.

Gaggle with warm salt water

Answer 8

to wear warm over coat or sit in a heated room and wait for summer

Answer 9

Make a hot tottie

Answer 10

Sweat it out!

It is probly the easiest way without taking medicine.

oh and if ur a smoker...then smoke a few....thatl help clear ur throat...even though its a bad habit...