The best tips for soothing the common cold

Most adults have between two and four colds a year. And although the majority get over them in due course, when a common cold hits who isn't impatient to relieve the symptoms ASAP? Here are some tips for treating your cold and returning to normal fast.

The average grown-up catches two to four colds annually. In contrast, babies and preschoolers ages six to eight, catch up to 10 colds a year. Generally speaking, colds are more common and less dangerous than influenza, although they aren't without risk.

• A cold usually runs its course in about seven to 10 days.
• Symptoms usually include an overabundance of mucus in the nose, mouth and throat; runny nose, and feeling congested in the head.

Unless you're already suffering from a chronic lung condition, such as asthma, complications are usually rare. Most people with an otherwise healthy immune system can fight off a common cold.

• Pre-existing health issues in a person may cause a cold to turn into pneumonia, otitis (inflammation of the ear), bronchitis or pharyngitis, among other conditions.

Although you may already know about these remedies, a reminder never hurts.

Get rest
Stay in bed all day for at least one day, and if possible, for two consecutive days.

• You will avoid contaminating others and will relieve the severity of your symptoms (but not necessarily the duration of the cold).

Apply heat
Heat and humidity are your friend.

• Herbal tea with lemon, lots of blankets and pyjamas will keep you warm.
• Running a humidifier in your bedroom at night will make you more comfortable.

Stay hydrated
Drink up! Keep a glass of water on the bedside table at night.

• Viruses cannot withstand moisture and humidity.

Try over-the-counter medications
Pharmacists recommend certain syrups and tablet decongestants, cough suppressants and expectorants to help alleviate the symptoms.

• Acetaminophen can help soothe sinus pressure due to congestion.
• Don't overdo the use of non-prescription medications. If used too long, they can actually do harm. Ask your pharmacist about the correct dosages if you're unsure.

Seek comfort
Apply eucalyptus ointment to your throat and wrap it in a towel overnight. This will calm your cough and ease nasal congestion.

• The eucalyptus smell is also found to be soothing by many people.

Have some soup
Soup made with leek seems to work wonders on cold symptoms, soothing sore throat irritation.

Breathe in some steam
Relieve nasal congestion by infusing steam with fresh thyme and eucalyptus essential oil (two or three drops).

• In a bowl – not over a steaming kettle – add several drops of the oil to boiling water; place your face over the bowl and drape a towel over your head to retain the steam, breathe over it for 10 minutes.

Use a nasal rinse
Drinking warm chicken broth along with using a saline nose solution is a helpful decongestant.

Gargle with warm water
To soothe a sore throat, gargle very warm (not boiling) water seasoned with salt and turmeric.

• Use one teaspoon of each. Repeat twice a day, 30 minutes before eating or drinking.

Drink warm tea
Warm water infused with ginger, lemon, honey and garlic is another effective relief for an irritated throat.

• Crush garlic with a press or a spoon; let stand for 15 minutes (to activate its medicinal properties); add a few slices of fresh ginger, a teaspoon of honey and a slice of lemon. Drink and enjoy.