Mikki Kalish

Cold remedies are almost as common as the common cold, but are they effective? Nothing can cure a cold. But some remedies might help ease your symptoms and keep you from feeling so miserable. Here's a look at some common cold remedies and what's known about them.

If you catch a cold, these remedies might help you feel better:

Stay hydrated

Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which can make dehydration worse.

Rest

Soothe a sore throat. A saltwater gargle -- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water -- can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat. You can also try ice chips, sore throat sprays, lozenges or hard candy.

Combat stuffiness

Over-the-counter saline nasal drops and sprays can help relieve stuffiness and congestion.

Relieve pain.

For children 6 months or younger, give only acetaminophen. For children older than 6 months, give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Ask your child's doctor for the correct dose for your child's age and weight.

Adults can take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin.

Sip warm liquids

A cold remedy used in many cultures, taking in warm liquids, such as chicken soup, tea or warm apple juice, might be soothing and might ease congestion by increasing mucus flow.

Try honey

Honey may help coughs in adults and children who are older than age 1. Try it in hot tea.

 

 

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Health - 6 Remedies for Common Cold Symptoms