Common Cold

Diet

A simple diet of Chicken Soup. As the resulting comfort lasts only for around half an hour, keep consuming continually to maintain comfort level.

How it Works

Chicken contains an amino acid called cysteine, which is released when you make the soup. This amino acid is similar to the drug, acetylcysteine, which is prescribed by doctors to patients with bronchitis. It functions by thinning down mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough out. Chicken soup helps break up congestion and ease the flow of nasal secretions. It seems to inhibit the white blood cells that trigger the inflammatory response that causes sore throats and produces phlegm. Hot chicken vapors have been proven more effective than hot water vapors in clearing out the cold in your nose. To increase the effectiveness of chicken soup, add lots of hot and spicy ingredients, like cayenne pepper, fresh garlic and onions.

Other Recourses

Drink Juices Rich in Vitamin C

At least five glasses of Orange, tomato, grapefruit or pineapple juice daily. There should be an intake of at least 500 milligrams of vitamin C to reduce sneezes and coughs in cold sufferers. If that is not comfortable for you, try supplements within reasonable limits.

These Work

Drink tea made with a teaspoon of ground ginger in boiling water. Eating spicy hot foods also help loosen up the phlegm while watering your eyes! Ibuprofen may help in cases of headaches. Spraying (or drops of) saline water into the nostrils helps as a decongestant. Make sure your surroundings are 55% or more humid. Relaxation.

These Don't

Antihistamines do little to relieve a cold - they actually make you sleepy! Aspirin and Acetaminohen actually reduce the body's immunity. Dry atmosphere may lead to nosebleeds. Stress.