Ah, the unwelcome arrival of a cold with that all too familiar sniffle, congestion and general discomfort. When a cold catches you off guard, all you wish for is a quick escape. But fret not; your kitchen might just hold the key to sending that cold packing overnight. In this article, we will explore how to get rid of a cold overnight with home remedies that are simple and natural. These solutions should help you get relief and get back to feeling your best in no time.
How to get rid of a cold overnight at home
If you are wondering how to get rid of a cold overnight with home remedies, we have you covered. Here are some easy-to-follow methods that might just work their magic.
- Stay hydrated: It’s the golden rule of wellness and applies here too. Sip on water, herbal teas, clear broths, and warm lemon water with honey. Staying hydrated helps keep your throat moist and aids in loosening mucus, making it easier to expel.
- Rest up: Your body is fighting a battle against the cold virus. Give it the ammunition it needs by getting enough rest. Curl up under the covers and let your body do its thing — healing and rejuvenating. Adequate rest also supports your immune system in fighting off the infection.
- Soothe your throat: A sore throat can become a pesky symptom of a cold. Gargling with lukewarm salt water provides relief. Dissolve half a tablespoon of salt in warm water and gargle for about 30 seconds. This simple remedy helps reduce inflammation and soothes that scratchy feeling.
- Battle congestion: If you’re dealing with a stuffy nose, try steam inhalation. Lean over a bowl of hot water, place a towel over your head and breath in the fumes. It’s like a mini sauna for your nose, helping clear congestion by loosening mucus and making it easier to breathe.
- Drink warm liquids: A cup of warm tea or chicken soup can work wonders. The steam and heat from the liquid can help soothe your airways, making it easier to breathe. Plus, the warmth can be comforting when you are feeling under the weather. Herbal teas like ginger and peppermint can also provide added benefits.
- Honey’s healing touch: Honey isn’t just a sweet treat; it’s a natural remedy for cold symptoms. Add a teaspoon of honey to warm milk or a cup of your favourite tea. Drink these warm beverages with honey to soothe your throat and ease coughing. Honey’s antimicrobial properties can help in fighting infections.
- Moisturise dry air: Dry air can worsen cold symptoms. Using a humidifier in your bedroom adds moisture to the air, preventing your throat from getting dry and easing congestion. A cool mist humidifier is particularly effective.
- Eucalyptus magic:Adding some drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water and inhaling the steam can provide relief from congestion. Eucalyptus oil contains compounds that can help you open your airways. If you don’t have eucalyptus oil, you can use peppermint or tea tree oil.
- Elevate your head: When you sleep, keep your head slightly elevated. This can help prevent mucus from pooling in your throat and causing discomfort.