Smart Things That You Can Do If You Don’t Want to Take an OTC Cold Medicine

Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and constipation — these are the common side effects of OTC cold medications. When the common cold strikes, you don’t have to put up with various side effects just to attain relief from the condition’s really annoying symptoms. That’s because there are certain things that you may do other than popping a cold medication in your mouth to get rid of the symptoms as well as bounce back from it in no time. Here are some of the best:

- Advertisements -

Take 2 to 3 Cups of Ginger

Grate a small piece of fresh ginger root. Place it in a cup and pour hot water in it. Strain and add a teaspoon of honey after a few minutes, and then consume. Do this up to 3 times a day to clear your airway and attain relief from chest pain brought about by the common cold. Ginger tea works amazingly due to its unparalleled anti-inflammatory properties.

Consume Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar

No time to whip up ginger tea? Then combine 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of honey or lemon juice, and a cup of hot water. Slowly sip and repeat 2 to 3 more times throughout the day. Just like ginger, apple cider vinegar is capable of combating inflammation. It helps get rid of toxins in the body as well.

Serve Plenty of Vitamin C-Rich Foods on the Table

Everybody is aware that vitamin C supports the immune system. When bugged by a cold, what you need to have is a really strong immune system so that the body may fight off the virus behind the condition. Having top-notch immune system is also important for a speedy recovery as well as to reduce your risk of having a cold in the future. To toughen up your immune system, consume oranges, papayas, kiwis, dark green leafy vegetables and other vitamin C-rich foods.

Boost Your Intake of Vitamin D

- Advertisements -

Experts say that vitamin D is very good not only at combating the common cold, but also at reducing your chances of having it in the first place. That is why it’s a great idea to increase your intake of vitamin D whether or not you have a cold. Get plenty of sunshine. Include vitamin D-rich foods in your diet such as egg yolks, beef liver, mushrooms, fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, trout and halibut, and fortified cereals and orange juice.

Steer Clear of Sugar, Dairy and Gluten

While battling a cold, make sure that you do not consume anything that’s packed with sugar. You should also avoid dairy and foods that have gluten in them like wheat, barley and rye. All of these things promote inflammation, which means their consumption can aggravate the symptoms of the common cold.

Inhale Some Steam

Nothing can decongest your airway faster than steam! Simply put hot water in a large bowl, position your face several inches above it, place a towel over your head, and inhale your way to much-needed relief. Some people add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the hot water to really attain relief from the exasperating symptoms of a cold.

Stay Indoors and Get Plenty of Rest and Sleep

Last but not least, make sure that you stay in bed for several hours a day. Aside from the fact that this smart step can keep you from spreading the condition to your family and friends, resting and sleeping a lot allows your body to focus all of its resources to combating the virus currently wreaking havoc to your health. If you force yourself to live like you don’t have a cold, the problem will only stay around much longer than usual.

Are there other smart solutions to a cold that you swear by each and every time? Be generous and share them to the rest by commenting below.

 

- Advertisements -
Total
0
Shares
Previous Post

Make These Yummy Peanut Butter Cookies Using 3 Ingredients Only

Next Post

Really Simple DIY Herbal Feminine Wash

Related Posts
Total
0
Share