5 Natural Ways to Make a Cold More Comfortable

The flu has been tossed back and forth in my house for the past month like a hot potato. I think at one point my poor dog even had it, alternating between lying on the couch and wandering listlessly around the floor. His eyes looked glassy and he seemed lethargic, just like I was throughout the whole of my infection. Then there was my husband, overcome day after day by sneezing attacks that threatened to claim his life.

All in all, it’s been an ugly living environment and unfortunately, my house wasn’t the only one afflicted.

Both of my parents also fell victim, and I talked to countless people who all complained of the same thing. One woman told me she finally gave in and went to the doctor only to be told it would take about four weeks to recover, and there wasn’t much she could do in the meantime besides rest.

...Yeah right.

Four weeks of rest?!

Wouldn't it be nice to take four weeks off from work for a cold?

Obviously, for most of us that's just not an option.

So, What Do The Rest of Us Do?

What, then, can you do when you’re gripped in the throes of a headache, runny nose and chills? How can you cope when your muscles ache, you have no appetite and your throat is raw from coughing?

It turns out some simple and natural remedies can actually help you down the road to recovery!

1. Enlist a Helper Buddy. One of the first places to start is with someone who can help you around the house. I don’t necessarily mean a professional cleaning person, but a friend or relative who’s willing to stop by and run the vacuum, wash dishes and fold laundry can instantly make you feel better. When I feel sick, the first worry I have is, “Who will clean the house?” My husband isn’t a candidate, because he doesn’t even know how to turn on the washing machine. So I always call my friend Sasha, who stops by after work and stays for just about an hour, long enough to tidy up so I don’t feel so stressed.

It’s amazing how a clean house can help you sleep at night!

2. Pick Up a Warm Compress. A warm compress on your forehead or nose can do wonders as well. This helps relieve the pain associated with nasal congestion, but I’ve found it’s also immensely calming.

3. Drink Chicken Noodle Soup. Another comfort when I’m sick is chicken noodle soup. I know it’s been said time and time again, but the health benefits of this tried and true food cannot be overlooked. There is lean protein in the chicken, vitamins and minerals in the herbs and vegetables and complex carbohydrates for energy in the noodles. Researchers further state the broth helps relieve congestion and soothe a sore throat.

4. Take a Hot Shower. If you’re up for it, a hot shower also eases nasal congestion and helps sore throat pain. You can indulge in a steamy shower multiple times daily or simply turn on the hot water and sit in the bathroom for several minutes, inhaling the steam. Drinking fluids is another simple remedy that will bring up the mucus of a productive cough and keep you from dehydrating.

5. Feed a Cold. Finally, just like the old wives’ tale, it turns out there are real benefits to feeding a cold. Researchers today suggest food can help you fight the flu and also make you feel better. In fact, your immune system needs proper nutrition to function properly, especially when you’re ailing. A 2002 study by Dutch researchers found that eating actually stimulates the type of immune response that destroys the viruses responsible for colds.

The only caveat is this: watch what you eat, because nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and decaffeinated tea are much better for your body than a thick slice of chocolate cake. Zinc is an especially important nutrient, and foods to choose when you’re sick include oatmeal topped with mixed berries; whole grain toast; mixed green salads; applesauce; sliced fruit; and whole wheat pasta topped with tomato sauce.

Of course, don’t forget your chicken noodle soup.

Trying these simple, natural  remedies for the flu might have you feeling better much more quickly than expensive over-the-counter drugs. Moreover, these remedies are safe and natural. So the next time the flu has you lying low, fight back with a caregiver, a steamy shower and sensible menu choices.

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