The cold weather, the holidays, and stress are here—a perfect recipe for catching a cold. A minor cold, but one that leaves you drained, uncomfortable, and completely congested. How do you manage it to get better as quickly as possible?
1. Understand what you have: A cold is an upper respiratory tract infection (nose and throat) caused by a virus—several viruses can cause this infection, although it is usually a rhinovirus. Since it is a virus and not bacteria that causes the cold, taking antibiotics is not beneficial.
2- Managing symptoms: A virus, like those that cause the common cold, has to run its course, and to do so as comfortably as possible, it's important to manage the symptoms you experience. This can be done without medication.
- Fever: If we have a low-grade fever, it can be lowered with wet towels or a bath or shower with lukewarm water - not cold.
- Cough: There are natural cough syrups , but it's also important not to get chilled and not to be in an excessively dry environment. You can use a humidifier, or put a bowl of water under the radiator like grandmothers used to do.
- General discomfort: Rest and sleep. If we take painkillers to alleviate the discomfort, we won't give our body the rest it needs to recover. Drink plenty of water, and warm, comforting drinks and broths. I love this ginger infusion .
- Congestion: Dry air exacerbates congestion; use a humidifier if needed. You can take a hot shower or steam with a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil. You can also use an expectorant ointment or oil .
- Recovery: Rest and sleep, but also boost your immune system with healthy food, prebiotics , and probiotics . When I have a cold, I like to increase the amount of fermented foods I eat— miso broth is especially good.
- Prevention: And to prevent it from happening to you often, although it's normal to get two or three colds a year, wash your hands frequently, get enough sleep, and keep your immune system strong .
In these times when it seems we can never stop, it's important to give ourselves time to recover from illness, even if it's just a cold. Failing to do so can lead to more serious infections.
This content is for guidance only and based on personal experience, and in no case is it intended to replace the advice of a doctor or medical professional.