The common cold affects millions of people worldwide every single year. People find themselves with stuffy noses, sore throats, and body aches, finding their entire life disrupted.  In fact, the common cold can even be dangerous over a certain age. For people over the age of 80, a seemingly innocent cold could potentially lead to a trip to the hospital.  

While there is no one-size-fits-all miracle cure for a cold, there are ways to help alleviate your symptoms and shorten the life of a cold. If you’ve got the sniffles and you’re ready to get back to feeling your healthy self, then here are some of the best tips for curing the common cold quickly.

Drink Plenty of Liquids

Never underestimate the power of water. Hydration is a critical part of battling a cold to the end. Fluids will help thin out the amount of mucus your body’s decreases, and also ease your sore throat.  Whether you drink fresh squeezed juice, or sip on a hot tea, staying hydrated throughout the day will help your cold run its course faster. However, make sure that you opt for caffeine free and non alcoholic beverages as they can increase dehydration.

Rest

Rest should be your number one priority when your immune system is down. Your body is doing its best to fight off this icky bug you’ve been affected with, and rest is the best way to make sure that you have the strength to do so. 

Listen to your body’s cues, and take the break it’s asking for. Take time off work if you can, and lay down. Even if you’re too ill to sleep, the simple act of laying down and allowing your muscles to rest is incredibly important.

Take Over the Counter Medication

Over the counter cold medications are helpful for alleviating irritating symptoms like a runny nose or a pesky cough. Yet, others are nothing more than a marketing scam. So, make sure that when you go you know exactly what to look for. There are all sorts of medications promising certain results, but in reality all you need is a good antihistamine, decongestant and cough suppressant.

Use Steam Therapy

Regardless of how much medicine you take, nothing compares to the power of steam. Steam therapy provides instant relief from sinus pressure, and releases dried up mucus from your sinuses and lungs. Steam therapy can be achieved either by using a clothing steamer at a safe distance from your face, or even going into the hot shower and breathing in the air.  Consider adding a few drops of essential oils that can enhance the effects even more, providing additional relief.