Runny nose? Suffering from cold? Poor you. But wait. Why is there that small freckle of anxiety? From now on, don’t let cold and flu pull you behind.

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Medicines can only give you temporary relief. So choose the natural way out to reduce your symptoms. Look out for the tips given below.

Treat with warm salt water

• Wash your blocked nose with warm salt water. It clears congestion and erases nasal viruses and bacteria.
• Make a mixture of salt, baking-soda and warm water. Spray the mixture into your nose using a nasal irrigation kit or a bulb syringe.
• Keep one nostril closed by applying light pressure with your finger and let the mixture drain do this twice or thrice and repeat the same with your other nostril.

Steamy showers can be soothing

When you are suffering from a cold and feeling dizzy, Run a steamy shower and take a sponge bath. It works wonders.

Use a mentholated salve

Place a small swab of mentholated salve under your nose. This helps in opening blocked nasal passages and healing the irritated nasal skin. Camphor, eucalyptus and menthol can be used. Remember that it is only for external use.

Use Steam

Taking steam clears your nose blockage. Hold your head over a tub of hot water and breathe in the steam carefully, so that you don’t burn your nose.

Avoid travelling

If you are having a cold, avoid travelling as the respiratory system gets stressed. If you are flying, congestion can damage your eardrums temporarily due to pressure changes while take-off and landing. But if you cannot avoid travelling, carry a decongestant.

Chewing gum can also help you to relieve pressure.

Gargling

Gargle with warm salt water 3 – 4 times in a day. You can also gargle with honey or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and honey.

Drink hot fluids

When you get a cold or a flu, drink plenty of hot fluids. It soothes and relieves your blocked nose and prevents dehydration.

Change your diet

Try to include infection-fighting ingredients in your diet namely mustard, bananas, bell peppers, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, onions etc. These help to make your immune system strong.

Avoid intake of spicy, oily and junk food, as, it increases irritation.

Use an extra pillow when you sleep

Place an extra pillow under your head, as raising your head, relieves congested nasal passages.

Exploring these remedies are already making you feel better. Keep these tips in your mind, when your body shows any symptoms of cold and flu.

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