{"id":40864,"date":"2021-09-14T09:30:47","date_gmt":"2021-09-14T13:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=40864"},"modified":"2025-11-04T19:41:51","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T00:41:51","slug":"how-to-treat-a-cold","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-treat-a-cold\/","title":{"rendered":"17 home remedies for the common cold"},"content":{"rendered":"

A cold can sneak up on you at any time of the year, and when it does, you\u2019ll want to attack it head-on with the right remedies. Even though most people recover from the common cold in about seven to 10 days, reducing symptom severity is key to staying comfortable while the virus runs its course.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’re experiencing a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, coughing, body aches, stuffy nose, or scratchy throat, you might be wondering what you can do to start feeling better right away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The good news? There are plenty of cold remedies like an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant nasal spray, neti pot, or a humidifier that can provide immediate relief and kickstart the healing process. Plus, it\u2019s easy to add several of these remedies to an overall wellness routine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here, we take a deep dive into how to treat a cold, remedies you can try at home\u2014including 18 natural cold remedies and four over-the-counter and prescription medication treatments\u2014and when to see a healthcare provider for cold symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

17 home remedies for cold symptoms\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Several respiratory viruses, including rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, and human parainfluenza virus, cause the common cold. In most people, a cold will run its course in about a week to 10 days. If you\u2019re immunocompromised, have allergies, or asthma, a cold can develop into <\/span>pneumonia<\/span><\/a> or bronchitis. Getting plenty of rest and staying well-hydrated are the best ways to recover \u2013 there is no cure for the common cold. But if you\u2019re dealing with a cold virus, consider trying one or more of the following home remedies to make your symptoms more bearable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Drink plenty of fluids\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cStaying well-hydrated helps thin out mucus and makes it easier to clear nasal congestion or cough up sputum,\u201d says <\/span>Julia Blank, MD<\/span><\/a>, family medicine physician at Santa Monica Family Physicians in California. She recommends water, juice, tea, or broth, but make sure you avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Use a cool-mist humidifier<\/span><\/h3>\n

Another useful remedy is to moisturize the air with a cool-mist humidifier, which can clear nasal passages and help loosen congestion, says Dr. Blank. Whenever possible, use distilled water instead of tap water, set the <\/span>unit to 30% to 50% humidity<\/span><\/a>, and always follow the directions that come with the unit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Eat chicken noodle soup\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Chicken noodle soup might be good for the soul, but it\u2019s also an excellent home remedy for a cold. \u201cChicken soup helps with hydration, the warm fluid can help soothe a sore throat, and cysteine\u2014an amino acid in chicken soup\u2014may help thin mucus and ease congestion,\u201d explains Dr. Blank.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Ramp up your rest\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Getting <\/span>plenty of rest <\/span><\/a>when you\u2019re sick is important for your immune system to be able to fight off cold viruses. Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night and take naps during the day. Kids need nine to 12 hours, and teens should get eight to 10 hours each night.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Soothe a sore throat with lozenges\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

To help temporarily soothe a sore throat, Dr. Blank recommends throat lozenges. \u201cMenthol lozenges can temporarily clear nasal passages and soothe a sore throat.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Gargle with salt water\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re dealing with a sore and scratchy throat, consider gargling with salt water. Dr. Blank says this old-school home remedy can help relieve throat discomfort temporarily. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Take a drink, but do not swallow, and gargle in the back of your throat for 10 to 30 seconds. Spit it out when done.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Drink warm fluids\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cYou want to thin the mucus in the throat and nose, and warm fluids help do that,\u201d says <\/span>Payel Gupta, MD<\/span><\/a>, a triple board-certified doctor in pediatrics, allergy and immunology, and internal medicine. Plus, warm drinks are soothing. <\/span>Warm lemon water, clear broth, and warm tea are all good choices.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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