Colds

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COLDS

A cold is collection of symptoms caused by any one of 200 or more different viruses. Since no one has the time to just be sick for a day or two these days, the makers of cold remedies promise us instant relief. More than 800 over-the-counter cold remediescompete for a slice of the multimillion dollar cold remedy industry. But no matter what you take, cold symptoms won't vanish instantly.

Gargle for a sore throat

A pinch of salt-a quarter teaspoon-in a cup of warm water makes a good gargle for relieving throat pain. Warm liquids and salt can help shrink and dry mucous membranes.

Get steamed

Turn on the shower full force with hot water, close your bathroom door, and sit on the closed toilet seat for 15 minutes. Breathing the stem will shrink the swollen mucous membrances in your upper respiratory tract and promote drainage.

Slather on a metholated rub

Rubbing your chest with an aromatic preparation like Vicks can make you feel better and less congested. Research shows that it works.

Beef up your C intake

Vitamin C can decrease the duration of a cold. It may help counter congestion, runny nose and watery eyes triggered by substances known as histamines induced by the cold viruses.

Suck on a zinc lozenge

Zinc is an important co-factor- a facilitator of sorts- for dozens of the metabolic reactions. Zinc lozenges, used according to package directions, may help when you have a cold.

Choose the right herbal tea

Different herbal teas have different soothing properties. try mint tea if your cold comes with an upset stomach; anise tea is good for colds.

Have some chicken soup

Chicken soup is a wonderful symbol of nurturing and studies suggest that nurturing can promote healing.