No one likes how a cold makes the body feel. The body feels tired and listless. Congestion blocks the airways making it difficult to breathe. A drippy nose and incessant cough makes one very irritated. However, many people do not want to take strong drugs that may make one drowsy or have other side effects. People look to natural treatments for colds to feel better fast.
Tea
Hot liquids in general help to break up congestion. Ginger tea is particularly appealing since it not only contains antiviral compounds but tastes good as well. Ginger also contains gingerols and shogaols that reduce fever and pain, according to Holistic Online (see References below). Peppermint tea also treats the cold by reducing aches and inflammation.
Steam
A hot steamy shower adds moisture to your airways and relaxes the body. If you cannot stand in the shower, sit on the side of the tub and inhale the steam. Make sure to cover up completely before opening the bathroom door since your pores will be open from the steam and you do not want to get chilled and make your cold worse.
Hot and Cold Packs
Make your own hot pack by dampening a washcloth and putting it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Touch the washcloth to your wrist; it should be warm not burning hot. Apply the hot pack around your nose. Make your own cold pack by using a small bag of frozen vegetables. Wrap a towel around the vegetable bag and apply this around your nose area. You can also buy hot and cold packs at any drug store. Either temperature may help relieve congested sinuses.
Lifestyle Changes
Make sure you blow your nose carefully when you have a cold. Take your index finger and hold one nostril shut while gently blowing the other nostril into a tissue. Now reverse and blow the other nostril. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands each time you blow your nose. Gargle using a solution of warm salt water. You cannot harm yourself by gargling too often. Instead of salt water, make a mixture using raspberry leaves or lemon juice. Steep raspberry leaves or lemon juice in hot water. Add a bit of honey after steeping. When the mixture cools down use this to gargle. Do not give honey to children under the age of one to avoid the risk of infant botulism (see References). Try sleeping with your head elevated since this allows your sinuses to drain. Get plenty of rest since this allows the body to use its natural defenses to attack the cold and conquer it.