Helpful Home Remedies for Colds

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

ROCHESTER, Minn. — What are the best remedies for a nasty cold? The November issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter offers suggestions to ease the misery:

Fluids: Drink plenty of liquids. Water, juice, clear broth or warm water with lemon juice and honey can help loosen congestion.

Saltwater gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can relieve a sore or scratchy throat. Dissolve ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of water.

Nasal decongestants: Use of these products, such as Afrin or 4-Way, should be limited to no more than three consecutive days. Longer use can cause a "rebound effect" where symptoms worsen when the medication is stopped.

Saline nasal drops and sprays: These nonprescription products help combat stuffiness and congestion. Unlike nasal decongestants, there is no rebound effect.

Chicken soup: Yes, really. The soothing qualities of a steaming bowl of soup may be due to possible mucus-thinning and anti-inflammatory effects.

Don't bother asking a doctor for an antibiotic to treat a cold. Antibiotics destroy bacteria but don't work for cold viruses, and no convincing evidence has shown that zinc improves cold symptoms. Nasal sprays and gels with zinc have been associated with a permanent loss of smell.

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call 800-333-9037 (toll-free), extension 9771, or visit Mayo Clinic Health Letter Online.

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