by Priscilla Benfield

Created on: January 22, 2012

Go to your local drug store and you will find dozens of over-the-counter products that promise to reduce the duration of your cold. The truth is that most cold medicines seem to delay the symptoms of the common cold or leave you feeling drowsy. The best common cold treatments are the old-fashioned ones.

Chicken soup

The steam from a hot bowl of chicken soup helps to relieve the pressure in your sinuses and also soothes a sore throat. A nice homemade bowl of chicken soup does help these common cold symptoms and also helps to make you feel soothed emotionally. It is kind of like a warm hug from mom. A bowl of chicken soup is also a good common cold treatment because it is easy to eat and often you can lose your appetite when you are not feeling well.

Vicks Vapor rub

An old-fashioned fix for the congestion that accompanies the common cold, Vicks vapor rub is now available in a cream instead of the greasy rub that you remember from your childhood. A dab under your nose will help you breathe better at night. Another good common cold treatment from Vicks is a packet that you put into a little machine that fills the air with the aroma of Vicks. This really helps you to sleep when you are congested.

Water

Flushing out your system by drinking lots of water is a good common cold treatment. Tea is also another good common cold treatment. Add some honey to your tea and it will help to soothe the sore or itchy throat that you get with the common cold.

Sweat it out

Sometimes body aches and chills come along with the common cold. Bundle up and sweat it out. It does help. If you feel super congested, sitting in the bathroom with a hot steamy shower going is a quick fix to open up your sinuses.

Fever reducer

You might get a low-grade fever with the common cold. Use a fever reducer which will also help you to get rid of the body aches that come along with the common cold.

Rest

If you try and push yourself through the symptoms of a common cold you may wind up wearing yourself out. Listen to your body and rest. Your cold will not last as long if you get to bed a little earlier or take it easy when you can.

Dress in layers

If you must go to work or leave home when you are suffering with the common cold, wear layers. Feeling hot or cold when you have the common cold is normal and if you are prepared for both you will be more comfortable.

Zinc tablets or lozenges

At the first signs of a cold, start taking zinc lozenges. For many people they will slow down the symptoms and even shorten your cold. This doesn't work for everyone but it is worth a try. There are other homeopathic products on the market that promise to do the same. Again, everyone is different and read packages carefully to make sure that these products won't conflict with any current medications or conditions you may have.

Vitamin C

Some people also claim that taking extra Vitamin C shortens their colds. The medical community differs on this subject but many feel that because taking extra Vitamin C flushes your system it may help to reduce the length of your cold.

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