It’s the time of year where everyone has (or just had, or is about to have) the sniffles. For quite some time, people have been wondering just how the common cold can be eradicated. The only thing I’ve heard on the matter is that there is no actual cure. However, here are 5 natural home remedies that some swear by.

1. Drink Up!

Drinking plenty of fluids not only keeps the body hydrated (after all, the last thing you need when you are already feeling yucky, is to have the problem of dehydration) but helps to thin mucous. The thinner it is, the easier to expel it, and the more comfortable you will be. Eight to ten glasses a day is what is generally recommended.

2. Relax, Relate, Release

When your body is fighting the war against a cold, proper rest can go a long way. Colds don’t usually last forever, and our bodies just need a little time to "do their thing.” During the worst part of your cold, it probably isn’t best to be up and down doing a million and one things.

3. A Little Salt

Saline sprays to irrigate the nose can alleviate nasal congestion (reducing swelling and inflammation) and flush out the germs that have hunkered down in there. A saltwater gargle (about ¼ teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of water) is also helpful for a sore or painful throat, which usually accompanies a cold.

4. The Power of Steam

Whether with a room humidifier, a hot shower, or even your face over a bowl of hot water (and a towel over your head), steam has been used for ages to help with a stuffy nose. Steam can reduce congestion, thus making it easier for you to breath. (By the way, if you decide to use the ‘bowl of hot water’, be sure that the steam isn’t too hot, or it can cause burns! Sounds obvious, I know)

5. Prevention

Prevention is often better than a cure and in this case it’s simple, as well. Don’t underestimate the power of hand hygiene! You’d be mortified to see the grossness (Yes, "grossness”) that hitches a ride on the hands. Be sure to wash your hands often and well with soap and water. When I was in nursing school, I was taught to wash it long enough to sing the "ABC” song or "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Stars.” Sounds childish, I know, but if we don’t wash our hands long or vigorously enough, it’s nothing but a futile exercise. So, wash well. In between washing (if your hands aren’t visibly soiled), you can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, rubbing your hands together until they are dry. Just be sure that among the active ingredients, it lists ethyl alcohol, ethanol, isopropanol and the concentration is 60% or higher (if not, it isn’t going to do the job well).

Try to avoid touching your face too much, unless you’ve just washed your hands. The mucous membranes (i.e. nose, eyes) are a great highway for germs.

*As with any new treatment, medication, etc., you want to try, run it by your doctor first, and see what they have to say. They are familiar with you and your medical history, and can provide great advice as to how to take the best possible care of your body.*

Shari Grant is a Registered Nurse in South Florida, where she was raised in a (very!) Jamaican home. Some of the loves of her life are words (both reading and writing them) and missions work. She enjoys spending time with friends and family while living for a good laugh - one that makes her belly ache and her eyes water. Her bottom line goal in life is to make the Lord smile and maybe even serve Him up a chuckle from time to time, too.