The common cold is one of the most common and, possibly, irritating diseases around. While there are no cures for colds, there are plenty of remedies for treating the symptoms and easing the discomfort and misery. In general, when suffering from a cold, you should take plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and gargle with warm salt water. Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks. Herbal teas such as chamomile tea, on the other hand, help to ease the symptoms.
Home-made chicken soup is an age-old cure, or rather alleviator, for the symptoms of the common cold. Hot chicken soup, tomato soup, or any other fluid can do the trick for a blocked nose. A drop or two of eucalyptus oil works as an excellent decongestant, as does the humble onion. Simply cut and sniff an onion for a few minutes. Another simple and beneficial remedy is walking, or any exercise. Don't exert yourself too much, but a brisk walk for a few minutes will help clear your nose a bit. And while you need a lot of rest, avoid lying down for long periods. You've probably noticed that lying flat aggravates a blocked nose. Instead, sit back in a comfortable chair, or prop yourself up in bed. If you do need to lie down, make sure that your head is elevated.
answered by G M