How to Practically Cure a Cold in One Day

If you act quickly at the first symptoms of a cold, you stand a good chance of outrunning it.

Step 1: Take a decongestant or antihistamine Use a decongestant spray or a decongestant tablet. Cold viruses thrive in trapped mucus.
TIP: Act quickly at the first symptoms of a cold. These include a scratchy throat, runny nose, and sneezing.
Step 2: Use a mucus thinner Use over-the-counter mucus thinner to prevent nasal secretions from becoming trapped in your sinuses.
Step 3: Blow your nose gently Close one nostril and blow gently through the other side. Hard blowing forces fluids into your sinuses and can lead to an infection.
Step 4: Have some chicken soup Eat chicken soup. There is evidence that chicken soup might relieve inflammation contributing to cold symptoms.
Step 5: Apply warmth to your sinuses Drink a cup of tea or place a warm washcloth on your cheeks to force the microscopic hairs – cilia – in your nasal passage to pass mucus on.
Step 6: Call your doctor if symptoms persist Call your doctor if your symptoms have not improved after two weeks.
FACT: A study reported in the July 28, 2005 New England Journal of Medicine found echinacea to be ineffective in preventing a cold or easing its symptoms.