When it comes to fighting colds, our grandmothers seem to have an endless list of tips and tricks. From drinking hot tea with honey to wrapping up warm, it seems like every grandma has a secret recipe for staying healthy.

And while some of these tips might seem old-fashioned or outdated, science is now proving that many of them are actually grounded in truth.

Why do we get colds?

Colds are one of the most common illnesses in the world, affecting millions of people every year. They are caused by a virus that attacks the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat.

While there are many different types of viruses that can cause colds, the most common is the rhinovirus.

When you come into contact with the rhinovirus, it invades the cells in your nose and throat, causing inflammation and irritation.

As your body tries to fight off the virus, you may experience a range of symptoms, including a runny nose, congestion, sore throat, cough, and fever.

Grandma’s cold-fighting tips

While there is no cure for the common cold, there are many things you can do to help reduce your symptoms and speed up your recovery.

And many of these tips are things that our grandmothers have been telling us for years! Here are some of the most common grandma-approved cold-fighting tips:.

1. Drink hot tea with honey

Drinking hot tea with honey is a classic cold-fighting remedy.

The steam from the tea can help to loosen up congestion in your nose and throat, while the honey has natural antibacterial properties that can help to soothe a sore throat and boost your immune system.

2. Eat chicken soup

Chicken soup has long been hailed as a miracle cure for colds. And while it might not be a cure-all, there is some scientific evidence to suggest that it can help to reduce inflammation in the body and improve immune function.

3. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is important when you have a cold. It can help to thin mucus in your nose and throat, making it easier to cough up or blow out. And it can also help to flush out toxins and waste products that build up in your body when you are sick.

4. Rest and relax

When you are sick, your body needs time to rest and heal. So try to avoid overexerting yourself and take time to relax, whether that means taking a nap, reading a book, or watching your favorite show.

5. Use a humidifier

Using a humidifier in your bedroom can help to keep the air moist, which can soothe a dry throat and ease congestion. And it can also help to prevent your nasal passages from drying out, which can make it harder to breathe.

6. Gargle with salt water

Gargling with salt water can help to soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation. The salt helps to draw excess fluid out of the tissues, which can help to relieve pain and discomfort.

7. Take a hot shower

Taking a hot shower can help to loosen up congestion and ease your breathing. And if you add some eucalyptus oil to the shower, it can also help to open up your airways and clear out mucus.

8. Use a nasal saline rinse

Using a saline nasal rinse can help to flush out mucus and debris from your nose and sinuses. And it can also help to moisturize the nasal passages, which can soothe irritation and reduce inflammation.

9. Get plenty of vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in immune function. Many studies have shown that taking high doses of vitamin C can help to reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms.

So make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C, like oranges, kiwis, and bell peppers.

10. Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system. When you are sleep-deprived, your body produces fewer antibodies that are needed to fight off infections.

So try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night to keep your immune system in top shape.

The science behind grandma’s tips

While some of these tips might seem like old-fashioned folklore, science is now proving that many of them are actually effective at fighting colds. Here’s a look at some of the scientific evidence behind grandma’s cold-fighting tips:.

Hot tea with honey

Drinking hot tea with honey can help to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that honey was more effective than dextromethorphan, a common cough suppressant, at reducing coughing in children with colds.

Chicken soup

Chicken soup has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce swelling and inflammation in the body.

A study published in the journal Chest found that chicken soup was effective at reducing inflammation in the upper respiratory tract and improving symptoms of a cold.

Humidifiers

Using a humidifier can help to keep the air moist, which can soothe a dry throat and ease congestion. A review of several studies found that using a humidifier can help to reduce cold symptoms, including coughing and congestion.

Vitamin C

Studies have shown that taking high doses of vitamin C can help to reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms.

A review of several studies found that taking at least 200 mg of vitamin C per day can help to reduce the duration of a cold by about 8% in adults and 14% in children.

The bottom line

While there is no cure for the common cold, there are many things you can do to help reduce your symptoms and speed up your recovery.

And many of these tips are things that your grandmother might have told you to do! From drinking hot tea with honey to getting plenty of sleep, there are many simple and effective ways to fight off a cold. So the next time you feel a cold coming on, remember to take care of yourself and follow your grandma’s advice!.