What to Drink When You Have a Cold

Feeling sniffly and bunged up? Staying hydrated is important when you are unwell, so read on to discover what to drink when you have a cold to help you feel better.

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Modern medical science is brilliant. But, let’s be honest, there are some areas where it has let us down. And one of those is the common cold. Every time autumn rolls around and the first colds start to make their way around the community, we’re all reminded of how annoying it is to be left susceptible to this everyday illness.

With no cure for the seasonal sniffles, most of us are used to just getting on with life and hoping we feel better before too long. However, the lack of a solid cure doesn’t mean you should entirely give up on the idea of improving your symptoms.

Taking care of your health is always important, and there are things you can do to speed up your recovery. Getting plenty of rest, supporting your immune system, and treating your symptoms at home can all help.

Another thing you should do when you have a cold is stay well-hydrated. Why? Well, one of the characteristics of colds is fluid loss. All those runny noses, sweaty brows, and leaking tear ducts can lead to dehydration if you aren’t drinking enough.

Staying properly hydrated also helps to thin the mucous that seems to take over your system when you are cold-ridden. If you are feeling congested, this can help by making it easier for your body to get rid of the excess mucous from your airways.

Drinking liquids may alleviate other cold symptoms too. Ice cold water or a cup of warm tea can feel lovely on a sore and inflamed throat, for example.

What to Drink When You Have a Cold

So, drinking enough is important when you feel ill, but what drink should you choose?

Water is always a great option, but not always the most attractive one. When you already feel like you have a river running out of various parts of your head, a glass of water isn’t the first thing you crave.

For many of us, the most appealing choice is a hot beverage. Not only can the warmth help to relieve some of the symptoms, but it is also very comforting to cuddle up with a soothing cup of something hot.

If black tea or coffee are your usual tipple, you may want to switch things up while you are feeling under the weather. It’s important to get enough rest when you are sick, but the caffeine in these drinks can interfere with sleep. Keep these to first thing in the morning and opt for a decaff hot drink for the rest of the day.

If you choose a herbal tea, you might even give your immune system a bit of a boost along with the other benefits staying hydrated. Popular options include ginger, elderberry, echinacea, and liquorice.

Other herbal teas contain ingredients that help to ease your symptoms. Thyme is great for a cough, for example, while slippery elm and marshmallow root help to soothe a sore throat.

If your cold is accompanied by a headache, try willow bark or feverfew. And if you are struggling with congestion, eucalyptus is a great choice.

For an additional boost of soothing comfort, try dissolving a teaspoonful of honey into your preferred herbal tea blend. Honey doesn’t just add a burst of sweetness to your tea – it also has antimicrobial properties and can help to soothe sore throats and coughs too.