Natural Ways for Older Adults to Find Relief from Cold Symptoms

There’s no cure for the common cold, which is actually caused by around 200 different viruses. However, during the time of year when more colds tend to occur, there are steps you can encourage your senior loved one to take to relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of a cold. If your loved one wants to avoid medications that may have unintended side effects like increased drowsiness, consider a few natural cold cures that are just as likely to provide symptom relief. 

Warm Salt Water

Mix a little salt and baking soda into an 8-ounce glass of warm water. The resulting concoction is squirted directly into the nostrils with a syringe to relieve congestion. Each nostril is treated with 2–3 squirts while the other nostril is gently closed. 

Hot Liquids 

Hot liquids like ginger tea and herbal tea with a little honey can prevent dehydration and relieve nasal congestion. There’s also research suggesting that common ingredients in chicken soup give the body’s immune system a natural boost. 

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Ginseng

Ginseng has long been hailed for its many health benefits. The popular herb is often consumed in supplement form. A Canadian study found that daily doses of ginseng reduced the severity and duration of cold symptoms. 

Vitamin C

From a tall glass of orange juice to supplements, there are many ways to get an added dose of vitamin C when early cold symptoms are first observed, which is when it tends to be most effective. Natural sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits and dark leafy green vegetables. 

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional senior home care. Pearland families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.

Garlic

Whether it’s raw or in supplement form, garlic has properties that can block enzymes responsible for viral infections like the common cold. Making some favorite recipes with garlic during cold and flu season can be equally beneficial. 

If your loved one has a full-blown cold, over-the-counter remedies like decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers can further ease more severe symptoms that aren’t likely to respond to natural remedies. It’s also important to watch for signs of pneumonia and other respiratory ailments that sometimes develop from colds in seniors. 

Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Pearland, TX, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. If your loved one needs professional care, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (281) 809-7342 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.