How to Banish a Summer Cold

A cold is a pain at any time of year, but even more so during the summer months when the sun is shining and you would rather be out swimming or camping than stuck indoors with a bowl of chicken soup and a box of tissues. What can you do to banish a summer cold?

Drink Plenty of Water

It is important to drink plenty of water when you have a summer cold, in order to replace lost fluids. Keep a water bottle or a jug nearby and continually refill it, even if you do not feel particularly thirsty. Water will help flush out your system, soothe a dry, sore throat and speed your recovery. Add a spritz of lemon, lime or grapefruit juice to water to help improve the taste if you do not like plain water.

Use Lemon and Honey to Soothe a Sore Throat

Lemon and honey are often added to medicated sweets, syrups and other cold remedies, and with good reason, as these products provide relief to symptoms and can help banish a cold at any time of year. Raid your pantry for lemon and honey and add them to a cup of tea, soups, broths and even milkshakes. Adjust just the amount to suit your personal preference. If you are not keen on lemon juice, mask the taste with extra honey, or vice versa.

Take a Siesta

A siesta can help rejuvenate you during a hot summer's day. When you are suffering the effects of a summer cold, a siesta can also help replenish flagging energy levels. Try to get as much rest as possible when you have a summer cold. If you are having trouble sleeping during the night due to a stuffed up nose and congestion, set aside 30 minutes or so each day for a relaxing, refreshing siesta.

A summer cold should not keep you laid low for long if you take steps to banish it early on. When you start to feel a summer cold take hold, reach for the water bottle. Drink plenty of fluids, as doing so with help soothe your symptoms and speed your recovery. Lemon and honey are age old remedies that can help with a summer cold, so be sure to add them to tea, soups and broths. A siesta can help replenish flagging energy levels. Set aside some time each day to get some much-needed rest.