7 Ways to Beat the Common Cold

Back Off When You Blow

"Blowing your nose too hard will drive mucus back into the sinuses," says Schachter. When you're sick, this pressure could send bacteria or viruses soaring deep into your sinus cavities, potentially leading to more serious infection, according to a study from the University of Virginia that examined CT scans of adults sneezing, coughing, and blowing their noses.

Your Rx: Blow gently, one nostril at a time. For another sinus-clearing technique that won't wake the neighbors, consider using a saline rinse or neti pot in the morning and at bedtime to wash away excess mucus and other residual nastiness.

Just a Spoonful of Honey

Drizzling honey into your tea when you're feeling ill may do more than soothe a sore throat. When compared with the main ingredient in cough suppressants, the sweet stuff was more effective at decreasing cough frequency and severity in a study of children up to age 18 from Penn State College of Medicine. The researchers attribute these results to honey's soothing properties as well as its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. (Note: Never give honey to a child who is under 1 year old.)

Your Rx: For relief, try two tablespoons of honey before bed, the amount given to the 18-year-olds in the study. While buckwheat honey was the type used in the study, those with allergies or asthma should avoid it due to its high level of pollen. Stick with the plain supermarket brand instead.

The Pillow Prop

Make gravity work in your favor to help ease nasal pressure. "Raising your head when congested helps to drain sinus passages," says Schachter. Using an additional pillow or two to lift your upper body can keep things moving in the right direction.

Your Rx: Prop yourself up before bed by adding at least one extra pillow to your normal setup. "Changing head position frequently also relieves congestion," adds Schachter. While you can't knowingly shift your head once you've fallen asleep, try to move around when you're just resting in bed to keep the congestion from settling in one place and backing up.

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