How to heal a cold fast.

I had a severe cold around the middle of December.

Every year, I play in the rain, sun and mud, and I catch colds only once or twice a year in either Feb and/or Dec, it has to do something with the winds changing direction.

This time, it was severe as usual, but the following helped me to get better sooner:

1. 

A small bite of ginger. The warmth soothes the throat.

2. Kashayam.

Grind black pepper, cumin and coriander seeds in equal measures (a half teaspoon should do), add sugar and boil in a cupful of water, and drink it slowly. Warms your throat and makes you better as it goes in. 

3.

For the dry throat that keeps you awake at night:

A bottle of water by the bed. Take small mouthfulls, and gargle before you swallow. The air bubbles moisten your air pipes, which doesnt happen when you just drink water.

4. 

Sleep with more pillows, so that your torso is raised, and you can breathe easily.

5. 

Loads of rest n sleep, to cure you sooner.

6.

Dress very warm, to break out the fever.

7. 

Use kerchiefs, as tissues might irritate your nose more. Change kerchiefs everyday. 

These tips helped me immensely, and I got better in less than a week.