Hot tea

If you can't sleep at night because you have a blocked nose, try a hot decaffeinated tea. Make a cup of hot herbal tea and add some honey and/or lemon. Hot liquids can help with soothing relief.

Menthol lozenges

Some people find that sucking a menthol lozenge is a remedy which causes a sensation of improved airflow due to a cooling sensation in the blocked nose.

Steam power

The power of steam may help. Simply hold your head over a bowl of very hot water e.g. over the base of a very hot chamomile tea and breathe through your nose. Breathe in slowly to avoid burning your nose. Steam helps to liquefy mucous and is a natural remedy to help relieve your blocked nose.

Try a humidifier

Dry air tends to irritate your nasal mucosa, so if the air inside your home is dry you can add moisture to your home with a humidifier. Remember to change the water in your humidifier each day, and clean the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Try some hot and spicy foods

Indian, Thai, or any food with added pepper or chillies are an alternative remedy which can sometimes help to open up your blocked nose.

Cranberry soup

Cranberry soup is a remedy which may help to soothe a cold, and is a good source of vitamins C and B.

1. Heat one cup of cranberries and two cups of water together until the cranberry skins open.
2. Strain, then add honey to taste.
3. Bring mixture close to a boil, then remove from heat.
4. In a separate bowl, mix one tablespoon potato starch with two tablespoons cold water.
5. Slowly add this mixture to the cranberry juice and stir vigorously.
6. Return the mixture to heat and bring to full boil, stirring until it thickens and becomes slightly transparent
7. Store in refrigerator in a covered container.
8. Serve with warm cream.

Drink lots of fluids

If you're feeling dehydrated, drink plenty of fluids. Water, fruit juice, herbal teas and clear broth can help replace any fluids you might have lost due to having a runny nose and sweating.

Hot fruit drink

A steaming mug of a hot fruit drink may help you through your cold. Lemon or citrus flavours are best and the drink should be drunk piping hot or at room temperature.

Chicken soup

Chicken soup is an age-old remedy for colds. It may have properties to help your immune system fight the cold.

Eat a balanced diet

You can help reduce the severity of a cold by eating a nutritious diet that is low in fat, high in fibre and includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Wash baby toys

To avoid spreading germs, wash your babies' toys with warm soapy water and rinse well.

Avoid sore noses

To avoid a sore nose use tissues impregnated with a soothing balm lotion. Also, try to blow your nose less often. Have a good blow straight away to clear away the debris, and you should have a longer time between blows.

Feed a cold

Try to eat nutrient-rich foods such as oranges, broccoli, tomatoes, salmon steak, sunflower seeds, milk and red meat as vitamins, minerals and trace elements are essential for the immune system.