Getting rid of a cold: Simple dinner dish could make you 'feel better instantly'

A blocked or runny nose, sore throat, a cough and a headache are just a few of the symptoms that come on gradually when you have the common cold.

While unpleasant, you can often treat a cold yourself with plenty of rest, sleep and by staying hydrated with plenty of water.

While warming home-made chicken soup and foods high in vitamin C are often advised by nutrionists, a simple dinner dish could make you feel better.

So if you want to give your symptoms a boot try eating a curry for dinner.

Nutristionist Amanda Ursell has explained how hot spices can help your blocked nose.

"A cold is a good excuse for a spicy curry," she told The Sun.

Adding: "Hot spices, such as chillies, irritate the linings of your nose.

"This makes it easier to blow your nose and dislodge mucus. If you can clear it, you should feel better instantly."

And after dinner it might be worth having a steamy shower before getting your eight hours.

The medical website WebMD claims it could also help clear things up.

According to the Express.co.uk, it states: "A hot shower can help a cough by loosening secretions in the nose.

"This steamy strategy can help ease coughs not only from colds, but also from allergies."

The NHS suggests doing the following to get better more quickly:

Rest and sleep

Keep warm

Drink plenty of water (fruit juice or squash mixed with water is OK) to avoid dehydration

Gargle salt water to soothe a sore throat

However, if your symptoms do not improve, get worse or your concerned about them, you should see your GP.

Getting rid of a cold: Simple dinner dish could make you ‘feel better instantly’