Colds usually creep up on us gradually and infection in the membranes surrounding the nose, throat and sinus areas causes a stuffed up nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing and a headache.

The best cure is to stay in a warm, well ventilated room. Eat as normal and increase fluids including hot drinks containing vitamin C, such as blackcurrant and lemon.

The common cold may be caused by any one of two hundred different viruses, so there is no medication to cure it. Relieving the symptoms is the best you can do until the infection passes.

Take decongestant tablets and a painkiller like paracetamol, or aspirin which will relieve headache and lower temperature.

Aromatherapy offers alternative methods of getting relief from these symptoms. Eucalyptus, peppermint, or camphor oil will clear the nose and head if they are inhaled. Place a few drops on a piece of cotton wool and leave it in a warm place so that the aroma fills the room for a quick way of inhaling essential oils.

Put a couple of drops onto a tissue and place inside the pillow case when you go to bed. (Put it into the pillow case so that it doesn't get onto your face and cause irritation.)

Alternatively pour a few drops of essential oil into a bowl of boiling water, place a towel over your head and the bowl and inhale. (Keep your eyes closed as you don't want essential oils to irritate the membranes.) Do this for about ten minutes but avoid inhalation like this if you are asthmatic.