

Ain’t it crazy that, with all of the science that’s floating around here, no one has been able to find a cure for the common cold (yet)? And since reportedly, a whopping one billion of us catch one every year and since they also have the potential to annoyingly run between 7-10 days, each and every time the virus happens to catch hold of one of us, and since most of us don’t have the luxury to just take off work whenever a cold comes our way, I thought it would be cool to do y’all a solid and share some tips that can help to cut, shoot, at least a couple of days off of the longevity of your cold, so that you can get to feeling like your old self again in no time.
1. Pour Some Peroxide into Your Ears
I’ll tell you what — while it’s annoying as all get out, on the rare occasions when I do feel a cold coming on, if I’m able to catch the first signature symptom quickly enough (for me, it’s a sore throat), I’m usually able to nip it in the bud by pouring half a cupful of hydrogen peroxide into each ear and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes (wait for the bubbling to stop). Apparently, what it does is kill bacteria and virus cell walls, so that they aren’t able to continue to grow. The key here is to go with a three percent grade. Again, I can’t think of too many things that are more irritating (sensation-wise) yet if you can bear it, it’s worth it. Oftentimes, I won’t even get a full-on cold when I do it. Real talk.
2. Suck on Some Zinc Lozenges
As far as the common cold goes, most of them are caused by a virus known as the rhinovirus. It makes you sick because, when it gets a hold of your upper respiratory system (throat and nasal passages), it tends to multiply and lead to cold symptoms. The reason why zinc can be beneficial in shortening the lifespan of a cold is there is data to support that it is beneficial when it comes to keeping the rhinovirus from thriving; it also can stop it from “putting roots down” into your nose and throat.
Since zinc is also beneficial when it comes to strengthening your immune system and reducing oxidative stress, it is an absolute must that you keep some zinc lozenges close by.
3. Up Your Vitamin C and D
Because Vitamin C is a top-tier antioxidant and antioxidants help to keep your immune system nice and strong, this is why it’s a “signature nutrient” for getting over a cold. However, it should go on record that there’s no point in “overdoing it” when it comes to Vitamin C because it only stores what it needs (the rest, you end up urinating out). However, you can never go wrong with having some citrus fruit, orange juice, or even some broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes when you’re sick. They all can help you to feel much better.
Speaking of vitamins, make sure to get some Vitamin D in there too. Again, while there is currently not a cure for the common cold, there are studies to support that upping your Vitamin D intake can reduce the longevity of the infection by 10-15 percent. Foods high in Vitamin D include salmon, tuna, egg yolks, mushrooms, and fortified cereals (watch the milk, though; that can “trigger” mucus production. A milk alternative is so much better).
4. Take Some Elderberry Syrup
Elderberries are dope because they are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins. They are especially high in Vitamin C which you already know can boost immunity and fiber which can help to detox your system. Elderberry also has a good reputation for helping your system to increase its white blood cell count. The reason why Black elderberry syrup makes the list of smart cold-fighting recommendations is that there are studies to support that it literally reduces the severity and length of the flu (some experts say that it can result in the flu lasting for no longer than four days). So, the next time you go to your local health store, make sure to cop some.
5. Cop a Saline Spray
Something that a lot of people don’t realize is, when they have a stuffy nose, the mucus isn’t the problem. Actually, mucus is a sign that your body is working overtime to keep viruses and bacteria from overtaking your body. The reason why mucus is such a pain when you’ve got a cold is that 1) your nasal passages are usually inflamed and 2) your mucus is oftentimes thicker due to the virus that has infected your system. A saline nasal spray can help with all of this because it works to wash out your nasal passages which can also shorten your cold’s “shelf life.” Saline sprays are easy to find at the local grocery or drug stores. It’s always a good idea to have one in your medicine cabinet. Just in case.
6. Apply Eucalyptus, Cedarwood and Basil Essential Oils
I’m a huge fan of essential oils and when I have a cold, I’m really all about them. Eucalyptus contains antiviral and antimicrobial properties that aggressively attack cold-related symptoms. Cedarwood works as an antifungal, antiseptic, and astringent that can thin out mucus and help you to feel calmer and more relaxed (so that you can sleep easier). Basil is cool because it helps to soothe your respiratory system.
You can either mix these up with a carrier oil like jojoba, grapeseed, sweet almond, avocado, or coconut and rub them on your chest or back, put them into a diffuser, or get a humidifier (which is also a huge win when it comes to fighting cold and the flu) that has a diffuser in it so that you can get the benefits of moisture and essential oils in the air as your work and/or rest. A list of some of the best humidifiers/diffusers is located here.
7. Digest Some Probiotics
Not too long ago, I wrote an article on here about the fact that 80 percent of our immune system is located in our gut (you can read more about it here). Since there are both good and bad bacteria in there, it’s important that the good bacteria far outweighs the bad. One way to make that happen is to eat foods that are high in probiotics (like fermented ones like pickled veggies) or to take a probiotic supplement.
As far as a cold goes, probiotics not only help to keep you from getting a cold to begin with, they also are great at reducing your cold-related symptoms and shortening how long your cold lasts. That’s why I enjoy drinking kefir (which basically like a 2.0 version of liquid yogurt). Whatever you decide to do, just make sure to keep some probiotics in your system on a regular basis. You’ll be really glad you did; especially during cold and flu season (which is now).
8. Eat Honey
I’m really starting to wonder if there’s anything honey can’t do. When it comes to healing a cold, it’s great at soothing a sore throat, suppressing a cough, and reducing symptoms that are directly related to an upper respiratory infection. Honey is also bomb because, if you’re struggling with catching some zzz’s while you’re sick, believe it or not, honey can provide more energy to your brain so that you can remain in a REM state of sleep for a longer period of time. Now, how cool is that?
9. Make Some Bone Broth
At the end of the day, bone broth is a broth that is made from animal bones and connective tissue. Since animal bones contain nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, that’s already a good reason to either purchase some or make a homemade batch from time to time.
When you have a cold, consuming bone broth is beneficial because the gelatin in it can make it easier for you to digest the foods that you are eating in order to get better. Plus, bone broth contains amino acids that fight inflammation (which is a part of the reason why you have a stuffy nose) and, since consuming lots of fluids is always a good idea when you’re sick, that’s another reason why it can be super helpful.
This brings me to my next point.
10. Drink Lots of Water
There are a few ways that drinking lots of water can make your cold shorter. It can help to thin out the mucus in your system. It can help to keep your mucous membranes well-lubricated. It can bring more oxygen to your blood. It can help to flush out the toxins that are bringing on your cold-related symptoms. If you’ve got a fever, it can help to lower it. And, because coughing can lead to dehydration, drinking water can prevent that from transpiring too. There’s no way around why you need to have some water on your nightstand. Make sure that you do.
12. Change Your Pillowcases Daily
I once read that when you sneeze, your germs can travel as much as 19-26 feet (what in the world?!). Now just imagine how much drama is happening with your bedding. Listen, it might be tedious to change your pillowcases on a daily basis while you’re sick yet the less that you’re rolling around in an abundance of germs, the greater your chances are of getting better quicker. So yeah, toss your pillowcases into your hamper every morning. It’ll be worth it in the long run.
12. Rest
Yeah. I won’t even get into the fact that a lot of people end up catching colds because they are so sleep deprived that their immune system was super weak, to begin with (check out “Ready To Try 10 Quick & Easy Immune-Boosting Hacks?”). What I will say is I make sure that I don’t get less than 6-8 hours (and oftentimes a nap too) a night. Then, I up it a couple of hours the week before my period and right when I feel a cold coming on. It’s one of the best ways to get my system ready for the “battle” that is about to transpire. You don’t have to take my word for it, though.
A lot of medical professionals recommend adding an hour of sleep to your sleep routine when you’re under the weather (assuming that you’re getting at least six hours in, to begin with). All of these tips won’t work, nearly as well, without applying this final one. If you really wanna get over your cold, rest is essential. Lots of it. OK, sis? Excellent.
Featured image by Getty Images
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
'When You Build It, They Can’t Tell You You Can’t Sit': DJ Miss Milan, Marsai Martin & More Talk Confidence
The Marie Claire Power Play Summit wasn’t just another branded panel event—it was an inspiring, sometimes emotional, and always honest look at what it really takes to rise, thrive, and stay at the top. From Olympians to entrepreneurs, artists to execs, the room was full of powerful women sharing the real stories behind their highlight reels. I walked away moved by their vulnerability, strength, and refusal to dim their light.
Here are some of my favorite takeaways from three standout panels featuring Jordan Chiles, Marsai Martin, and Kandi Burruss.
Leveling Up Your A-Game with Jordan Chiles, Morgan Shaw Parker, Chelsea Fishman, Laura Correnti, and Tabitha Turner-Wilkins
Jordan Chiles
Paras Griffin/ Getty Images for Power Play
Olympic gymnast Jordan may have medals and magazine covers to her name, but her mindset is refreshingly grounded. “The day I finally feel pressure,” she said, “will be the day I know there’s still more for me to learn.” For her, joy—not pressure—is the fuel. Her confidence isn’t performative; it’s rooted in family, self-worth, and authenticity.
“Everything I’ve done in my career—tattoos, long nails, rocking my crew at the Olympics—that’s all me. It’s not because someone told me to do it. It’s because I felt confident doing it. And that’s where my ambition comes from: being my authentic self.”
For Morgan Shaw Parker, President & COO of the Atlanta Dream, the conversation around pressure went even deeper. “Legacy work” is how she described her mission—navigating male-dominated spaces, sometimes pregnant and pumping on NFL team planes. “After COVID and George Floyd,” she shared, “it became clear to me: vulnerability is power. You don’t have to show up perfect to lead.”
Chelsea Fishman, founder of Atlanta's first bar dedicated to women’s sports, Jolene Jolene, shared how the haters (especially the Reddit kind) were her confirmation: “All those comments saying it would fail—those were the signs that I was doing something right.” She’s hosted 25+ watch parties already and is building the very community they said would never come.
This panel also touched on ambition, authenticity, and owning your power—both in sneakers and in suits. One of the best mic-drop moments came when the moderator flipped the question: “What if we stopped making ‘power’ a bad word for women?” A nod-worthy reminder that we’re not here to play small.
Making Your Voice Heard with Marsai Martin, Carol Martin, Miss Milan, and Heather McMahan
Marsai Martin
Paras Griffin/ Getty Images for Power Play
This panel was a masterclass in staying grounded while growing up—or glamming up—on the global stage. Actress and producer Marsai talked about what it’s like to show up in high-pressure moments when your confidence is low but the world is still watching. From red carpets to long shoot days, she reminded us that even when you’re not at 100%, you still find a way to push through.
“There have been days where I wasn’t feeling the best, but I still had to show up on this carpet. Or it was that time of the month, but I still had to go on set. I just didn’t feel as confident—but it’s about how you take care of yourself in those moments and still keep pushing.”
Her mom and business partner Carol Martin dropped gems about motherhood and mentorship: “It’s like teaching your kid to ride a bike over and over again. Now the bike is a movie or a brand.” That balance between guiding and letting go? Not easy—but essential when you’re raising a mogul and running a company.
“There have been days where I wasn’t feeling the best, but I still had to show up on this carpet. Or it was that time of the month, but I still had to go on set. I just didn’t feel as confident—but it’s about how you take care of yourself in those moments and still keep pushing.”
Miss Milan, Grammy Award-winning DJ and Doechii’s right-hand woman, lit the crowd up with her no-nonsense energy. “I built my own table,” she said. “When you build it, they can’t tell you you can’t sit.” From journaling her dreams to manifesting Grammys, her story is one of resilience and intention—and a whole lot of faith in her own vision.
This panel didn’t shy away from hard truths either: the sadness that can come with success, the fear of fading relevance, the criticism that hits differently when it’s personal. But Marsai said it best: know your why. And let it evolve with you.
The Cost of Starting Your Own Business with Kandi Burruss and Nikki Ogunnaike
Kandi Burruss
Carol Lee Rose/ Getty Images for Marie ClaireKandi doesn’t sugarcoat the grind. From chart-topping songwriter to multi-business entrepreneur, she’s built her empire one risk—and one reinvention—at a time.
“Fear equals failure. If you don’t even try, you’ve failed automatically —and you did it to yourself. I’d rather take a risk and lose money than play it safe and never know what could’ve happened.”
She broke down the real costs of entrepreneurship: money, time, and emotional bandwidth. “You think you’re going to work less when you work for yourself?” she laughed. “You’re going to work more.” For Kandi, mommy guilt and financial setbacks are part of the package—but so is the satisfaction of seeing an idea through.
She opened up about scaling back on her clothing store and temporarily closing the original Old Lady Gang location. “It felt like failure,” she admitted, “but sometimes you have to step back to make things better.” Still, she’s not one to quit. She just pivots—with precision.
One of her most memorable reflections? How her music career hiccup led her to songwriting—ultimately writing the mega-hit “No Scrubs.” That song became the key to a new lane and legacy. “You may think you’re working on one dream,” she said, “but it could open the door to another.”
Also? Kandi wants you to stop emailing her from a Gmail. “You’re doing million-dollar business on a bootleg budget,” she joked. “Invest in yourself. Start with a domain name!”
The Marie Claire Power Play Summit was a powerful reminder that ambition, authenticity, and vulnerability aren’t separate traits—they work in tandem. Whether you’re building a bar, a brand, or a business from scratch, the key is to stay rooted in your voice, your story, and your why.
And if you need a sign to go for it? Consider this your green light.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Paras Griffin/ Getty Images for Power Play