Best thing I ever did to treat head cold nasal symptoms was to use a Neti pot ....luke warm filtered water/saline and a little Hydrogen peroxide mixed in. It was a little weird the first time I tried it, but once I was able to do it, it was a game changer.That, and gargling with some warm salt water.
I have been told that the cold virus likes to embed itself in the deep sinus mucosa where it can basically live long (and prosper) untouched. But the idea of the Neti pot is to dislodge the sludge and disinfect the tissue.
Also if you can get Manuka honey, specifically, it works very well to heal inflamed tissues. Mix a little with some WARM (hot kills the stuff in the honey) water with some lemon and no alcohol (same reason).
I've also heard that garlic and honey is a great "cure"...but can't quite bring myself to try it because it sounds disgusting.
And, lastly, a fresh pot of homemade slow cooker chicken soup (don't forget to leave the bones in while cooking so you get the bone broth.
In my experience alcohol never did anything good for anyone. It's basically addictive poison, in my opinion.