If you’ve been battling a cold or flu, the best natural remedies can help bring you relief from the discomfort and fever. Wash your hands frequently and stay hydrated. Not only will staying hydrated replace lost fluids, it will help loosen mucus. A good idea is to keep a glass of water next to your bed or in your car. A warm bath will also help you feel better. Lastly, if you’re dehydrated, try soaking a lollipop in a cup of hot water.

Home remedies

One of the simplest home remedies for a cold is a cup of hot chicken soup. The warm liquid helps soothe the sore throat and break up mucus. It can also help to brew a cup of tea with honey, lemon, and ginger root. Honey coats the throat and ginger has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This combination helps you feel better faster, and it will also help prevent further symptoms.

Herbal remedies

Herbal remedies for a cold are a common way to help you feel better faster and ward off illnesses. These remedies are effective in relieving cough and fever, and they can also help you fight the flu and other cold viruses. However, you should be aware that these remedies have not been studied by the Food and Drug Administration and may not work for everyone. It is important to always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking any herbal remedy.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most widely promoted natural remedies for a cold, but is it really an effective cure? This antioxidant vitamin plays a key role in maintaining the health of your bones, muscles, and blood vessels. It helps your body absorb iron and assists in the formation of collagen. Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables, but you can also take it as a dietary supplement. There are many vitamins containing vitamin C, including supplements and chewable tablets.

Ginger

The common ingredient in your kitchen can help you fight off a cold. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe sore throats. It also helps kill rhinoviruses, which cause colds. You can also drink ginger tea, which is especially beneficial during a cold winter day. Just remember to dilute it for children. It can be very strong, so drink it in small amounts. Ginger helps you feel better quickly.

Chicken soup

One of the first things you should do if you’re suffering from a cold is to take some chicken broth. Chicken soup contains a chemical called carnosine, which helps reduce inflammation in the upper respiratory tract and prevent white blood cells from migrating to areas of infection. This compound is highly effective at fighting infections, and the effect lasts for as long as the chicken soup is present in the body.

Mentholated salve

Although it is not a natural cure for a cold, mentholated salve can provide temporary relief from the symptoms of a cold. This is a common topical solution used to help with a variety of ailments, including a cold. Natural salves are more effective than synthetic rubs like Vicks VapoRub. It can help suppress a cough and is also good for aching muscles and mini-massaging.

Garlic

Chinese herbalists have used garlic for centuries to cure viral illnesses. It has antiseptic properties that can prevent secondary bacterial infections caused by viruses. This herb is most effective when taken first thing in the morning. You should chop garlic finely and drink a large glass of water. The allicin found in garlic helps to prolong its presence in the body and prevent viruses from spreading. To benefit from garlic’s antiviral properties, it is recommended to take a small amount of garlic daily, either raw or aged garlic extract.

Honey

While there is no specific scientific study to prove that honey is a good cure for a cold, it does seem to be a highly effective natural treatment. It can help soothe cough and sore throat by coating the affected area, and it may also have antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the sweetness of honey may affect the cough reflex because the part of the brain that processes sweetness is located near the area that controls cough. Also, the sugary taste of honey may stimulate salivation, which may help thin the mucus.

Mint tea

The herb mint has many benefits as a natural remedy for a cold. The herb contains antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that can boost the immune system. It can also break up chest and sinus congestion. It is also soothing and helps prevent the onset of coughs. In addition, you can use mint essential oil on the chest. Mullein has a unique aromatic and cooling effect that can help alleviate the symptoms of a cold. The leaves of mullein are soft and velvety and the plant is also known as “bunny’s ears” and “flannel flower.” It is a biennial plant with tall stems of yellow flowers in its second year. It was used extensively in the Middle Ages for respiratory ailments.