11 Effective Cold and Flu Remedies to Try at Home

Care for Your Cold At Home

Nobody enjoys or looks forward to being sick, even if you’re at home lying in bed. Imagine the chills, fever, body aches, and congested nose. That alone can make anyone feel miserable.

Fortunately, many home remedies can ease your discomfort and get you back to normal. If you’re still ill after a few weeks, see your doctor. And if you feel faint, can’t breathe well, have a rapid heartbeat, or experience other life-threatening symptoms, get medical help quickly.

Read on to discover the cold and flu remedies you can whip up at home.

Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is a go-to for most people when they’re down with a cold. Studies show that a warm bowl of chicken soup with vegetables can slow the movement of neutrophils in your body.

Neutrophils are a common kind of white blood cell that protects you from infections. When they move slowly, they tend to gather in the parts of your body that need the most healing.

Chicken soup is rich in nutrients that fight upper respiratory infections and keeps you hydrated. Despite how you feel, it’s always an excellent choice.

Honey

Honey is an old remedy for suppressing cough. It has various antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Drinking honey in tea with lemon can soothe sore throat pains.

A study on children showed that giving 10 grams of honey at bedtime reduced cold symptoms and let the children sleep more soundly.

Note that you should avoid giving honey to a child less than 1 year old because it contains botulinum spores. Their immune systems have not developed to fight them off. Honey is only safe for use in older children and adults.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble essential nutrient for the body. It helps to boost your immunity against infection and relieve upper respiratory tract conditions.

Great sources of vitamin C include lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruits, leafy greens, and other fruits and vegetables,

Try adding some fresh lemon juice to hot tea with honey to reduce phlegm when you’re sick. Drinking hot or cold lemonade is also another choice to clear nasal congestion. Even though these drinks may not cure your cold, they will bring you much-needed relief.

Garlic

According to some research, consuming garlic may help prevent illness. It contains a compound, allicin, that has medicinal and antimicrobial properties.

Taking a garlic supplement with your diet might reduce the severity of cold symptoms. We need more research on the possible ways garlic helps to fight cold but adding more garlic to your diet probably is not a bad idea.

Ginger

For centuries, ginger root was touted as having excellent health benefits. Science has now proven its curative properties. Tea made with a few slices of raw ginger root in boiling water may help relieve a cough or sore throat.

Studies indicate that ginger can also alleviate flu-induced nausea. So, grab some ginger tea now and start enjoying its soothing benefits.

Echinacea

The echinacea plant is quite popular among Native Americans. They have treated infections using the herb and root for more than 400 years. The active ingredients in this plant are flavonoids, compounds that have various healing effects on the body. They can reduce inflammation and boost your immune system.

Researchers have mixed opinions about how effective the herb is at fighting the common cold and flu. However, one review suggests that taking echinacea may reduce your risk of developing the common cold by more than 50%.

It may also reduce how long you have a cold. If you’re a healthy adult, try taking 1 to 2 grams of echinacea root or herb as a tea. You can drink it three times daily, for at most one week.

Probiotics

Probiotics are gut-cleansing, “friendly” bacteria and yeast that are found in your body, some foods, and supplements. They keep your immune system healthy and reduce the possibility of you coming down with a respiratory infection.

Probiotic yogurt is a delicious and nutritious source of helpful bacteria. It is also a healthy snack enriched with lots of protein and calcium. To enjoy probiotics, look for products with live bacteria listed on the label.

Other Options

Vapor Rub

While its smell might be a major turn-off, good old-fashioned topical ointments like vapor rub help in soothing cold symptoms in children older than 2 years.

It can open up the airways to relieve congestion, ease a cough, and improve sleep with just one or two applications before bed. Vapor rub is also a favorite among some doctors as an alternative to over-the-counter cold medicines for young children because of harmful side effects.

Salt Water

Gargling with salt water may lessen the severity of cold symptoms and fight upper respiratory infections. For instance, it may soothe sore throat pain and nasal congestion.

This remedy also reduces and loosens mucus, which contains bacteria and allergens. To try gargling with salt water at home, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water, you swish it in your mouth and throat, and then spit it out.

Warm Baths

Occasionally you can bring down a child’s fever with a warm sponge bath. They’re equally great for treating cold and flu symptoms in adults. Taking a warm bath with some Epsom salt and baking soda can relieve body aches. While putting a few drops of essential oils like lavender, rosemary, tea tree, or eucalyptus is soothing.

Humidity

The flu virus thrives and spreads more easily in dry environments. That’s why increasing the humidity in your home helps reduce your risk of exposure. It also relieves nasal inflammation, allowing you to easily breathe when you’re sick.

Using a cool-mist humidifier with a few added drops of eucalyptus oil might also stimulate your breathing and feel more comfortable during winter.

Remember, you need to change the water in your humidifier to prevent mold and other fungi from growing. If you cannot afford one, taking a long shower or soaking in a steamy bathroom gives the same effect.

Try these remedies at home to relieve cold and flu symptoms. Consult your doctor if your cold or flu gets worse.