Being sick is the worst feeling ever, even when at home. One of the worst illnesses to be diagnosed with is the flu. The combination of nasal congestion, headache, fever, and body pains is more than enough to make one miserable. However, many home remedies can get rid of your symptoms and get you back to your usual healthy self. Such remedies range from everyday foods to fruits and vegetables. Here are some of such home remedies for cold you can try.

Chicken soup

Although chicken soup may not cure all of the problems, it’s a great food choice when ill. Studies suggest that enjoying a bowl of chicken soup with vegetables can slow the movement of neutrophils. Neutrophils are a common type of white blood cell. They help protect your body from infection. When they’re moving slowly, they stay more concentrated in the areas of your body that require the most healing. Apart from this, chicken soup also helps to reduce the symptoms of upper respiratory infections. So chicken soup is always a great choice, no matter how you are feeling. 

Ginger

The health benefits of ginger are very prolific. Ginger root is known for its curative and anti-inflammatory properties. Simply dump a few slices of ginger into hot water and drink. This concoction helps soothe a sore throat and/or cough. In addition, some studies also state that it helps ward off nausea accompanied with influenza. 

Honey

Honey has a wide range of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Drinking honey with hot water mixed with lemon juice can ease sore throat pain. In addition, studies suggest that honey is an effective cough suppressant.

Garlic

Garlic houses a compound called allicin. Allicin is known for its microbial properties. Adding garlic to your diet is a sure way to reduce nasal congestion. Taking garlic supplements also gets rid of sore throat, and it reduces the severity of cold symptoms. In addition, some research posits that casually using garlic will keep you from getting sick in the first place. 

Echinacea

Echinacea has been used for several years by Native Americans to treat infections. Its active ingredients include flavonoids, chemicals that have many therapeutic effects on the body. For example, the flavonoids contained in echinacea help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. Although its effects on colds are mixed, taking echinacea may lower the risk of getting the common cold by more than 50 percent. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is known to have many health benefits. It is present in oranges, grapefruits, leafy greens, lemons, and other fruits and vegetables. Adding fresh lemon juice to hot tea with honey may reduce phlegm when sick. Taking hot or cold lemonade can also help. Note that these might not fully cure your sickness, but they’ll provide your immune system with the vitamin C it needs.  

Saltwater

Gargling saltwater goes a long way in soothing upper respiratory infections. It can also reduce the severity of cold symptoms. It may also ease throat pain and nasal congestion. In addition, gargling with salt water eliminates mucus that contains bacteria and allergens. 

Menthol

Menthol, which is gotten from all types of mint plants, has an antibacterial and pain-relieving effect and is an essential ingredient in many vapor rubs. In addition, menthol can be used for steam therapy, where it is added to hot water and then inhaled. Studies say that inhalation of menthol may help reduce coughing and can reduce nasal congestion. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D-3 is very useful to prevent catching the flu or cold. Using vitamin D supplementations has been found to reduce the likelihood of catching a cold by strengthening the immune system. 

Oregano oil

Oregano oil contains carvacrol and thymol, which both have antibacterial effects. Traditionally, people used essential oils as a cure for headaches, diarrhea, and coughs. 

Probiotics

Probiotics refer to a group of live bacteria that supports gut health. In addition to this, probiotics also help guard the body against illnesses such as the common cold. Numerous scientific research has shown that probiotics can help protect the immune system against flu viruses. Probiotics are present in many foods such as; yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, kimchi, kefir, pickles, etc.

There are several ways that people treat their cold and flu symptoms with home remedies. Some of these home remedies for cold may seem a bit weird, but their effectiveness can not be denied.