The common cold is actually one of the most common viral infections that target your nose and throat. This infection’s symptoms tend to vary from one person to the other; however, they are quite similar even from person to person. They include a cough, runny nose, congestion, sore throat, sneezing, mild headache, and low-grade fever. You are likely to experience these symptoms two to three days after being exposed to a cold-causing virus. If these symptoms worsen over time, it is best to seek immediate medical attention. Still, if you experience quite mild symptoms, there are many homemade natural remedies to treat the common cold. Here are a few proven home remedies for cold symptoms to prevent yourself from falling sick.

Gargling with Salt Water

This has to be one of the most commonly suggested remedies for numerous throat-related cold symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, scratchy throat, etc. Gargling with salty water helps remove viral fluids from your throat region. It also removes all the accumulated mucus from your respiratory tract, thereby flushing out any virus or bacteria that may be residing inside your throat.

Chicken Soup or Broth

There’s probably nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm, delicious chicken soup. Homemade bone broth or chicken soup has been a popular and highly effective remedy for centuries for cold and flu symptoms. A bowl of chicken soup or broth is packed with anti-inflammatory amino acids along with immunity-boosting minerals and vitamins that not only improve your immune system but it will also help you fight all kinds of viral infections.

A Clove of Garlic

As smelly as garlic is, it is perhaps a hundred times more beneficial for your health and body. It is one of the most powerful antioxidants that contain several antibiotic and antiviral properties. Furthermore, garlic is fully enriched with vitamin C, minerals, selenium, and enzymes that greatly help combat colds and flu. It is best to eat a full clove of garlic as it is when you have a cold; however, if you cannot eat it like that, you can include a lot of fresh garlic in your daily meals.

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry is a fruit that comes from the elder tree, which is popularly known for its incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The flowers and berries of this tree have long been used to boost the body’s immune system. Many experts also recommend drinking elderberry syrup to prevent the symptoms of the cold and flu.

Drink a Lot of Liquids

If you have a cold or flu, you are likely to experience a loss of appetite because these infections tend to make you feel too nauseous or sometimes change the taste of your mouth. It is essential to drink warm liquids in such times to recover from the cold as soon as possible. Some of the most effective liquids are ginger tea, honey and lemon tea, different herbal teas, and warm milk, to name a few. All these liquids are packed with essential minerals and vitamins that fight the cold symptom and improve your immune system.

Takeaway

All these home remedies for cold symptoms are extremely effective in fighting the common cold, but at the same time, you should also get enough sleep and rest. When your body is well-rested, it recovers and heals very quickly.