Common cold and flu are viral infections with some annoying symptoms. A combination of fever, scratchy throat, cough, body-ache, headache, and chills can leave you feeling extremely uncomfortable and even miserable. While OTC and prescribed medicines relieve the symptoms, natural remedies for cold and flu can do the trick too. Here are a few simple remedies to ease and shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms.

1. Consume warm water with honey
The antimicrobial properties of honey help fight harmful bacteria and viruses. Studies have shown that honey soothes a sore throat and relieves cough. Just add a teaspoon of honey to warm water and sip it a couple of times for a few days. You can also add this natural sweetener to ginger or cinnamon tea to soothe a scratchy throat.

2. Drink ginger tea
Ginger has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe a sore throat. It also boosts immunity, fights infections, combats inflammation, and relieves the pain associated with a sore throat. You can sip hot ginger tea or take a ginger-honey mix for quick results. Both these natural remedies are quite effective for soothing cold and flu symptoms.

3. Stay hydrated
This is one of the easiest and most effective natural remedies for cold and flu. Staying hydrated helps your body flush out any toxins, and it is especially important if you’re experiencing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. So, drink lots of water and sip on other fluids throughout the day.

4. Drink chicken soup
A bowl of hot soup keeps you hydrated while also helping reduce mucus buildup. Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of chicken soup help alleviate the symptoms of cold and flu. Plus, the protein and mineral content in the soup helps rebuild immune cells and replenish important nutrients.

5. Gargle
Gargling with warm water and salt helps clear mucus congestion and soothes a sore throat. You should do this at least twice every day for quick relief.

6. Drink herbal tea
Several herbs have antiviral and antibacterial properties that help soothe a sore throat and sinuses and expedite recovery from the common cold and flu. Certain herbs and green tea also exhibit antioxidant properties. You can choose to sip on any herbal tea for these benefits, including basil, cinnamon, elderberry, ginger, lemongrass, cloves, and turmeric.

7. Inhale steam
Inhaling the steam from a pot of warm water helps soothe the sinuses, nose, throat, and lungs. This therapy relieves congestion and inflammation in the nose and lungs, dry cough, and chest tightness.

Apart from following these natural remedies for cold and flu, you must increase your vitamin C and zinc intake, get plenty of rest, and use a humidifier in your bedroom. If the symptoms intensify, it’s best to get in touch with a doctor.