12 Homemade Natural Cold Remedies

It’s at this time of year that I, along with many, tend to become ill. All of the late nights, rich foods and indulging has caught up with me. So today I'm introducing Bela Cooke, co-founder and editor at Ultimate Home Remedies. We stumbled across her informative blog post on homemade natural cold remedies, and thought it the perfect time to share her recommendations for treating the common cold. Here she is with her top homemade natural cold remedies.

Bela Cooke’s Homemade Natural Cold Remedies

The common cold is the most common illness in the world. It is caused by a viral infection in the nose and throat. Although it’s mostly harmless, it’s highly transmittable and can cause further complications if not treated. It's often accompanied by a sore throat or flu symptoms. There are several over-the-counter medicines available but it can be also treated through natural remedies. See these homemade natural cold remedies and find out which are readily available for you.

1. Chicken Soup

When it comes to common colds, chicken soup is considered a classic remedy. Make up a batch of chicken soup including these old-fashioned ingredients: onions, sage, and garlic. Have a bowl or cup twice a day as soon as you feel the first signs of colds.

2. Fish and Seafood

Fish and Seafood are good sources of Zinc. Zinc cuts the length of colds by several days, helping you get better quickly. Make sure your getting enough Zinc by eating fish, seafood, nuts, and beans.

3. Garlic Soup

Garlic soup is one of the oldest remedies for beating common colds. Boil 3 or 4 cloves garlic in a cup of water. Strain and drink everyday while you have the cold.

4. Spicy Soup

In general, soups are good home remedies for colds. Warm soup plus a little spice will definitely melt your colds away. Make a chicken or vegetable soup (avoid too much milk or cream as it can encourage mucus production). Then add a few pinches of cayenne pepper.

5. Honey Lemon Toddy

Make a Honey-Lemon Toddy by squeezing ½ fresh lemon into a cup. Add 1 teaspoon honey and a dash of brandy. Pour in the hot water. Drink slowly while inhaling the steam. You could also add a pinch of crushed garlic or powdered ginger into the toddy.

6. Parsley

Herbs are also a great home remedy for colds. Chewing parsley leaves helps cure colds as it freshens breath and reduce congestion by thinning mucus build-up in the nose and throat. Simply wash and chew fresh leaves for several minutes.

7. Cinnamon and Ginger Milk

Hot cinnamon and ginger milk drink helps warm your system, boost immunity, and prevent symptoms from worsening. Heat a cup of milk and add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and also of ground ginger. Stir well and drink at the start of your cold. You can also substitute turmeric powder for the cinnamon and ginger.

8. Fenugreek Tea

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a pungent herb that can help reduce mucus and lessen fever. Make a tea by immersing 1 teaspoon whole fenugreek seeds in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink twice a day.

9. Homemade Fruit Drink

Mix 1 tablespoon chopped ginger root, 2 tablespoons honey, and a handful of raisins with 1 pint (500ml) water, then simmer for an hour. Cool, strain, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, add the juice of 2 lemons and 1 orange. Mix well and drink twice a day.

10. Comfrey Leaves Tea

Comfrey leaves tea helps ease discomfort and reduces mucus. In a saucepan, combine several chopped comfrey leaves with ½ cup fresh elderberries (alternatively you can use cranberries or redcurrants). Mix in 1 cup honey and 1 cup water and then simmer for 30 minutes. The mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 to 2 days.

11. Mustard Foot-bath

Strange as it may sound, foot-baths have been known to help reduce cold and fever symptoms. Pour 5 pints (3 litres) of water into a foot-bath, and add 2 tablespoons dried mustard powder. Soak your feet for 20 minutes. NOTE: don’t use this method if you’re diabetic, have poor circulation, or if you have inflammation or open wounds.

12. Ginger Tea

Fresh ginger is used to fight congestion caused by colds and helps break down mucus. Make a tea by grating a 2cm-3cm piece of fresh ginger root into a cup. Pour in some boiling water and leave to stand for 30 minutes. You can add honey or maple syrup to taste.   I’m looking forward to trying these, thank you Bela! You may also like our own recommendations for homemade natural remedies for cold and flu from last year, or our 4 Easy Soups with Locally-Sourced Ingredients. And if you have any homemade remedies of your own that you’d like to share, feel free to let us know in the comments below!