The first thing that most of us reach for when struck with a cold or flu are pills, so much that we can name the brands or the generic names of the pills. However, there are actually many natural ways that you can rid yourself of the cold and flu, with some already lying in your kitchen.

Garlic
With its antiseptic properties, garlic can really help in getting rid of cold symptoms. It is also good for the immune system besides helping to open up the respiratory passages while flushing out toxins from your body. If the taste and smell of raw garlic doesn’t bother you, eating it raw is the best and quickest way to cure your cold. However, a simpler way to make use of the garlic’s healing properties is to immerse four to five cloves of chopped garlic in a cup of water and add a teaspoon of honey. Make and drink this mixture two to three times a day. If this is too much to bear, simply add a few drops of garlic oil into your food.

Red onions
Homemade red onion syrup can give immense relief to those suffering from cold and cough. To make this syrup, you will need red onions and honey or brown sugar. Slice these onions horizontally and put one slice of onion in a bowl and add raw honey. Repeat this process until the bowl is full and cover it. After leaving the onions for 12 to 15 hours, you will see a thick liquid-like syrup. Take a spoonful of this syrup twice a day for relief from cold and sore throats.

Ginger
Another commonly available ingredient that can treat common cold is ginger. Those suffering from cold can eat raw ginger or drink ginger tea several times a day to get some relief. Another way to use ginger is to make a paste of ginger, clove and salt. By consuming this paste two times a day, your cold symptoms will be cured.

Organic turmeric

Turmeric is an amazing herbal strong microbial that helps to kill bacterial and viral infections. Turmeric is available in capsule form as well but if you want to prepare a remedy yourself, get the herbs either fresh or dried and place a quarter teaspoon of it in hot purified water; drink it to ease your cold. Turmeric helps with sore throats as well; place half teaspoon of turmeric in two tablespoons of raw honey and let it seep down the throat.

Raw apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a well-known natural healing agent and a good herb to take for a cold. A mixture of half cup of purified water with two teaspoons of organic raw apple cider vinegar should be drunk three times daily until symptoms disappear. Remember to drink some water after consuming the vinegar to rinse the acid off your teeth. Another way to use this apple cider vinegar is to sprinkle a little on your pillow before going to bed so that you could breathe in the vapours while you are asleep.

Honey
Other than getting rid of your cold fast, honey can soothe an irritated throat as well. It is also simple to prepare – just drink lukewarm water mixed with honey and lemon juice. By drinking this solution several times a day, you can get immense relief from cold and a runny nose. The high amounts of nutrients and enzymes in honey help to kill bacteria and viruses causing the cold.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is enriched with effective healing properties that can help in easing the pain of a dry or sore throat. Boil a mixture of a teaspoon of powdered cinnamon in a glass of water and drink it when it is warm. Adding some pepper powder and honey can enhance the taste. Another option is to add a few drops of cinnamon oil to your drinking water. The better bet is still to boil cinnamon in water as the oil can be difficult to obtain.

Pepper

Pepper can be used to treat the symptoms of a common cold in many ways. If you are suffering from a runny nose, add pepper to your meal. You can also gargle with pepper and hot water to get immense relief. Even smelling pepper regularly helps. The capsaicin components present in pepper are able to make the mucus thin, helping you to get relief from the congestion in your lungs.

Vitamin D
Boosting your vitamin D count helps to prevent cold and flu. This might be due to the vitamin’s role in protecting and lubricating many of the body’s principle organ systems. Other than that, vitamin D also boosts cellular growth and immune cell activity while lowering the inflammatory response. 15 minutes of natural sunlight daily is recommended while consuming more vitamin D rich foods such as button and shiitake mushrooms, mackerel, sockeye salmon, herring, sardines, catfish, tuna, cod liver oil and eggs.

Vitamin C
Insufficient vitamin C might be the cause of your lingering cold. As a powerful support for the common cold, you can consume up to 2000mg of vitamin C four times daily. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C and the benefits can go a long way. Other than supplying vitamin C, lemons aid the body in purifying the lymphatic system, which is crucial in fighting off colds. For your daily dose of vitamin C, simply squeeze half a lemon in one cup of purified warm water and drink it three or more times. Black pepper and fresh or powdered ginger can be added into your drink for an even more powerful remedy for mucous-ridden colds.