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In winter, respiratory illnesses spike. Millions of people grapple with runny noses, coughs, fevers, and chills. Often, simple home remedies tried over time come to the rescue, quickly easing the worst symptoms without costing much.
A cold is an infectious disease, usually viral, that affects the upper respiratory tract. It’s often called an “acute respiratory viral infection” (ARVI). Less commonly, colds can be caused by other microorganisms, including bacteria.
Hot Drinks
Dr. Leila Hannbek, a British pharmacist, says to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids when you have a cold. A hot sweet drink, such as tea with honey, lemon, and ginger, is an easy way to soothe a sore throat.
“Honey has anti-inflammatory properties; lemon provides vitamin C, which supports the immune system and can help against respiratory viruses such as the flu; and ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that ease muscle aches,” she explained.
A 2016 study in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that vitamin C reduced the severity and duration of colds.
Chicken Broth
A serving of chicken broth or soup can also ease symptoms. It’s an easy-to-digest source of calories and nutrients and helps prevent dehydration.
“Chicken soup has protein, garlic, and vegetables that support the immune system and can relieve nasal congestion,” Dr. Hannbek said.
A late 20th-century study from the American College of Chest Physicians found that chicken broth contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties and can affect immune cells.
Chicken soup is even more beneficial when made with garlic and onions, which provide zinc—a mineral important for immune-cell development.
Gogol-Mogol and Inhalation
Gogol-Mogol is an Eastern European thick drink that soothes the throat like lemon and ginger. It typically consists of raw egg yolks, sugar, milk, and sometimes butter.
Cooks make different versions—some add honey.
As a complement, Dr. Hannbek recommends steam inhalation to thin sinus mucus, ease sore throats, and reduce hoarseness.
Try a traditional method: lean over a bowl of boiled potatoes and breathe under a towel. Boiling water with a few drops of eucalyptus oil also works well, according to the Daily Mail.
Warm Drink with Black Currant and Hot Bath
Professor Ron Eccles from Cardiff University, former director of the Cold Centre, says a hot drink—especially one with black currant—can help relieve cold and flu symptoms.
A 2008 study showed that consuming a hot drink made with black currant provides rapid relief from runny noses, coughs, sneezing, sore throats, chills, and fatigue.
Professor Eccles also recommends a hot bath or shower to help relieve nasal congestion, coughs, and sore throats.
Dr. Hannbek also recommends inexpensive over-the-counter pain relievers for muscle aches and fever, but always consult a pharmacist or your family doctor before taking any medication.
