Viruses cause cold and flu. The symptoms of a cold are running nose, sore throat, congestion, and cough. Apart from these symptoms, in flu, the patient also suffers from fever, muscle soreness, and headache. Though they are medications to treat them natural remedies for them are also present. Herein, we discuss the best natural remedies for the treatment of cold and flu.

1. Ginger
Ginger has many health benefits. Take a glass of boiling water and add a slice of ginger to it and drink it. It helps to clear up the sore throat and cough.

2. Lots of Water
During cold and flu, keep yourself hydrated. The more fluids you intake, the better the cold and flu will get. With hydration, the built-up mucus and phlegm are removed. Fluids can be in the form of water, juices, soups, coconut water, tea, broth, salads, etc. If you are urinating regularly, then you are well hydrated. If you notice the color of your urine is dark yellow, you need to take in more fluids.

3. Honey
Honey usage is also effective in cold and flu situations as they have antibacterial and anti-microbial properties. Studies have also proven that honey is a good cough suppressant.

4. Vitamin C
Intake of vitamin C gives immense health benefits. Examples of food containing vitamin C include oranges and lemons.

5. Garlic
Having garlic in your diet and meals can reduce the symptoms of cold and flu the reason being it consists of compound allicin which has antimicrobial properties.

6. Warm Broth
Consumption of warm broths will help to fight cold and flu as it loosens the nose and sinus congestion. Additionally, it also provides the body with the required nutrition. Also, the protein in the broth helps with the rebuilding of the immune cells.

7. Increase the Zinc Intake
If you have a cold or flu, you should increase your zinc intake. Zinc is an important constituent of your immune system is building up the white blood cells. You can either take a zinc supplement or eat food that is rich in zinc. Some of these foods are chickpeas, nuts, dairy products, red meat, lentils, and beans.

8. Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is a good option to have when one is suffering from a cold and flu. Star anise is a good option to make your herbal tea with. Other ingredients that you can use to make the herbal tea are clove, turmeric, ginger paste, garlic, and black tea.

9. Tea with Honey
Tea with a tablespoon of honey is one of the best natural remedies for cold and flu. You can add a bit of ginger to this mixture.

10. Echinacea
The herb echinacea has been used by the native Americans for centuries to treat infections. It contains flavonoids that help in boosting up the immune system. It also has the ability to reduce inflammation. You can use 1 to 2 grams in the form of a powder or mixed with tea to help out with your cold and flu.