Here are 10 home remedies for colds and coughs to help relieve your symptoms quickly. These remedies have been used for centuries during winter months to strengthen the immune system and ward off the flu naturally. 

I personally use some of the following flu remedies for me and my kids every year and they really help so go ahead and try them. Please note that this post is not intended to replace medical advice.

I urge you to seek help immediately if you are experiencing breathing problems or if your symptoms progress or last for more than a week.

Tips To Prevent Colds & Coughs

There is no 100% method that guarantees you won’t get the flu but there are ways to help prevent it. Washing your hands often, staying away from sick people, and wearing a mask in closed areas during flu season helps.

Also, try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, to prevent getting germs. Using a disinfectant to wipe your doorknobs, light switches, and electronic devices regularly can help reduce your risk as well.

Finally, staying hydrated by drinking enough water daily plus reducing fried and fast foods can help strengthen your immune system and help with the flu.

Home Remedies For Colds And Coughs

1. Probiotics

Your immune system depends on a healthy digestive tract to function properly. Not having enough good bacteria in your system can lower your immunity response to coughs and colds.

Start by eating more probiotic foods like milk kefir, kombucha drinks, unflavored yogurts, fermented foods, and sauerkraut during flu season.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains high amounts of antibacterial and antiviral properties which helps kill germs and microbes that cause sore throats. It is mostly used to help loosen up mucus from the chest and makes expelling easier.

Add 1 tablespoon of organic ACV in 2 cups of warm water with half a lemon juice, a dash of cinnamon, and a tablespoon of honey, and mix well. Drink 2 times daily for best results.

Try this immune-boosting ginger tea

3. Cut An Onion To Relieve Cough

This may not be your traditional cough remedy and there isn’t any scientific proof that it works but many people swear by it. Cut an onion into quarters and leave it on a plate on your bedside table or at the foot of the bed at night.

Although using onions may sound like nothing more than an old wives’ tale, it’s a popular cough remedy in Spain and France.

4. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper has been used to treat joint and muscle pains, fight heartburn, treat ulcers, treat colds, remove phlegm from the chest, and boost vitamin C levels.

Add a teaspoon of organic cayenne pepper to a cup of warm water and drink it 2 times daily for best results.

5. Turmeric Flu Remedies

Turmeric is filled with natural antioxidants and maintains anti-inflammatory properties which help cure a cough and cold quickly.

Consuming honey will help you treat sore throats, coughs, colds, congestion, and infections. Here are a few ways to use turmeric for the flu.

• 1. Add 1/2 teaspoon of organic turmeric to a cup of hot tea mix in half a teaspoon of grated ginger and Add in a spoon of honey. Drink twice a day.
• 2. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder into 1 tablespoon of honey and swallow it 3 times a day to get rid of cold and cough.
• 3. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drink it before bedtime to soothe the throat and reduce coughing.

Try this turmeric latte golden milk recipe

6. Green Tea

Known as one of the healthiest teas on the planet, Green tea contains almost 6 different types of antioxidants that are great for treating viral infections.

Green tea is great for strengthening the immune system which prevents the reoccurrence of colds and coughs. Drink a cup of green tea twice daily to get rid of a cold and cough fast.

7. Salt Water Gargle

Have some table salt at home? Go ahead and add half a teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm water and gargle with it. This study shows that gargling salt water helps reduce upper respiratory tract infections and prevents them from reoccurring.

8. Try a Humidifier or a Steamy Shower for Congestion

According to Mayo Clinic, using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and reduce coughing and congestion. Just make sure to keep your humidifier clean to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria when using it. 

Another great home remedy for coughs and colds is steaming. Now even though it won’t cure your illness, taking a steamy shower will definitely ease your symptoms.

9. Fluids & Soups

Drinking warm or hot water, tea, or having some chicken soup, is a great way to keep your body hydrated and soothe your throat. Remember that dehydration is common in those with the flu and staying hydrated helps your immune system get rid of viruses and bacteria.

10. Up Your Vitamin C & Sleep

Getting adequate sleep during the night is good for your overall health plus it helps reduce flu symptoms. That’s because sleep gives your body time to repair itself and heal. 

Getting enough sleep is also great for your strengthening your immune system which is necessary when you have the flu. Lastly, I want you to eat a lot of vitamin C-rich foods because they are just amazing for eliminating flu symptoms.

Use OTC Cough Meds if Nothing Else Works

Finally, if none of the remedies above work, it’s time to turn to over-the-counter syrups or medications. That said, it’s best to know which flu meds work for your age because most of them contain antihistamines.

That’s why I always recommend never self-prescribing, and always seeing a doctor or a professional before using medications.

Try My 4 Favorite Home Remedies For Sore Throat

Conclusion

There you go! Now you have all the remedies you need to help you reduce your symptoms. If you have remedies that work for you, please share them in the comments and I will add them to the posts. Until next time, make sure to stay awesome.