Cold and flu are the most common illnesses which aren't taken seriously. However, they have the power to make one feel highly miserable. Some home remedies could help relieve the symptoms and make you feel better. Certain fruits and vegetables have therapeutic properties that could help prevent and treat cold and flu. 

Remedies that could help you get back to normal are discussed in this article. However, if you experience severe symptoms like a rapid heartbeat or breathing issues, it is advised that you consult your doctor immediately.

1. Chicken Soup

Chicken Soup is one of the most popular home remedies for the cure of cold and flu. Chicken soup has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that relieve congestion. The mucus thins up, and it becomes easier to cough it up. 

Research also reveals that chicken soup slows the neutrophil movement in your body, staying concentrated in areas that need the most healing. Neutrophils are a kind of white blood cell that protects the body from various infections. 

Chicken soup carries excellent nutritional value and also keeps your body hydrated. Illness or no illness, chicken soup is always a healthy choice for a meal.

2. Ginger

Ginger, a miracle cure, is the root of the perennial plant. It has been used for centuries to cure various diseases, from abdominal pain to coughs, colds, and even arthritis. We also have scientific proof of its curative properties. Ginger has antibacterial properties that cure inflammation and pain. 

The ginger root boiled in water helps soothe the sore throat. It also helps control feelings of nausea. It has medicinal properties, which are antibacterial and antiviral. It also contains antioxidants that aid in the prevention of inflammation and cell damage. 

Ginger tea enhances digestive health. It helps in bloating and morning sickness, fever, and pain. It has also been used to relieve headaches and menstrual pains. 

3. Honey

Every one of us has been given honey for the cure of cold and flu in our childhoods. Honey soothes and relaxes the sore throat and makes you recover from a cold. The University of Oxford has found honey to be a 'superior' remedy for flu, common cold, and other upper respiratory tract infections. 

There are antimicrobial properties present in honey that enable it to fight infections. It has also been used as a cough suppressant as it decreases the severity of cough symptoms. Moreover, it is an entirely natural solution and has no side effects.

However, it should be given to children over the age of 1 year due to the presence of botulinum spores. Botulinum spores present in honey are harmless for children over one year, but the immune system of infants is weak to fight them. 

4. Elderberries

The use of elderberry as a cure for diseases dates back to ancient times. Elderberry extract boosts the function of the immune system and has been associated with the common cold as it relieves and soothes symptoms of cold and flu. Elderberries contain powerful antiviral properties. The safest way of using elderberries is the consumption of commercial products that include elderberry extract such as gluten-free elderberry gummies offered by many various brands such as Natrol, Mykind and Gummiest Garden.

Its use has increased dramatically in recent times when the miracle medicinal properties of elderberry were discovered. It is an excellent natural remedy for treating cold and flu due to its rich antioxidant composition. Elderberry supplements aid in comforting upper respiratory tract infections and relieve nasal congestion, cough, and runny nose. 

5. Garlic

One of the best-selling herbal supplements in the United States is Garlic. It is a staple household remedy for the treatment of cold and flu. It can be consumed cooked, eaten raw, or taken as a supplement. Garlic also contains preventive qualities which help you in avoiding diseases in the first place. 

The reason behind Garlic's curative properties is the presence of a compound called alliin, which turns into allicin when crushed. Allicin has antimicrobial properties that boost the immune system and fight germs and relieve and soothe cold symptoms. In addition, it is effective against various viruses, bacterias, and fungi. 

6. Probiotics

WHO and the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) define Probiotics as live organisms that confer health benefits on the host when administered in adequate amounts. Hence, probiotics are live bacteria or yeast that fight the harmful bacteria, replace them with the good ones, and boost immunity and wellness.

The chief source of probiotics is yogurt and kimchi. Any product with live bacteria on the label is a probiotic. Include yogurt in your daily diet to get a rich source of probiotics. However, probiotics can also be consumed as a supplement form. Studies reveal that probiotics weakens the infections of the upper respiratory tract and reduces your sick days. They also protect from viral infections and relieve the symptoms of the common cold.   

In addition to colds, probiotics have also benefited from IBS, diarrhea, and bowel diseases. It also helps strengthen the immune system.