We Tried These Natural Cold Remedies (so you don't have to)

When your nose is bunged up and you can't even face leaving the house, the last thing you want to do is experiment with natural cold remedies. That's why we've compiled (and tested) the best natural cold remedies, so you can get back to bed in no time. These natural remedies for cold and flu might not be medically proven, but they're at least guaranteed to make you feel more comfortable when the going gets tough. 

Salt water natural cold remedies

Gargling 230 ml of warm water with half a teaspoon of salt works wonders to relieve that scratchy, swollen feeling of a nasty sore throat. You can do this up to four times a day. Professional singers swear by this technique, so it comes highly recommended!

Those in need of natural remedies for common cold symptoms of nasal congestion could try swapping that half teaspoon of salt for a quarter teaspoon each of salt and baking soda. Hold one nostril closed with your finger and, using a bulb syringe, squirt some of the mixture into your open nostril. Let it drain, then repeat a couple of times on each side. Keep some soft Cushelle tissues on hand to clean up the mess.

Rating: 5/5. This is one of those natural remedies for common cold that has multiple uses, so what's not to love?

Good old-fashioned chicken soup

Scientists are still baffled by why chicken soups seem to make such great natural cold remedies. Research indicates that chicken soup might help clear your nose more quickly than hot or cold water, and might even help prevent infection. In any case, it's warm, comforting, and a great way to take in important nutrients that help the body fight infection.

Rating: 5/5. Vegetarian? Fear not: plenty of ingredients in vegetarian soups are natural remedies for cold and flu in their own right. As long as your soup contains plenty of antiviral onion and garlic, it'll help you feel better in no time (and taste delicious!).

Hot honey and lemon

Hot honey and lemon is delicious, soothing, and one of the best natural cold remedies. Both honey and lemon have antibacterial properties, and lemon is a natural source of immune-boosting vitamin C. Evidence also suggests that honey helps soothe coughs and promote natural sleep, particularly in children.

Rating: 4/5. A note of caution: wild honey sometimes contains spores that can be toxic to children under 12 months. If you're looking for natural remedies for cold and flu for a baby, lemon is safe, but leave the honey out until your little one is a bit older.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the more popular natural remedies for cold symptoms across the world. As well as that warming kick it gives to your meal or drink, evidence suggests that it does a great job of fighting a particular viral strain that's usually present in the common cold. It's also soothing for the throat, helps you feel a little less congested, and makes a tasty addition to a hot honey and lemon drink.

Rating: 3/5, rising to 4 if you add it to the honey and lemon above.

Vitamin C

As natural remedies for cold symptoms go, vitamin C is one of the easiest to sneak past a fussy child. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, kiwi, and even strawberries contain plenty of vitamin C, and they taste great.

Rating: 3/5. Of all the natural home remedies for cold symptoms, this is the most delicious - which surely earns it an extra point.