Cold and flu are viral infections affecting people of every age. Cold and flu are self-limiting illnesses, and take three to seven days to settle down. The most common symptoms of cold and flu are sore throat and running nose. Blocked nose and headache symptoms also accompany cold. Flu is usually associated with dry cough, headache, muscle ache, and sneezing as irritating symptoms. We differentiate cold and flu based on the severity of their symptoms. Flu is rather serious and may lead to some grave health problems later. Most of the cold and flu symptoms generally improve in seven days with little care.
 

One should always switch to natural home remedies for alleviating the symptoms of cold and flu. These home remedies are easy to use, effective, and safe. For sore throat, which is one of the starting symptoms of cold and flu, gargling with saline water is the best home remedy. Another effective home remedy is gargling with a decoction of tea leaves that would quickly soothe the throat.
 

Ginger is among the most commonly used home remedies for cold and flu. Taking ginger with honey is an excellent remedy for relieving many symptoms like sore throat and cough. It effectively works toward reducing the inflammation in the mucous membranes. Ginger tea has also been in use for ages to alleviate the common symptoms of flu and cold.
 

For allergic symptoms like sneezing and irritating cough, turmeric is one of the best home remedies to be preferred. Taking turmeric powder with honey is a good remedy. It is effective in expelling the mucus out of lungs.
 

Honey alone has been reputed to be a wonderful home remedy for many of the cold symptoms. Licking honey soothes the throat and provides energy. It has antioxidants that speed recovery.
 

Echinacea is one of the excellent cold remedies that is widely used. It is generally used in tincture or infusion form.
 

Hot fluids like chicken soup have also been good home remedies to alleviate the cold symptoms. People have been using them for centuries at home, and some scientific studies now prove their efficacy.
 

Steam inhalation also helps to provide humidity and relieve the dry congested throat. It relieves nasal congestion as well.
 

Garlic, which has antibacterial and immune-enhancing properties, is an effective home remedy for cold also. It is effective against viruses, thus helping in faster recovery. You can add garlic to your soup or tea to get the desired results.