Common cold is a viral infection that affects millions of people every year. It is caused by different viruses, but symptoms are often the same: congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough, and low-grade fever.

The good news is that there are several natural remedies that can help treat these symptoms and speed up recovery. Here are 30 natural remedies you can try:.

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids is one of the most important things you can do to treat a cold. Fluids help loosen mucus, soothe a sore throat, and keep you hydrated. Water, tea, broth, and soup are perfect options for hydration.

2. Gargle Salt Water

Gargling salt water can help soothe a sore throat. Simply dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle several times a day.

3. Ginger Tea

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate cold symptoms. Drinking ginger tea is a great way to consume this ingredient. Boil some fresh ginger with water, add some honey and lemon, and enjoy a hot cup of tea.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that can help boost your immune system. Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a tablespoon of honey and drink it several times a day to help relieve cold symptoms.

5. Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalation can help alleviate congestion and soothe a sore throat. Simply boil water, pour it into a bowl, and inhale the steam while covering your head with a towel.

6. Essential Oils

Essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint are great for treating cold symptoms. Add a few drops of these oils to a diffuser or inhale them directly to help alleviate congestion and sinus pressure.

7. Honey

Raw honey has natural antibacterial properties that can help soothe a sore throat and boost your immune system. Add a tablespoon of honey to tea or hot water, or simply eat it by itself.

8. Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that can help reduce the duration of a cold. You can take zinc supplements or consume foods that are high in zinc like seafood, meat, and nuts.

9. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for boosting your immune system. Consume vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and kiwi, or take supplements.

10. Garlic

Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help fight off colds. Incorporate garlic into your meals or take supplements.

11. Echinacea

Echinacea is an herb that can help boost your immune system and alleviate cold symptoms. Take Echinacea supplements or drink Echinacea tea.

12. Probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria that can help boost your immune system. Consume foods that are high in probiotics like yogurt and kefir or take supplements.

13. Neti Pot

A neti pot is a device used to flush out mucus from your nose. Mixed saline water is poured into one nostril, and it comes out of the other nostril. A neti pot is a great way to alleviate congestion.

14. Turmeric

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory spice that can help alleviate cold symptoms. Add turmeric to your meals or take supplements.

15. Lemon Water

Lemon water is a great way to boost your immune system and soothe a sore throat. Simply add lemon juice to water and drink.

16. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for a healthy immune system. Consume vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish and egg yolks or take supplements.

17. Thyme

Thyme is an herb that can help alleviate cough and congestion. Add thyme to your meals or drink thyme tea.

18. Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is a classic remedy for colds. It is believed to help reduce inflammation and boost your immune system. Add some vegetables and herbs to your chicken soup to boost its nutritional value.

19. Onion

Onion has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight off colds. Incorporate onion into your meals or eat it raw to reap its benefits.

20. Elderberry

Elderberry is a fruit that is known for its immune-boosting properties. You can consume elderberry syrup or drink elderberry tea to alleviate cold symptoms.

21. Oregano

Oregano is an herb that has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Add oregano to your meals or take oregano oil supplements to help fight off colds.

22. Licorice Root

Licorice root has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate cold symptoms. Drink licorice root tea or take licorice root supplements.

23. Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help boost your immune system. Take grapefruit seed extract supplements or consume them in liquid form.

24. Astragalus

Astragalus is an herb that is known for its immune-boosting properties. Take astragalus supplements or drink astragalus tea.

25. Bone Broth

Bone broth is a nutrient-dense beverage that is made by simmering bones in water for a long time. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

26. Peppermint

Peppermint has menthol, which can help alleviate congestion and sinus pressure. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a diffuser or drink peppermint tea.

27. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help boost your immune system. Add cinnamon to your meals or drink cinnamon tea.

28. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is essential for a healthy immune system. Consume vitamin E-rich foods like nuts and seeds or take supplements.

29. Green Tea

Green tea is packed with antioxidants that can help boost your immune system and alleviate cold symptoms. Drink green tea several times a day to reap its benefits.