When it comes to a cold, we’ve all heard the remedies our grandmothers swear by; a hot cup of tea with honey and lemon, chicken soup, and even wrapping up warm and braving the cold.

Science has now weighed in, and it appears that granny was right all along. Researchers recommend the same cold remedies passed down through the generations.

Chicken Soup

Chicken soup has been a longstanding remedy for a cold, and science supports this claim. According to a study at the University of Nebraska Medical Centre, chicken soup can reduce symptoms of a cold due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

The hot broth helps to ease congestion, while the salt and steam help to clear the nasal passages.

Green Tea with Honey and Lemon

Green tea has long been praised for its health benefits, and it turns out that it also has antiviral properties that may help to fight off a cold. When combined with honey and lemon, the tea can help with a sore throat and cough.

Honey has antibacterial properties, while lemon is high in vitamin C, which supports the immune system.

Garlic

Garlic has long been known to have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which can help to fight off cold viruses.

According to a study in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, participants who took garlic supplements during cold season were less likely to catch a cold, and those who did catch a cold got better faster.

Zinc

Zinc has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of a cold when taken within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. According to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, zinc can reduce the length of a cold by up to 40 percent.

Zinc can be found in supplements, lozenges, and certain foods such as oysters, chicken, and yogurt.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a popular natural remedy for colds that has been used for centuries. According to a study in the Lancet Infectious Diseases, Echinacea can reduce the frequency, duration, and symptoms of a cold.

It can be found in tea, tinctures, capsules, and tablets.

Rest

Our grandmothers have always told us to rest when we have a cold, and science agrees. Resting allows the body to conserve energy and focus on fighting off the virus.

Lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off the cold virus. It’s important to get plenty of sleep when we’re sick to help the body recover.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is important when we have a cold. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, tea, and juice, can help to loosen mucus and keep the body hydrated. Dehydration can make coughs and congestion worse and can lead to a sore throat.

It’s important to drink plenty of fluids to help the body fight off the cold virus.

Humidifiers

Using a humidifier can help to relieve cold symptoms, such as congestion and coughing. The humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help to soothe dry nasal passages and throat.

According to a study in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, using a humidifier can reduce the severity of a cold and shorten its duration.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is often touted as a cure for the common cold. While it may not prevent a cold, it can help to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.

According to the National Institutes of Health, taking vitamin C supplements can reduce the length of a cold by up to 24 hours. Vitamin C can be found in fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers.

Hot Showers

Taking a hot shower can help to relieve cold symptoms, such as congestion and coughing. The steam from the shower can help to loosen mucus and soothe the nasal passages and throat.

According to a study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, taking a hot shower can also decrease inflammation in the body, which can help to reduce symptoms of a cold.

The Bottom Line

It turns out our grandmothers knew a thing or two about remedies for the common cold. Science has now confirmed that many of these traditional remedies do have health benefits and can help to fight off the virus.

From chicken soup to garlic supplements, these natural remedies can help to reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms. So next time you feel a cold coming on, reach for that hot cup of tea and some chicken soup and embrace the remedies of old.