6 Natural Cold Remedies

1. Add a few slices of raw ginger root to boiling water. Ginger might have been seen as an "old-wife's" remedy, but we now have scientific proof of its curative properties. It may help sooth a sore throat and a cough and maybe even ward off the feelings of nausea that often accompanies influenzas.

2. Honey is another natural source that can soothe a sore throat and has a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Just do not give honey to children younger than 1 year old. Honet often contains botulinum spores. While they are usually harmless to adults and older children, an infants' immune system will not be able to fight them off.

3. Vitamin C. Along with limes, oranges, grapefruit and leafy greens to mention a few, lemons area great source of Vitamin C. Adding a slice or two of lemon to hot water, may reduce mucus in your chest and getting enough vitamin C van help relieve upper raspatory infection. Lemon water is not a miracle cure for the common cold, but this will help you get the vitamin C that your immune system needs.

4. Salt Water. Gargling with salt water reduces and loosens mucus and may ease nasal congestion. Want to try it out? Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a 250ml glass of water. Swish it around your mouth a couple of times and then spit it out. This solution also works well to clean wounds and rinse contact lenses.

5. Humidifier. Influenza thrives in dry environments. Creating more humidity may reduce nasal inflammations, thus making it easier to breathe.

6. Eucalyptus oil. A few drops of eucalyptus oil in a bathtub of warm water, will clear a stuffy nose and make it easier to breathe. You can also add a few drops of the oil into a boil with warm water, lean your head over the bowl, place a towel over your head, creating a "steam room". Steam yourself for 5-10 minutes. This works wonders for a stuffy nose and head.