Using natural cold remedies, from consuming honey to using warm steam, is an effective way to ward off cold symptoms. Although it can usually resolve on its own, a runny or stuffy nose that occurs with a cold can interfere with daily activities and requires treatment.

Colds are generally caused by viral infections and usually resolve on their own within 7–10 days. While this condition is not dangerous, it can disrupt the sufferer's daily activities.

Cold symptoms, such as nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, headache, and fever, can be treated with medication. Additionally, several natural cold remedies can be used to relieve cold symptoms.

Here are some natural cold remedies you can use to relieve cold symptoms:

1. Honey

Honey has been proven to be a natural cold remedy for adults and children over 1 year old. This is due to the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in honey, which are effective in relieving cold symptoms.

You can reap the benefits of honey as a natural cold remedy by dissolving it in warm water or tea, or consuming it directly.

2. Oranges

Vitamin C, abundant in oranges, has been proven effective in treating colds. By meeting your daily vitamin C intake, colds will heal more quickly and the severity of symptoms will be reduced.

In addition to consuming oranges as a natural cold remedy, you can also get enough vitamin C by eating foods rich in vitamin C, such as strawberries, broccoli, potatoes, and bell peppers.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics are a collection of good bacteria that help boost the immune system and maintain digestive health. Furthermore, probiotics can reduce your chances of developing upper respiratory infections, including colds.

You don't always need supplements; probiotics as a natural cold remedy can be obtained by consuming certain foods, such as yogurt, cheese, and tempeh.

4. Ginger

Ginger has long been used as an alternative medicine to treat various ailments. The gingerol compound in ginger can reduce the risk of bacterial and viral infections, including those that cause colds.

You can mix ginger with warm tea or use it as an ingredient in cooking to utilize this rhizome as a natural cold remedy.

5. Ginseng

Ginseng is a natural cold remedy that has also been proven quite effective in preventing flu and colds, as well as speeding up the healing process.

These benefits come from the various compounds in ginseng that can strengthen the immune system, enabling it to fight disease-causing germs and viruses.

You can consume ginseng in tea and dry powder form, or add it to drinks and food.

6. Mushrooms

Eating mushrooms doesn't cure colds directly. However, the high vitamin D content in mushrooms can help strengthen the immune system to fight a number of illnesses, including colds.

To use mushrooms as a natural cold remedy, you can process them into a variety of delicious dishes.

7. Garlic

Garlic is another natural cold remedy you can use. This is thanks to the allicin compound in garlic, which has antibacterial properties.

This benefit is supported by research that shows that consuming garlic has been proven effective in reducing the severity of cold symptoms, thereby speeding up the healing process.

You can get these benefits of garlic by eating it directly or adding it to cooking.

8. Echinacea

Echinacea has long been known in traditional medicine. Echinacea contains antioxidant and antiviral compounds that can boost immunity, including speeding up the healing of colds and reducing the severity of symptoms.

This natural cold remedy is usually consumed as a tea. However, nowadays, echinacea is also widely available in supplement and extract form.

9. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a type of tree whose leaves and oil are often used in medicines, including as a natural cold remedy. Furthermore, eucalyptus also helps thin mucus, making it a natural remedy for colds, coughs, and even bronchitis.

10. Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is another well-known natural cold remedy. Chicken soup will speed up the healing of a cold. In addition, the warm steam from chicken soup can also soothe the throat, thin mucus, and help prevent dehydration.

11. Salt Water

Rinsing your nose with salt water is an alternative for treating colds and sinusitis. This natural cold remedy can help thin mucus in your nose, making it easier to expel.

You can use a ready-made saline solution sold at pharmacies. However, you can also make a nasal rinse at home like this:

• Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of baking soda in 1 cup (about 230 ml) of warm water.
• Pour the saline solution into a container or special bottle available at drugstores or pharmacies.
• Tilt your head and point the spout of the bottle into one nostril.
• Lift the bottle until the liquid flows out the other nostril.
• For maximum results, rinse your nose with salt water three times a day.

12. Warm Steam

This natural cold remedy has long been used by many people to relieve cold symptoms, even sinusitis. Inhaling warm steam can help the body fight infection and ease breathing.

You can prepare a clean container filled with warm water. Then, bring your face close to the container and inhale the steam. Use this natural cold remedy carefully to prevent the steam from causing facial injuries or irritating your nose.

13. Take a warm bath

Besides inhaling warm steam, another natural cold remedy is a warm bath. Warm baths can moisturize your nasal passages and help you relax. This can help your cold symptoms resolve more quickly.

14. Use a humidifier

Using a humidifier to maintain humidity in your room can be a natural cold remedy and help relieve breathing. You can turn on a humidifier, especially if you're in a dry or air-conditioned room.

In addition to helping maintain humidity, humidifiers can also reduce airborne dust that can exacerbate colds. This will help clear your airways and improve your cold symptoms. However, be sure to change the water in the humidifier daily to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Although cold symptoms generally resolve on their own, natural remedies can be used to speed recovery and relieve symptoms.

If your cold doesn't improve within 7 days, is accompanied by a fever for 3 consecutive days, or worsens despite trying the natural cold remedies mentioned above, consult a doctor immediately. This examination will allow your doctor to assess your condition and prescribe appropriate cold medication.