A few sneezes, a runny nose, and a sore throat can make the strongest person uncomfortable and ruin their day. Doctors usually prescribe mild antibiotics to treat cold and flu. They prescribe stronger medication only if the symptoms do not improve. You can also resort to home remedies such as staying hydrated and resting well until the symptoms improve. Read on to know four natural remedies for cold and flu.

1. Saltwater gargling
When the flu season starts, one of the first things you and your family, particularly young kids, should start salt water gargling. The best time to gargle is as soon as you wake up. Frequent saltwater gargling reduces the risk of any upper respiratory tract infections. If you are already infected, saltwater gargling brings relief from nasal congestion, sore throat, and cough. It can dilute and eliminate thickened mucus. Add half to one spoon of salt in warm water, sip, and tilt your head backward, gargle for at least 20 seconds before spitting it out.

2. Warm Bath or a hot shower
Avoid cold showers if you sense the onset of a cold. Hot water can remove the mucus that accumulates in your sinus and help you breathe easy. Use peppermint and eucalyptus aromatherapy oils or shower capsules. These provide relief from congestion and reduce body ache.

3. Hot fluids
Include soups and broths in your diet. Pepper and herbs in soups and broths help you fight infections and develop immunity. If you have an infection, the steam from the soup can relieve nasal congestion, lighten up the mucus, and reduce cough. Furthermore, have herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile tea. You can also sip warm water with some lime juice. These fluids also keep you hydrated. Dehydration during a fever can lead to further complications.

4. Use a humidifier
Humidifiers are electrical devices that increase moisture in an enclosed space. It prevents dryness that can irritate the sinuses during flu or cold. Make sure to use purified or distilled water, and change the water every day. Humidifiers make breathing easy and stop symptoms from getting worse.

5. Eat well

Cold and flu make you groggy, tired, and sleepy, although coughing and sneezing could prevent you from having a good sleep. Hence, have smaller meals more frequently. Keep yourself hydrated with plenty of fluids like soups and broths. Have a snack if you are unable to eat a meal. Toasts, oatmeal, and fresh juices can keep you nourished.

6. Rest, and sleep
A fever is an indication that your immune system is fighting against the virus. The body can fight better when we are sleeping. Take a break from work. This also stops the infection from spreading to others. Lie down with a stack of pillows under your head, and keep your room cool. Set the thermostat to 60 and 67°F (15.6 and 19.4°C). Maintain good air circulation in your place.