There is no real cure for the common cold; however, this winter you can ease the symptoms of a cold by using gentle natural remedies. Some cold remedies have been in use for years because they work. Here are a few suggestions to help you ease the symptoms of a cold, during the winter season.

Ease a Sore Throat
At the first sign of a ticklish throat, try using one of the following gargles:

1. Steep 100g of fresh sage leaves in 2 cups of boiling water. If fresh sage is unavailable, you can use 30g of dried sage. After 10 minutes strain and allow the liquid to cool. Add a little honey to sweeten the mixture and gargle.

2. Dissolve 1/4 to 1/2 of a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. This saltwater gargle is easy to prepare and it will temporarily relieve a sore throat.

3. Add a drop of tea tree or eucalyptus oil to a glass of warm water and gargle to help soothe a sore throat.

Drink Plenty of Fluids
Drinking cool drinks such as water and juice will help keep your body hydrated. If you regularly drink coffee or cola drinks, try to limit the amount you drink when you have a cold. Coffee and soft drinks that contain caffeine will cause your body to dehydrate.

If you prefer a warm drink to help keep your body hydrated, try sipping a blackcurrant cordial or a glass of warm water with a squeeze of lemon juice.

You can purchase a commercial herbal tea to help relieve the symptoms of a cold. Alternatively, make your own herbal tea by blending 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint, 1 teaspoon of yarrow, and 1 teaspoon of elderflower. Brew the ingredients in 2 cups of boiling water and steep for 5 minutes. Strain the mixture before sipping the hot liquid.

If you are not taking medication for high blood pressure, you can make a tea using liquorice root or powder. Add 1/2 of a teaspoon of liquorice root, or powder, to 1 cup of hot water. Steep this mixture for 5 minutes before drinking. This drink will loosen phlegm and help relax bronchial spasms. Do not use liquorice tea over a long period because using this remedy will increase blood pressure.

Chicken Soup Relieves Cold Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic says scientists discovered chicken soup relieves cold symptoms. If your mother fed you chicken soup as a child to help relieve your cold, your mother was right. Chicken soup inhibits the movement of the immune system cells that cause the body’s inflammatory response.

Chicken soup may speed up the movement of mucus. This helps to relieve congestion because you limit the amount of time the cold virus is in contact with your nose lining.

Natural Remedies to help you Feel Better
Lavender is a mild tranquiliser. Rub lavender oil onto your wrists to help calm your nerves and relax your body when you have a cold. Try placing a drop of lavender oil on your pillow to help you sleep.

Sometimes when you have a cold, your lips become dry and sore. This natural remedy will help heal sore lips:
Melt 1 tablespoon of honey in your microwave oven. Stir 1 teaspoon of rosewater into the honey mixture. Place this mixture into a sterilised jar and use as needed.

Gargle regularly and drink plenty of fluids, so you can relieve the symptoms of a cold. A lovely bowl of chicken soup is sure to make you feel better, especially now you know it is really doing you good. Natural remedies are easy to use and are an inexpensive method of combating the common cold.