More than 300 enzymes in your body need zinc. Beef, pork, turkey, lentils, and fortified cereals contain it naturally.
Vitamin D comes from sunlight, supplements, fatty fish, milk, and fortified foods. Vitamin D may shorten and relieve cold symptoms, according to study.
Traditional Chinese medicine uses astragalus root to boost immunity and prevent colds and flu.
One of the most common home cold remedies is garlic. Garlic is used in chicken soup, raw garlic drinks, and garlic meals in many cultures to treat colds.
Vitamin C reduces the chance of acquiring a cold in those who exercise briefly in cold weather.
Many cultures cure coughs and colds with honey. Honey helped kids sleep and cough in the first 2007 Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine study.
Echinacea is still a popular herb for colds and flu, even if researchers doubt its efficacy.
Panax quinquefolius, a North American ginseng, is popular for treating colds and flu. Ginseng's active ingredients are polysaccharides and ginsenosides.
Ginger root soothes colds, coughs, and sore throats. TCM addresses moderate symptoms such a runny nose with clear discharge, headache, neck and shoulder pain, and a whitish tongue.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has long been used to treat colds, sinuses, and the flu.
Eucalyptus may relieve cold symptoms with its health advantages. Inhaling eucalyptus oil steam thins respiratory mucous.