Feel a cold coming on? Or maybe your nose is already running, your throat is sore, and you have a hacking cough. Sadly, there's no fast cure for the common cold, but the following recipes should ease your sniffles and may shorten your suffering.
The soup-as-medicine myth has been around for—well, about as long as there have been grandmothers and soup. What's more, studies show that hot soup appears to reduce cold symptoms and boost your immune system (thanks, Grandma). Chicken soup, with or without noodles, is what most people rely on. You can make it quickly using rotisserie chicken or slow-simmer it while you bundle up on the couch and binge-watch Netflix. And even if the soup doesn't directly fight illness, doctors have a couple of good reasons for recommending it: Steam helps to relieve sinus inflammation and soothe your throat, while salty liquids can help keep you hydrated.
Another tried-and-true way to ease a cold? That cup of hot tea your mom probably suggested (we like it with a squeeze of lemon and a spoonful of honey). This age-old soother is great for sniffles and stuffiness, and again, the steam will help. Hot liquids are said to help loosen secretions in the chest and sinuses, making them easier to expel. Hot tea, whether caffeinated or a herbal brew, can provide relief from chills, coughs, sneezing, sore throats, and that annoying drippy nose. Remember, the same drink at room temperature does not provide the same relief—drink your tea hot for the most anti-cold benefits.
The old adage "feed a cold, starve a fever" has some truth to it, too. By eating, you encourage the production of the T helper1 immune cell that helps to fight viral infections. The trouble is that most people don't really feel like eating when they have a cold—for one thing, you can't taste or smell food properly. Try sticking to light meals like soup, an easy-to-eat rice dish like kitchari, or fresh, bright citrus.
