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  4. 15 Soothing Recipes to Make If You Have a Cold

15 Soothing Recipes to Make If You Have a Cold

By Jennifer Anderson February 01, 2019
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chicken voodle soup
Credit: Armando Rafael
At the first sign of a stuffy nose or congestion, head for the kitchen and stir up some of these soups, teas, and tonics full of naturally comforting ingredients.
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chicken voodle soup
Credit: Armando Rafael

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.

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Test Kitchen's Favorite Fire-Cider Tonic

fire cider tonic
Credit: Christina Holmes
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Apple cider vinegar infused with everything good—ginger, garlic, chiles, cinnamon, lemon, peppercorns, rosemary, horseradish, onion, orange, and honey—takes 21 days to steep but will last you all through flu season.

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Kitchari

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Credit: Emily Kate Roemer
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Yellow mung dal (split mung beans) combine with warming spices and loads of vegetables to make a restorative, savory one-pot porridge.

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Chicken Soup

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This is the classic chicken soup recipe you've been craving. Simmer a whole chicken with aromatics and root vegetables and let the results warm your heart.

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Triple Citrus-Ade

Triple Citrus-Ade
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Remember what Mom (and the doctor) said—drink lots of fluids! Get your hydration and your vitamins all at once with this lightly sweetened beverage of lemon, lime, and orange juices.

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Asian Chicken and Chili Soup

Asian Chicken and Chili Soup
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Soy sauce, hot chili sauce, watercress, and scallions dial up the savory flavors of this soothing shortcut chicken soup.

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Turmeric and Lemon "Tea"

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Credit: Aaron Dyer
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The good news: This quick and easy brew of turmeric, honey, lemon, and cayenne will have you feeling better in no time. The even better news? Everything you need to make it is probably already in your kitchen!

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One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Credit: Christina Holmes
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When your head's too stuffy to even think about spending all day in the kitchen, turn to this genius one-pot chicken noodle soup that's ready in just over an hour.

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Green Tea with Lemon and Pomegranate

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Add pomegranate seeds to green tea for an antioxidant extravaganza. Lemon and honey add a just-right balance of flavors.

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Turmeric Tonic

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Credit: Gentl and Hyers
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Harness turmeric's super anti-inflammatory properties in this invigorating, fizzy tonic.

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Chicken Broth Elixir

chicken broth elixir
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When someone says, "Let food be thy medicine" they're probably talking about this marvelous restorative broth perfect for sipping throughout cold and flu season.

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Citrus Salad with Cashews and Mint

Citrus Salad with Cashews and Mint
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Get your Vitamin C the all-natural way, with this bright and refreshing mix of grapefruit, clementines, kiwi, and mint.

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Matzo Ball Soup

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Credit: Jonathan Lovekin
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Just like Bubbe used to make, homemade chicken broth brims with fluffy, stick-to-your-ribs matzo balls. You'll be feeling better in no time! 

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Citrus Sorbets

Tangerine Sorbet
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Load up on Vitamin C while you soothe a sore throat with homemade grapefruit, tangerine, and tangelo sorbets.

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30 Clove Garlic Soup

30 Clove Garlic Soup
Credit: Johnny Miller
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Garlic is known as the "poor man's penicillin" but you'll feel like you're in the lap of luxury when you dip your spoon into this rich and velvety soup.

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Chicken Voodle Soup

chicken voodle soup
Credit: Armando Rafael
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A zucchini a day keeps the doctor away! Quick and easy chicken soup gets an extra dose of vegetables when you toss in spiralized squash in place of noodles.

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    1 of 16
    2 of 16 Test Kitchen's Favorite Fire-Cider Tonic
    3 of 16 Kitchari
    4 of 16 Chicken Soup
    5 of 16 Triple Citrus-Ade
    6 of 16 Asian Chicken and Chili Soup
    7 of 16 Turmeric and Lemon "Tea"
    8 of 16 One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
    9 of 16 Green Tea with Lemon and Pomegranate
    10 of 16 Turmeric Tonic
    11 of 16 Chicken Broth Elixir
    12 of 16 Citrus Salad with Cashews and Mint
    13 of 16 Matzo Ball Soup
    14 of 16 Citrus Sorbets
    15 of 16 30 Clove Garlic Soup
    16 of 16 Chicken Voodle Soup

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