There is nothing worse than a bad cold! While there is no cure for the common cold, there are natural remedies that may ease your symptoms and help you feel better.

‍Sleep. Sleep and rest is at the top of the list! Sleep helps your immune system fight off viruses and bacteria.

‍Stay hydrated.Staying hydrated is important for helping your body flush out toxins. Warm liquids are especially soothing. Warm water, lemon water, herbal tea, diluted juice, and broth are all good choices. Stay away from alcohol, coffee, and soda when you're ill.

‍Ginger and turmeric. Traditional herbal teas for soothing sore throats and colds include ginger and turmeric. Ginger may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease swelling. Turmeric root, a plant in the ginger family that is native to Southeast Asia and long used in the Ayurvedic medical practices of India, can also reduce inflammation.

‍Honey. Honey has natural antiviral and antimicrobial properties and honey acts as a demulcent, soothing the throat.

‍Vitamin C. While vitamin C hasn't been proven to prevent cold symptoms, some studies have indicated it can shorten the lifespan of a cold. Plus, it boosts your overall health, including your immune system. You can easily get vitamin C in your diet through eating citrus fruits.

‍Hot, fragrant soup. Your mom’s chicken soup is a time tested remedy. Hot liquids, such as soup, help reduce mucus buildup and keep you hydrated. A study from the University of Nebraska Medical Center found chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce a cold's unpleasant side effects. A flavorful noodle soup seasoned with ginger, garlic, vegetables and tofu also works wonders!

‍Warm salt water. Relieve a sore throat by gargling with warm salt water. Dissolve 1/2 a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.

‍Relieve congestion with nasal irrigation. Nasal irrigation can be helpful for alleviating congestion and hydrating nasal passages. However, it’s important to do it safely. Check with your provider to see it’s right for you. If you try it, use only distilled, sterile or boiled water for your rinses, as tap water can contain small amounts of bacteria and protozoa that carry the risk of other infections. Alternatively, you can try commercial nasal saline sprays for a similar effect.