Common cold and flu are common respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Both illnesses have similar signs and symptoms. It is difficult to differentiate between the two based on the signs and symptoms alone. Common colds are generally milder than flu and can be identified with stuffiness or a runny nose.

Here are a few best home remedies for cold and flu.

There are plenty of home remedies that you can conjure up at home to improve and elevate symptoms of cold and flu. Some of the best home remedies to treat the same are:

Ginger root
Consuming a few slices of ginger root in boiling water is said to provide relief from sore throat and coughing. Ginger has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that help in warding off the feelings of nausea that often is accompanied by seasonal influenza.

Honey
Antibacterial and antimicrobial honey is said to be one of the comforters for cold and flu. Consuming honey with lemon tea can help ease the problems of sore throat pain. According to researches, honey is an effective cough suppressant.

Garlic supplement
Adding a garlic supplement is said to relieve and lessen the symptoms of cold and flu. Garlic contains allicin, which has antimicrobial properties that help in treating the cold symptoms.

Vitamin C
It plays an important role in treating the symptoms of flu and cold. Vitamin C has a lot of health benefits. Grapefruits, oranges, lime, leafy greens, are rich in vitamin C. Drinking lemon with warm water and honey can relieve respiratory tract infections and mild cold symptoms.

Gargling with salt water
Gargling with salt water can relieve and moisten the sore throat. It decreases the severity of cold symptoms and reduces and loosens mucus, which contains allergens.

A hot shower
Hot showers moisturize the nasal passages and help you feel relaxed. Running a steamy shower when you feel dizzy with flu symptoms is often beneficial for the body.

Nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation is advised by doctors to reduce stuffiness in the nose and prevent sinus infections.

Hydrate yourself
Blowing up a runny nose and preventing stuffiness can make you feel dehydrated. Drinking herbal tea with honey can prevent sore throat pain and irritation. Caffeinated drinks should be avoided as they are a diuretic.

Sleeping with an extra pillow
Sleeping with an extra pillow will help in relieving the congestion in the nasal passage.

Blowing your nose the right way
Blowing your nose regularly when you have cold and flu symptoms can be of great help. Sniffling back the mucus in the head can also cause a earache. The best way to blow the nose is by pressing one nostril and blowing from the other one.