Common cold and flu are some of the most contagious infections. Saving yourself from these infections can be very tricky. A fellow bus passenger who coughed, a colleague who’s constantly sneezing, a friend with a runny nose — all these people can be potential carriers of the cold and flu infection. How can you possibly save yourself from being affected by the illness like everyone else?

Preventing common cold and flu is more tricky and difficult than one would believe it to be. There are a number of over the counter medicines available that can help with the symptoms. However, most would prefer home remedies over medicines when it comes to treating cold and flu naturally, as they can be equally effective. Below is a list of home remedies for cold and flu.

1. Saltwater gargle
Not only does gargling help bring much-needed relief to an itchy, sore throat, but it also helps in the prevention of the common cold. Saltwater gargles decrease the swelling in your throat due to soreness. It also loosens the bacteria containing mucus and congestion, thus helping in getting rid of any blockages.

Practicing the activity of gargling with saltwater on a daily basis has proven to substantially decrease the risk of the person falling ill.

2. Use a menthol rub
Menthol has antibacterial and pain-relieving properties. Most decongestant rubs contain menthol as their primary ingredient. Rubbing menthol on your chest, or even simply placing a dab of it beneath your nostrils can bring relief in breathing by loosening nasal mucus. It also helps cough up phlegm and eliminate it from the body. Blocked sinuses, congestion, sore throat, and dry cough are some of the most common symptoms of cold and flu, and menthol helps in easing all of these symptoms.

3. Include Vitamin C in your diet
Although not enough evidence is available about the effectiveness of vitamin C in curing common cold and flu, it surely helps overcome the symptoms of these conditions. Vitamin C plays a very important role in the body’s mechanism and immune activity. Adding small doses of fresh lime juice to your food, soups, or salads can provide your body’s immune system with adequate Vitamin C support to tackle infections.

4. Steam inhalation
Steam moisturizes your nasal passages and makes it easy to breathe. It loosens the mucus and congestion, thus opening up the nasal and respiratory passages. For faster results, try adding essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, or peppermint oil to steam while inhaling. Eucalyptus oil is antiviral and antimicrobial in nature, whereas peppermint oil is a natural decongestant and helps in bringing down the body temperature.

5. Sleep with an extra pillow
While sleep itself can bring you some relief in the discomfort you are experiencing when you fall ill, adding an extra pillow can bring you some added relief. Elevating your head above the level of your body while lying down can help you breathe easier. The difference in the height of your head from the body flushes your sinuses and clears the nasal passage, which in turn helps in easier breathing.