Despite the fact that spring has sprung, cold and flu viruses are still making their presence known. Fortunately, there are many different home remedies that you can try in order to get relief quickly. Here are four of the best ways to help alleviate your cold and flu symptoms and put you on the road to recovery.

Gargle with Salt Water

As one of the classic home remedies, gargling with salt water helps to relieve throat pain and to break up mucus that has built up in your throat. Simply mix one-fourth of a teaspoon of salt with one cup of water. Take a sip of the water, tilt your head back, and gargle before spitting it out. Be sure to finish the entire cup of water. One of the biggest advantages to this natural home remedy is that it will provide relief almost immediately.

Take a Hot Bath

The steam from a hot bath or spa opens your pores and encourages sweat, which can have a detoxifying effect on your body. Adding Epsom salt to the bath will further the effect. The bath water needs to be hot enough to raise your internal body temperature so that you sweat while sitting in it. You can also sit in a bathroom with a hot shower creating steam to will clear up mucus that has built up and to encourage sweat.

Drink Chicken or Bone Broth

Although it may seem like an old wives’ tale, chicken broth truly does have healing effects on the body. Bone broth is full of anti-inflammatory amino acids and vitamins and minerals that support a good immune system. Chicken broth is also easy to digest, making it a good choice for an ailing body.

Swedish Massage

A quality massage can push out harmful toxins from the body and can encourage the healing process. This release of toxins will promote a healthy immune system. A trained Swedish masseuse will understand what pressure points to manipulate to best treat the cold or flu. Swedish massage can also help to prevent colds and cases of flu from forming. By reducing stress, your body will be more equipped to fight off infection. As always, the most important home remedy is rest. With the proper rest and any or all of these home remedies, you will speed up the recovery process and begin to feel better.