Folk

Andrographis This Chinese herb is used to prevent or lessen the duration of a cold. It has anti-bacterial properties and stimulates the immune system. Take 300 mg of andrographolide, its active ingredient, daily. Take with food. Never take during pregnancy.

Astragalus This Chinese herb has been successfully used for centuries for colds and flu. It stimulates the immune system, so it is better to use astragalus as a preventive measure during the cold and flu season than to clear one up after you get it. May be taken as a tea, capsule or tincture.

Bee balm Native Americans used bee balm to alleviate colds and coughs. Steep two teaspoons of fresh (one, dried) bee balm leaves in a cup of hot water, covered, for four minutes. Sip a cup three times a day. Bee balm has antiseptic compounds that can help heal respiratory infections and clear nasal congestion.

Cayenne pepper Take a teaspoon (or several capsules) of pepper in a glass of water immediately when you feel a cold or sore throat coming on. This should knock it out.

Elderberry extract Extensive studies done in Israel have shown that an elderberry extract under the trade name Sambucol cut the duration of the flu in half. 

Ginger Drink ginger tea to help break up a cold.

Hydrogen peroxide See detailed information under the Tips section above.

Lemon When one is sick, the body usually is over-acidic. Lemon helps promote health by quickly alkalinizing the body. Squeeze a lemon in a glass of water or tea, and drink every couple of hours.

• Make a nasal rise by adding one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt to a glass of warm water. Close one nostril and inhale the mixture; hold as long as you can, then blow it out. Do the other nostril. This rinse will kill off the virus that causes colds and helps keep the nasal passages moist. You will notice a marked improvement in your breathing.

Onion tea Make a tea by cutting an onion, boiling it, and drinking the juice.

Water/salt This remedy works well when you are stuffed up and your nose runs. In a large bowl or sink add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of salt. Let the salt dissolve, then immerse your face in the water for five to ten seconds; repeat 3-4 times. Keep your eyes and mouth closed, but try to breathe in the mixture. Then try a nasal rinse by putting a few drops of grapefruit seed extract in 1/2 cup of warm water and inhaling it; repeat two or three times, especially before bed and when you get up in the morning. The grapefruit seed extract will help kill off the bacteria.

Zinc lozenges Several studies have shown that taking zinc lozenges beginning within the first 24 hours of the onset of a cold will shorten its duration by about 50%. The lozenges come in zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, and zinc citrate. These lozenges should not be taken for more than a few days at a time as zinc depletes your body's store of copper. If you experience dry mouth or stomach irritation, reduce the frequency of use.