Modern medicine actually backs up this old home remedy: There's research out there that indicates that gargling salt water during cold and flu season can lower your incidence of infection. Even better? Gargling can also ease symptoms when you have them; loosening mucus and removing irritants from the throat and providing minor pain relief.

Plus, it's super easy: Just dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds before spitting out.

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The bees know best! Honey is a natural antimicrobial, which means it kills bacteria. It's also known as an effective cough suppressant (some studies even indicate that it works better than certain cough syrups!), and it has a soothing effect on sore throats. Add it to your tea or take it straight; both will help — and both are yummy, too.

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Vitamin C can help boost your immune system, and there's research that supports the fact that it may even shorten the duration of your cold. Of course, foods are always the best way to get your vitamins. The best sources for vitamin C? Strawberries, curly kale, kiwi, red and yellow peppers, tomatoes, and of course, oranges.

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Drinking hot tea or sipping on some of mom's chicken noodle soup (or trendy bone broth!) prevents dehydration and soothes irritated throats. If you can't sleep, try a hot toddy — tea, honey, and last but not least. and a shot of whiskey.

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To help with congestion, you can use saline sprays, drops from the pharmacy, or even a Neti pot with distilled or sterilized water. These nasal irrigation techniques help greatly with stuffy noses, since it clears your nasal passages to help you to breathe easier.

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