How to Build A Natural Cold-Fighting Kit for Your Family

Adding zinc and vitamin C to the diet can also help. Dr. Green explains that studies have shown that zinc lozenges have shortened the duration of a cold up to five days for those who are zinc-deficient, but you must start taking them at the first sign of symptoms. Vitamin C can be very beneficial for athletes, children, and people living in close quarters. The jury is still out, however, on how well zinc and Vitamin C work for most other people.

So here's your shopping list for getting through cough and cold season:

Buckwheat honey

Dark Chocolate

Throat Coat
Vaporizer
Valerian Root
Sleepy Time Tea
Chicken soup (in jars, canned or home made!)
Zinc lozenges
Vitamin C supplements