Cold can be frustrating, especially because you have to deal with a stuffy nose along with body aches and sometimes cough. While some symptoms may disappear after plenty of rest, headaches and fatigue along with a sore throat could linger for some more time. You might still be sneezing and coughing, feeling weak, and may even lose your voice. Moreover, if you don’t get enough nutrition, the cold could continue.

Doctors advise people to hydrate and get some nourishment through fluids when suffering from cold. Drinking a cup of soup or broth every 2 or 3 hours, keeps you sated and nourished. You can make extra quantities and freeze them as well. Here are some fluids that are great when suffering from cold.

Chicken soup
Chicken soup is a lifesaver for people recovering from many illnesses, particularly those with cold and flu. Fluids are important for hydration, and also if you have a fever caused by flu. Chicken soup and broth are known as sources of minerals, vitamins, and protein, and can help you fight the infection. The vegetables provide the much-needed vitamins. Chicken soup contains electrolytes, and a mild seasoning of pepper can heal a sore throat and cough. You can make larger batches of chicken soup and freeze and drink it 2 times a day or whenever you feel like it.

Clean some chicken, place in a soup pot, add some water, and bring to a boil. Chop some vegetables into tiny bits and let this boil for about 60 minutes. Skim the fat with a ladle as it floats on top. Add a handful of chopped celery and parsley as well. Add the seasoning of your choice and don’t forget the pepper. Serve it hot and say goodbye to cold.

Bone broth
Bone broth is a watery broth made from bones and fat of animal protein. You can make this broth with any protein of your choice, like red meat, game meat, or seafood. You can use bone marrow too.

All you have to do is place 2 to 4 pounds of bones in a large pot or slow cooker, add 4 liters of water, 2-3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Once it begins to boil, simmer it for some time or until it thickens. Once it cools, filter and drink the clear liquid. It is full of protein, minerals, and vitamins, and is as effective as chicken soup.

Ginger ale
In a pan, combine 2 cups of water and 1 cup of peeled and grated ginger. Let this simmer over medium heat for about 20-30 minutes. Do not allow the water to bubble or reduce. Let it rest for 20 minutes and then drain and discard the ginger. Once that is done, pour the water back into the saucepan and add ½ cup granulated sugar and a pinch of salt. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves and once cooled, transfer the liquid to bottles. You can sip small quantities of ginger ale when a sore throat and cough bothers you. Do not have it chilled, as it could worsen your condition.