This Cold Symptoms Comfort Broth is easy to make, and very soothing when you’ve got a cold or sinus infection coming on. It’s also tasty!

To be clear, let me give you a quick disclaimer. It does not cure colds. It doesn’t prevent them either. Nothing does either of those things.

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But it can ease congestion and soothe your throat!

How I Came Up With This Recipe

Years ago, a co-worker told me about a broth similar to this, claiming if you had some of this as soon as you thought you were coming down with a cold, you wouldn’t. As I said before, nothing is proven to prevent colds, but steamy soups and other home cures can ease symptoms.

I took my co-worker’s recipe and added onion and garlic powder for two reasons. First, they taste good to me, and second, they do have some health benefits. Although you would need to eat a lot of either of them to make a difference with how long your cold lasts.

Isn’t it Better with Fresh Onion and Garlic?

So, there’s a tradeoff with this recipe. Yes, fresh chopped onions and garlic have more health potency than powdered versions.

But when you’re sick, the last thing you probably feel like doing is standing around chopping vegetables. Also, surprisingly, this is one recipe where the fresh veggie is pretty overwhelming and the powdered versions actually taste better.

I’ve tried both over the years, and either way, this broth will make you feel better, and you might come away thinking you got better more quickly. It doesn’t seem to make a difference whether you use fresh or not.

What the Science Says

Garlic is proven to boost the immune system, and seems to reduce how bad and how long your colds run, and onions are good for you in lots of ways including antibacterial, which might prevent some sinus infections.

Steam seems to help by lubricating your sinuses so you can flush out nasty viruses. Cayenne pepper is very soothing for sore or scratchy throats, plus it opens up your sinuses and adds a wonderful flavor.

Vegan or Vegetarian Version?

Easy! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.

Other Foods to Ease Cold Symptoms

1. Ginger

Ginger is another natural remedy for cold and flu relief. It contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol that have been shown to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant properties. Ginger can help thin out mucus, soothe a sore throat, and even alleviate nausea – a common side effect of the common cold.

Feel free to add it to the broth! Or you can make ginger tea. Steep freshly grated ginger in hot water, then add a touch of honey for an extra soothing effect. You can also try adding ginger to soups, stir-fries, or even baked goods.

2. Honey

Honey has long been used as a natural cough suppressant and throat soother, and for good reason. This sweet, sticky substance contains compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease cold symptoms. Honey has been shown to be particularly effective at reducing the severity and frequency of coughing.

You could actually mix some into this broth if you like its flavor with onions and garlic. Or mix it into your tea. The texture of honey can coat and soothe an irritated throat.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that’s packed with a powerful compound called curcumin. Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory that can help reduce swelling and irritation in the respiratory system, making it a great option for easing cold symptoms. Studies have found that turmeric may also have antiviral properties that can help fight off the viruses that cause colds.

Add it to this broth, or any other food you eat. You can also make a warming turmeric latte or golden milk by blending turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and plant-based milk. If you prefer, you can also take turmeric supplements.

4. Chicken Soup

Our ancestors weren’t being silly. Chicken soup really can help. The broth is hydrating and can help thin out mucus, while the vegetables and herbs provide cold-fighting nutrients.

It may also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling in the respiratory system. The steam from a hot bowl of chicken soup can also provide temporary relief for a stuffy nose or sore throat. For an extra immunity boost, you can add garlic, ginger, or turmeric to your soup recipe.