I have to start this article with a disclaimer: what I’m about to tell you does not cure colds. It doesn’t prevent them either.
All I know is that somebody told me about this many years ago, and whether it works or not, my cold-fighting chicken broth recipe is comforting and tasty.
Cold Symptoms Comfort Broth recipe
As this was explained to me, the trick is to make a bowl of this as soon as you think you may be coming down with a cold. To be on the safe side, you can even just throw it together when you’ve been around someone who has a cold. The recipe is very simple and easy to make. It even uses powdered garlic and onion.

And, sure, you can use fresh garlic and onion. I have on occasion, but it doesn’t seem to work any better than the powdered. I actually prefer the taste of the powdered, because in such a simple broth, fresh onion and garlic are overwhelming. Plus, if I’m getting sick, I don’t feel like chopping vegetables. But it’s a matter of taste.
Garlic and onion both have antiviral properties to boost your immune system. 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.

Cold fighting broth
My cold-fighting chicken broth recipe is a spicy, delicious broth I make whenever I feel like I'm coming down with a cold. Or whenever I'm in the mood for something spicy and delicious.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Warm up the broth in a saucepan on medium heat.
- Add powdered garlic and onion to taste.
- Add cayenne sauce to taste - a little goes a long way, so stir it up and taste it before adding more.