Test Your Knowledge

For hundreds of years, people have recommended chicken soup to reduce cold symptoms. Scientists have yet to find conclusive evidence that this technique actually works as intended. However, some studies have found that chicken soup may both speed up the movement of mucus through the nose and act as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of immune system cells (neutrophils) involved in inflammation.

Regardless of chicken soup’s cold-fighting potential, eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of fluids can help a person to remain strong and hydrated, which at the very least will likely reduce feelings of illness and malaise.

Many supplements have been touted as having the powers to cure or prevent colds. These include echinacea, eucalyptus, garlic, honey, lemon, menthol, zinc, and vitamin C. To date, none of these products has been proven to cure common cold symptoms.