1. Propolis
Propolis is a resinous mixture that honey bees produce and use as a sealant to protect the beehive. Its content of flavonoids deters bacteria and prevents infection. Its organic acids are especially effective to fight against the influenza virus. Make a solution with warm water and drink it. However, there are some contraindications… do not take propolis if you suffer from asthma or are allergic to bee products.

2. Mint tea
A few fresh mint leaves in hot water makes a perfect drink in winter. Drinking it both in the morning and after dinner can cure throat dryness, pain, and phlegm caused by heat-induced cold.

3. Cinnamon tea
Add a small spoonful of cinnamon and two garlic cloves to 250 ml of water. Boil for 20 minutes. Add honey and lemon juice to serve. Drink 1-3 cups a day and you will be protected from germs.

Add a small spoonful of cinnamon and two garlic cloves to 250ml water. (Image: pixabay / CC0 1.0)
Add a small spoonful of cinnamon, two garlic cloves, honey, and lemon juice to make cinnamon tea. (Image: pixabay / CC0 1.0)

4. Plum tea
Add five basil-pickled or salted plums to a cup of hot water and stir for five minutes for a plum tea. Drink it both for breakfast and dinner. The drink’s antibacterial effect works to deter bacteria such as colon bacillus, Shigella dysenteriae, and Salmonella typhi, and helps to fight against colds.

5. Cane juice
Instead of refined cane juice sold in supermarkets, buy freshly pressed juice straight from the store for its minerals. Heat it in a saucepan. Switch off when it starts boiling. Add a few drops of lemon juice to drink. Cane is moist in nature. It can relieve a dry throat and coughing caused by a cold. Lemon, on the other hand, is rich in vitamin C for cold prevention.

6. Salted lemon tea
Cut 2 thin slices of lemon. Salt them with 1 g of salt. Add to hot water and drink. Do not let it sit for long as the lemon will turn bitter. It works best during the onset of a cold to clear the throat and refresh the body. As the drink does not hurt the stomach, it can be taken both before or after a meal.

works best during the onset of a cold to clear the throat and refresh the body. (Image: via pixabay / CC0 1.0)
Salted lemon tea works best during the onset of a cold to clear the throat and refresh the body. (Image: via pixabay / CC0 1.0)

7. Guava tea
Cut two small Taiwan guava or one big Thailand guava into quarters. Add seven cups of water. Bring to boil and cook under low heat for 5 minutes. Sieve and drink. It can clear heat, detoxify, reduce inflammation, and help urination, which can expedite the recovery from a cold.

8. Yam and ginger sweet soup
Cut a big yam into small pieces and some ginger into thin slices. Add six cups of water and boil. When cooked, add five spoons of brown sugar. Eating a bowl both in the morning and night after a meal can replenish the body quickly and help to get rid of the wind and cold in the body.

Cut a big yam into small pieces and some ginger into