Having a cold or flu is nothing to sneeze at! The common cold can wipe you out, and the influenza virus-which is characterized by inflammation of the respiratory tract and fever, chills and muscular pains-can really knock you out. If you're feeling down for the count with a red, runny nose, chest congestion and that achy-aIl-over feeling, instead of making much achoo about nothing, keep reading for some simple hints to fight back.

Natural home remedies
-- Hot Orange & Ginger
1 orange
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon ginger (helps to soothe the throat)
1 cup boiling water

Squeeze the juice from a fresh orange into a cup of boiled water, add ginger & honey for taste. Sip while warm.

-- Gargle: A mix of water and pure tea tree oil this helps sore throats.

-- Wash your hands frequently, this reduces the chances of re infecting yourself and others.

-- Vitamin C in doses of 500 mg. Four times a day will shorten flu symptoms by a day or two. Vitamin C works best for colds instead of the flu. Cough drops made from the herb horehound can be effective. Keep your consumption of sugar down. Sugar will decrease your immune systems ability to fight disease.

-- Goldenseal is another herb that acts as a natural antibiotic, and can be taken to help your body in its battle against the cold. It helps to relieve nasal, as well as lung congestion, among other symptoms.

Liquid Measures
Prepare tea by steeping equal parts of cinnamon, sage and bay leaves in hot water. Strain, and before drinking the tea, add 1 table-spoon of lemon juice. If necessary, sweeten with honey. Keep flushing out your system by drinking lots of nondairy liquids-unsweetened fruit juices, herbal tea and just plain water.