There’s no doubt about it: cold are just no fun. Nope, not even worth the sick day.

Many over-the-counter cold medicines cover the symptoms of a cold without helping to actually cure the cold, and therefore don’t help you get better any faster. These remedies help cure your cold naturally and quickly.

How to cure a cold naturally and quickly:

Apple cider vinegar

Organic and unfiltered apple cider vinegar definitely tops my list. While not the tastiest of the remedies, I’ve found it to always be the most effective. It helps neutralize the body which turns alkaline when sick and it helps thin mucus, which is essential when you have a cold! Dilute a 2-3 tablespoons in a full glass of water and drink 2-3 times a day.

Raw honey

Raw honey is one of my favorite natural skin remedies and sweet treat, and also works wonders during cold season. It is a natural antibiotic and antiviral. Local raw honey is said to help prevent and mitigate seasonal allergies, so look for a local producer. (Read more about the health benefits of raw honey.)

Echinacea

This herb boosts the immune system and may also contain antimicrobial properties. Scientists from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy reviewed over a dozen studies on the effects of echinacea and concluded that it can reduce the chances of catching a cold by approximately 58% and can reduce the duration of a cold by 1.4 days! I prefer echinacea tea but it is also available in pill-form.

Raw ginger

This spice is a natural antifungal and antibiotic. It also helps clear the nasal passages.

Cinnamon

Another spice that is a wonderful natural antibiotic and antiviral.

Red bell peppers

This vegetable may not seem like the most likely cold-cure candidate, but few know that 1 red bell pepper contains 300% of the RDA of vitamin C. It does not contain nearly as much sugar as citrus fruits, which decreases your immune functioning. It’s the ideal vitamin C supplement!

… and of course, stay hydrated and rest up!

How to use these remedies?

I like to chug my apple cider vinegar water (not the tastiest!) and then follow it with a hot tea made with echinacea tea, a teaspoon of grated raw ginger, a teaspoon of cinnamon, and 2 teaspoons of raw honey (yummy and it coats your throat if you are have a cough or throat tickle). I do this 3 times a day and am also sure to load up on red bell peppers when feeling under-the-weather! This typically helps me get over a cold in 2 days or less.