20 Home Remedies for Fighting a Cold
Zinc

Zinc is a home remedy for the common cold that has been around for a while. Taking zinc within 24 hours of the start of your symptoms and continuing to take it throughout your cold will help shorten the amount of time that you're sick. Zinc stops cold viruses from sticking around in your nose and throat, as well as preventing the virus from multiplying.
Zinc throat spray and lozenges are products on the market for cold relief, but lozenges are more effective. Just make sure to suck on it--don't chew it up and swallow it. It needs to dissolve slowly to coat your throat and bring you relief.