8 Drinks That Fight Off Colds (Slideshow)

Dr. Verma recommends this drink, noting that  "tomato juice is rich in antioxidants and lycopene — and flushes the system."

This classic homeopathic cure for colds is a balance of healthful ingredients: ginger is thought to have antibacterial properties, lemon is packed with vitamin C, the capsaicin in cayenne assists your body in thinning mucus (so your coughs can be more productive), and honey soothes a sore throat, as well as bolstering the immune system.

Aside from being charmingly colorful, rainbow chard is packed with vitamins, calcium, protein, and folates — chard is one of the best things you can put in your body whether you have a cold or not. When you're sick, however, you want to ensure that you eat only clean, healthy foods that can help boost your wellness — mixing rainbow chard with infection-fighting coconut milk and vitamin C-packed pineapple and lime juices will help you get right back on track.

Many people swear by this cure, and it certainly wins the prize for easiest on-the-go mixture.

While hydrating by drinking water and non-caffeinated tisanes is critical for wellness, the tannins in black tea may tighten the membranes in your throat, and even a splash of lemon contains a boost of Vitamin C.

"Grapefruit juice is high in vitamin C," Dr. Verma notes. "Try to avoid pre-made or concentrated juices from the store as they are very high in sugar. It is always best to blend juices at home to get the full benefit while controlling what does or doesn't go in the blender."

We've talked up the benefits of drinking this healthful brew before, but be sure to sip some extra cups if you feel a cold coming on — this drink can give you the extra boost you need to get over your cold faster.

Garlic contains sulfur compounds that have antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, and it turns out your mom was right — chicken broth really does help speed up recovery time.