With cold season in full swing, it’s good to know that we don’t have to rush to the nearest drug store to get relief. Using natural remedies—many of which may already be in the house—can be just as effective. Although such steps don’t claim to cure what ails us, they can bring comfort and often shorten the duration of illness by strengthening the immune system. Here are six helpful tips:

Herbal Teas: Chamomile can help cold and flu sufferers relax and get much-needed rest. Hot ginger tea, spiced with cinnamon and a dash of cayenne, will keep the body feeling warm when we have the chills.

Sage: Gargling regularly with sage tea disinfects the mouth; sage-based inhalations further reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes.

Garlic: Garlic is a natural antibiotic that also stimulates the immune system and wards off complications such as bronchitis.

Homeopathy: The homeopathic remedy Arsenicum album helps when one feels chilly and exhausted. Belladonna is suggested when the symptoms are sudden and intense. Bryona alba relieves headaches, coughs and irritability and Allium cepa is good for watery discharge. Consult a holistic practitioner to determine potency and doses.

Humidifiers: Nothing irritates sensitive nasal passages and sore throats like dry air. Add a few drops of eucalyptus food-grade essential oil to a humidifier to help open airways and clear congestion.

Moist heat compresses: When plagued by a throbbing head and difficulty in breathing through the nose, try applying warm moist compresses—perhaps with a drop of peppermint food-grade essential oil—to the cheeks and sinuses.

Sources: AssociatedContent.com, eHow.com, HolisticOnline.com, WebMD.com