In Thailand, we use Kariyat for the common cold. This herbal medicine can alleviate fever and sore throat.

In Asian culture:

1. we take half a tsp of turmeric mixed with equal amount of black pepper in honey and eat it to relief from sore throat and cough.

2. a decoction made of tea, ginger, peppermint leaves, with a little bit of salt is fitered and mixed with honey and drank to sooth the sire throat and effects of cold.

For Common cold, 1. we take 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1/2 spoon of Black pepper powder in a glass of milk before going to bed. 

2. if u r not an ulcer patient take an extract (without adding water)from 100 g of ginger and drink it.

see www.liberherbarum.com

Viral infections are primarily due to immunosuppression.

To improve immunity:-

Take about 4 gram of vitamin C  or even higher dose intravenously eg 15 gram .If continuing on vitamin c usually about 1 gram 2-3 times daily -can cause loose bowel actions with high doses in some people

Vitamin C at high dose can be virucidal  also

astragalus,olive leaf and shiitake mushroom as herbs stimulate immunity

Licorice root in capsule form is virucidal

In Poland having cold we usually do things like that: at first we drink a lot of black tea with 1tsp of honey and eat crushed clove of garlic per day.

Moreover we prepare ginger brew:

you should boil 30 g of fresh gingerl in approx.2 cups of water for 10 minutes, and then add 1 tsp of brown sugar (or honey) and drink.

Some of Polish do also a soft drink: take a medium glass jar, cut onion into slices and put 1 slice at the bottom of jar, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sugar, then another onion slice and sugar.. and so on. Leave it for 2 days in room temperature and then you have the first juice to drink. After 2 days you should store your glass jar in the fridge, and still use it.

drink Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L. ) tea it is the best for cold

In india

People used to take fresh juice of Ocimum sanctum and Ginger.

Tea with ginger.

In India people used to make a syrup called "KADHA" (commonly called by this name. I don't know the scientific nomenclature). Its recipe varies across India based on climatic condition and season's too. So for this you have to refer Ayurveda or consult any one who practices traditional medicine in India.

We can have root/rhizome extract of Angelica glauca in soup.

Dentro de las muchas plantas medicinales utilizadas en Colombia, existe una llamada comúnmente: Pronto alivio, Cura ya, Curalotodo etc., su nombre cientifico es: Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Br. y suele prepararse en infusión.

In northern India a rural people suffering with Cold/very severe cold  take:

1. JOSANDA: A herbal pck named "Josanda" avilable with general stores is boiled in half a lit of water till it is reduced to 1/4, add a pinch of rock salt and sip it slowly. This preparation provide dramatic relief in all type of COLD.

OR

2. Tea: Prepared with Tulsi leaves, ginger, Black pepper, jaggry, tea leaves, Licorice root and milk

3, A medicinal preparation for sore throat: prepared with honey, vinegar, cinnamon, lemon juice in hot  water gives quick relief