Best Cold Remedies of 2026

Phoebe Cooper Avatar
Phoebe Cooper
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2026

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During the colder months, it's common to suffer from colds and flu. These illnesses can leave us feeling run down, congested and generally unwell. However, there are a variety of cold remedies available on the market that can help alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery time. From herbal teas and vitamin supplements to cough syrups and nasal sprays, there are many options to choose from. It's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new medication or supplement, but with the right cold remedies, you can help stabilise your symptoms and get back to feeling your best.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Vicks Nasal Spray for Cold Relief Cover #TOP 1
Vicks Nasal Spray for Cold Relief
ftb score rating icon 9.9
A.Vogel Echinaforce Tablets for Cold Relief Cover #TOP 2
A.Vogel Echinaforce Tablets for Cold Relief
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Nurofen Day & Night Cold Relief Tablets Cover #TOP 3
Nurofen Day & Night Cold Relief Tablets
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cold Remedies

#TOP 1

Vicks Nasal Spray for Cold Relief

3155561
Multi
15 ml (Pack of 1)
Vicks Nasal Spray for Cold Relief Cover
Vicks Nasal Spray For Blocked Nose, First Defence, Relief Of Cough Cold And Flu Like Symptoms, Nose Spray Helps To Inactivate & Remove Cold Viruses, Blocked Nose Relief, Cold Virus Blocker, 15 ml

Vicks Cold Virus Blocker is designed to help you combat common cold viruses effectively. It can stop a cold in its tracks, providing you with much-needed relief. This nasal spray targets the back of the nose and the top of the throat, which are the main sites of infection. With its triple action, it traps, inactivates, and removes cold viruses before they escalate into a full-blown cold. You can even start using it right when you are exposed to cold viruses, offering you timely protection.

What We Like
Stops cold progression
Targets main infection sites
Triple action protection
Use at first exposure

A.Vogel Echinaforce Tablets for Cold Relief

067314
White
A.Vogel Echinaforce Tablets for Cold Relief Cover
A.Vogel Echinaforce Echinacea Tablets relieves Cold & flu Symptoms by strengthening The Immune System, 120 Tablets

A.Vogel Echinaforce Tablets are a popular choice for relieving cold and flu symptoms. As A.Vogel's top remedy, they work by strengthening your immune system, helping you to fight off colds and flu effectively. Made from organically grown Echinacea purpurea extracts, these tablets ensure you receive quality ingredients. It is advisable to start taking them at the first sign of a cold, providing timely support when you need it most.

What We Like
Strengthens immune system
Made from organic ingredients
Effective against cold symptoms
Popular and award-winning
#TOP 3

Nurofen Day & Night Cold Relief Tablets

3808334
Nurofen Day & Night Cold Relief Tablets Cover
Nurofen Day & Night Cold & Flu Relief 200mg/5mg Tablets Ibuprofen, Pack Of 16

Nurofen Cold Relief Tablets are designed to help alleviate the discomfort of cold and flu symptoms. With their dual action formula, they relieve aches and pains while helping to clear nasal congestion, making it easier for you to breathe. Each tablet provides relief for up to 8 hours, ensuring you can go about your day or night with less discomfort. Suitable for adults, the elderly, and children over 12, these tablets offer a convenient option for effective cold and flu relief.

What We Like
Dual action formula
Lasts up to 8 hours
Relieves cold and flu symptoms
Suitable for ages 12 and above
Easy to use
#TOP 4

ColdZyme Mouth & Throat Spray for Colds

Coldzyme
CZ01
20 ml (Pack of 1)
ColdZyme Mouth & Throat Spray for Colds Cover
ColdZyme Mouth & Throat Spray – Reduces a Cold by up to 4.5 Days | Deactivates Viruses | Use at First Signs (Scratchy Throat, Runny Nose, Malaise, Headache, Coughing) | Menthol Flavour 20 ml

ColdZyme Spray is designed to combat the common cold effectively. It targets and disables cold viruses, preventing them from spreading and replicating in your system. This means you can start to feel better sooner. When you encounter cold viruses, it forms a defence barrier to trap virus particles, offering you immediate protection. Additionally, ColdZyme Spray helps relieve symptoms like sore throats and runny noses, making it a convenient choice for early treatment. By using it at the first signs of a cold, you can significantly shorten the duration of your illness.

What We Like
Reduces cold duration
Forms protective barrier
Relieves cold symptoms
Effective for ages 4
#TOP 5

Herbal Store Echinacea Cold and Flu Relief Tablets

Herbal Store
Herbal Store Echinacea Cold and Flu Relief Tablets Cover
Herbal Store Echinacea Cold and Flu Relief 30 Film Coated Tablets

The Echinacea Cold and Flu Relief is a traditional herbal remedy designed to help alleviate the bothersome symptoms of colds and flu. If you are looking for a natural approach to support your health, this product is an excellent choice. With 30 film-coated tablets, it offers convenience and ease of use. You can take these tablets to find relief and feel more comfortable during those uncomfortable days when illness strikes. Embrace a natural solution with this effective herbal medicine.

What We Like
Natural herbal remedy
Relieves cold and flu symptoms
Easy to take film-coated tablets
Supports traditional medicine approach
#TOP 6

Benylin Cold & Flu Max Strength Capsules

3220225
White
Benylin Cold & Flu Max Strength Capsules Cover
Benylin Cold & Flu Max Strength Capsules, 16 each

Benylin Max Strength Capsules are designed to help you combat cold and flu symptoms effectively. They contain an analgesic and decongestant, providing relief from discomfort and nasal congestion, allowing you to breathe more easily. With paracetamol, these capsules help lower fevers and alleviate aches and pains, making you feel more comfortable. Additionally, the inclusion of caffeine combats fatigue and drowsiness, helping you regain control of your day. Overall, these capsules aim to get you back on your feet quickly during illness.

What We Like
Effective symptom relief
Reduces fever and aches
Helps with nasal congestion
Combats fatigue and drowsiness
Trusted UK cough brand
#TOP 7

Beechams All In One Cold and Flu Tablets

Beechams
100691769
C&F TABLETS 16
Beechams All In One Cold and Flu Tablets Cover
Beechams All in One Tablets, Cold & Flu Relief Medicine for adults, with Paracetamol, 16s

Beechams Cold and Flu Tablets offer comprehensive relief from cold and flu symptoms. With a triple action formula, these tablets effectively alleviate aches, headaches, fever, and a blocked nose. You can also tackle sore throats and chesty coughs, making your recovery easier. The formulation contains three times more ingredients than paracetamol alone, ensuring you receive robust support. Plus, they are non-drowsy, allowing you to maintain your daily activities while you recover. Always remember to read the label for proper usage.

What We Like
All in one symptom relief
Effective triple action formula
Non-drowsy formula
Contains more ingredients than paracetamol
#TOP 8

Covonia All-in-One Chesty Cough Relief

175623
Green
160 ml (Pack of 1)
Covonia All-in-One Chesty Cough Relief Cover
Covonia All-in-One Chesty Cough, Cold & Flu Relief Oral Solution, Sugar Free, Fights Chesty Cough, Headaches, Sore Throats,Contains Paracetamol, for Adults & Children Aged 12 +,160ml

Covonia Cough Relief is designed to tackle five troublesome symptoms associated with colds and flu. It effectively alleviates a chesty cough, soothes a sore throat, reduces congestion, and eases headaches and body aches. Being sugar-free, it is a considerate choice for those watching their sugar intake. Additionally, it contains paracetamol, providing extra pain relief when you need it most. This product is also suitable for vegans, making it an inclusive option for all.

What We Like
Targets multiple cold symptoms
Sugar-free formulation
Contains pain-relieving paracetamol
Vegan-friendly
#TOP 9

Sudafed Sinus Max Strength Capsules for Sinus Relief

100864885
White
Sudafed Sinus Max Strength Capsules for Sinus Relief Cover
Sudafed Sinus Max Strength Capsules, Relieves Sinus Pressure and Pain, Relieves symptoms of Blocked Nose, Headache, Fever, Aches and Pain, pack of 16

Sudafed Sinus Max Capsules are designed to relieve sinus pressure, congestion, and associated pain, helping you feel more comfortable. The capsules contain Phenylephrine Hydrochloride and Paracetamol, which work together to reduce swelling, ease aches, pains, and headaches, and lower fever. Additionally, they include caffeine to help combat tiredness, so you can stay alert and carry on with your day. With clinically proven cold relief from day one, Sudafed Sinus Max Capsules start working quickly, usually within 15 minutes, providing fast and effective comfort.

What We Like
Relieves sinus pressure and pain
Reduces congestion and swelling
Combats tiredness with caffeine
Fast-acting, works in 15 minutes
Clinically proven from day one
#TOP 10

Schwabe Kaloba Cold Relief Tablets

500603
Schwabe Kaloba Cold Relief Tablets Cover
Schwabe Pharma - Kaloba Cough & Cold Relief Tablets - Pelargonium Sidoides Root Extract 20mg - Traditionally Used for Common Cold, Runny Nose, Sore Throat, Blocked Nose, Coughs - 30 Tablets

Schwabe Kaloba Tablets are a herbal remedy designed to alleviate symptoms of the common cold, including a sore throat, cough, and blocked or runny nose. They contain Pelargonium sidoides, a well-known plant with a history of traditional use for respiratory issues. As a registered herbal product, these tablets are suitable for vegetarians, allowing you to choose a plant-based solution for your cold symptoms. The high-quality ingredients ensure you receive effective relief, making it a convenient choice for those seeking an alternative to conventional medicine.

What We Like
Herbal, traditional remedy
Suitable for vegetarians
High-quality plant-based ingredients
Relieves multiple cold symptoms
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do you get rid of a cold overnight?

Try sipping herbal tea, lemon water, or warm broth. Soups, especially chicken soup, may help thin mucus and relieve aches and congestion. Try to take a hot drink before going to bed if you can't sleep at night. Add a spoonful of honey to your herbal or lemon tea to help you sleep soundly and relieve your cough.

2. How do you get rid of a cold in 24 hours?

While the duration of your symptoms may vary, many people wonder how to cure a cold in 24 hours or even overnight. The best way to tame a cold fast is to stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids, gargle with salt water, take an OTC medication, and humidify the air.

3. What can I drink to cure a cold?

The takeaway The best tips for getting over your cold are to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. Water, juice, clear broth, and warm water with lemon and honey can really help loosen congestion. Tea is fine, but the decaffeinated kinds are best.

Editor's Notes

During our cold remedy research, we found 142 cold remedy products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 83,526 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cold remedies list. We found that most customers choose cold remedies with an average price of £5.48.

The cold remedies are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cold remedies, including Vicks, A.Vogel, Nurofen, Coldzyme, Herbal Store.

Written by
Phoebe Cooper Avatar

In 2000, Phoebe Cooper graduated from the University of London as a Pharmacist. She practiced as a Pharmacist for the better part of 2 decades. Phoebe says she has worked in the majority of health sectors and has sufficient accumulated knowledge and experience. In her practice, Phoebe published a series of eBooks, one of which is titled "Good Health Good Living."