What are the best home remedies that can alleviate symptoms from a bad cold?

Umcka/ irrigation: Pellargonium sidoides is a herb native to South Africa that is proven to help relieve colds quite well- it is widely sold under the name umcka. High doses of vit. C (1-2000 mg every hour until you get loose stools) may help, as can zinc lozenges. You can also try a silver hydrosol nasal spray like sovereign silver & nasal irrigation- see http://www.Webmd.Com/allergies/ss/slideshow-nasal-irrigation.

Rest and fluids: At the first sign of a cold either take echinacea or vitamin c. Once the cold symptoms takes into effect plenty of fluids and rest is best.

Depends on the sympt: If symptoms are nasal/ sinus congestion then a decogestant is appropriate..Muscle aches, more flu like in symptoms i like theraflu.