Garlic is a very good idea.
I once had a very serious cold that would not go away, I was ill for at least 6 months, despite heavy medication. Ate healthy, lots if vergetables and fruits, no alcohol, but it wasn't getting better.
Then, some day the girl I was dating (now my wife) clapped her eyeslids and said with her cute russian accent: "when I'm ill, I eat garlic and drink glass of vodka." Then she clapped her eyes again and said: "You are man! You drink two."
Well, what's to say, it worked. :-)
I do not have any medical training (except army 1st aid courses...), but I suppose it works this way: vodka kills everything the throat, and garlic is known to boost your immune system.
Mint tea with honey also seems helpful.