| A hundred years ago herbs were not only used in | | | | 6. Garlic and warm milk. 1 good size glove of garlic |
| cooking, but were the basic ingredient in most health | | | | crushed and mixed in 1 cup of warm milk. This |
| remedies used to treat common aliments. The herb | | | | concoction is said to shorten the duration of a cold. An |
| were planted in the spring and dried in the fall, to be | | | | active compound in garlic, allicin, is known to be a good |
| handy for the up coming year. Perhaps using home | | | | decongestant. Garlic is also known to have potent |
| remedies was found to be the more prudent way to | | | | antioxidant properties, so it couldnt hurt. |
| treat illness, than a costly trip to the doctor. Home | | | | 7. Vitamin C. Eat foods that are high in vitamin C. |
| remedies were used to treat illnesses such as colds, | | | | Studies show taking vitamin C will shorten the length of |
| stomach aches, muscle pain, and more. | | | | a cold. |
| Most home remedies included medicinal herbs. The | | | | 8. Echinacea, the Chinese have been using Echinacea |
| herbs were combined into concoctions, and by trail and | | | | for centuries for its strong antibiotic properties. World |
| error remedies were developed. The Tried and true | | | | Health Organization also supports use of Echinacea |
| remedies were used and shared with family, and | | | | for use to shorten the common cold. |
| friends. Many of these old remedies have survived, | | | | 9. Cough syrup can be made very easily in your own |
| and are still used today. The common cold was one | | | | kitchen. Slowly boil a lemon with its skin on for about 8 |
| such illness that was frequently treated with a variety | | | | minutes. Cut the lemon in two parts and squeeze the |
| of old home remedies. | | | | juice with the use of a squeezer. Add the lemon juice |
| Below are some old tried and true remedies to aid | | | | to a glass. Mix in two tablespoonfuls of glycerin, |
| with comforting the common cold. | | | | (purchase glycerin at your local drug store or health |
| 1. To help sooth a sore throat: Sage mixed with a bit | | | | food store.). Stir lemon juice and glycerin together. Add |
| of Alum | | | | 1 tablespoonful of honey. This cough syrup will real |
| 1/2 tea dried Sage, a pinch of Alum mixed in a warm 6 | | | | ease a sore throat. |
| oz glass of water. Gargle several times every few | | | | 9. Feed a cold; starve a fever. There is a theory that |
| hours. | | | | eating less during a cold may shorten the duration of |
| 2. Mix 2 tab. Molasses into a cup of chamomile tea. | | | | the cold. However, nutritionists strongly disagree with |
| This drink can be given at night to sooth one off to | | | | this theory, because the body that is stricken with a |
| sleep with a sweet tea. The chamomile is also | | | | cold needs more nutrients, to aid in fighting off illness. |
| soothing on the stomach, and aids to promote sleep. | | | | 10. Breathe steam. Steam does help liquefy and |
| 3. Sassafras tea is also great it aid in diminishing fever, | | | | loosens mucus. This mucus helps clear airways, and |
| and soothing ones throat. | | | | can decrease nasal congestion. |
| 4. Cold Eeze Lozenges. These are an all natural | | | | 11. The Old fashioned mustard plaster helps relieve |
| lozenges that are made with Zinc. Studies show the | | | | chest congestion. To prepare 1 tablespoon dry |
| zinc will help reduce the length and severity of a cold. | | | | mustard, 1/4 cup flour lukewarm water. Sift together |
| These wonderful lozenges can be purchased at most | | | | mustard and flour in a bowl. Slowly add just enough |
| drug stores or health food stores. | | | | water to make a paste. Spread the plaster on a piece |
| 4. Homemade chicken soup. Helps with congestion, | | | | of muslin that is big enough to cover the chest. Cover |
| and is thought to be an all around good cold remedy. | | | | with another piece of muslin. Like a sandwich, put over |
| (See great recipe below) | | | | chest. Check chest in 5 minutes for any signs of |
| 5. The wonderful Hot Toddy. Mix piping hot water to a | | | | allergic reaction. Remove if skin is showing hives or |
| cup, 1/2 shot of whiskey, and 1 tea spoon lemon juice, 1 | | | | deep redness. Skin will be a little pink. Leave on 1/2 |
| tea spoon honey, mix well. The Alcohol has an | | | | hour; remove plaster with tepid water. |
| anti-inflammatory effect on mucous membranes. Also | | | | 12. Homemade chicken soup. Helps with congestion, |
| said to reduce fever, and relieve muscle aches. | | | | and is thought to be an all around good cold remedy. |