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