It seems that those old and basic commonsense therapies that mothers and grandmothers have recommended for generations around the globe can sometimes do the trick*, says Dr. Mary L. Hardy, a folk medicine expert who is medical director for the Simms/Mann–UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology. 

Here are some of the tried-and-true folk remedies for people in general good health to try:

1. Water. Soak in a tub of cool, though not cold water to keep a fever in check. Add a dash of salt to warm water to gargle away a sore throat. Boil water or use a thoroughly cleaned humidifier to create steam and clear congestion. Rehydrating is important, says Hardy. “The first defense system in the body consists of the mucous membranes lining the upper respiratory tract. And those work better when they’re moist.”

2. Chicken soup. It has healing qualities because of the heat, the liquid, and the antibiotic activity of garlic, a common ingredient in chicken soup that can ease symptoms and support the immune system.

3. Wild cherry bark tea or tincture. It’s no accident that many cough drops have a wild cherry flavor. In days gone by, most cough syrups were extracted from the bark of wild cherry trees.

4. Garlic, ginger, and goldenseal. They have antiseptic, antiviral, and antibiotic actions. Because cooking reduces its potency, garlic is most effective when eaten raw. Ginger and goldenseal are available in capsules and teas.

5. Eucalyptus. Use eucalyptus or camphor rubs to loosen the congestion of a chest cold and to open sinuses.

6. Honey and lemon. An occasional spoonful can relieve a scratchy, tickling, or raw throat. (Honey should never be given to babies, however, because of the risk of infant botulism.)

7. Fruit juices. Drinking orange juice is a good source of vitamin C. Add water to the juice to reduce its sugar content. (Too much sugar can hinder your immune response.)

8. Thyme. This herb has antibacterial properties that can aid in treating upper respiratory infections.

9. Fenugreek and fennel. If you’re stuffed up, the mucous-thinning action of these spices can help unblock your upper respiratory tract.

10. Cayenne, horseradish, and ginger. Add these to your diet to clear clogged sinuses.

*Note: Because even natural remedies can interfere with medications and your body’s normal metabolism, use extra caution if you have other medical conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, some products should not be given to children.

“The first caution I give people is to get a good diagnosis,” says Hardy. “If your cold is not acting like a normal cold or if it has lasted more than a short period of time, go see your doctor to be sure you don’t have a more serious condition, such as pneumonia.”

Dr. Mary L. Hardy: Simms/Mann–UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology http://www.ccim.med.ucla.edu/member/hardy.html

Listen to Dr. Hardy discuss Menopause-Beyond Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapry