Stuffy noses, sore throats and aches and pains are all symptoms of the common cold, a condition that affects most people in the United States at least once a year, according to Penn State's newspaper "The Daily Collegian." Colds aren't usually serious illnesses. If a cold lasts more than a week, see your doctor to be sure it's not something more serious. Folk remedies remain common treatments for controlling the symptoms of the common cold.
Chicken Soup
Nicknamed "Jewish penicillin" because of its alleged cold-busting powers, chicken soup is a traditional folk remedy used to treat colds. According to a letter from Bradley S. Bender, M.D., published in the October 2000 issue of the journal "Chest," there are several reasons chicken soup might be effective for treating colds. Its warm temperature creates steam that can clear nasal passages, its high water content helps promote hydration and its chemical composition might impair neutrophil chemotaxis, which can cause local infections in people who have colds.
Garlic
The healing power of garlic can be so effective that the bulb has been called "Russian penicillin." Garlic's natural antiseptic, antiviral and antibacterial content helps fight the infection that causes colds, especially when it's eaten raw. Ginger and golden seal may also have effects similar to the effects of garlic, according to the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
Honey and Lemon
Adding a spoonful each of honey and fresh lemon juice to a hot drink like tea or water or taking a spoonful of honey mixed with lemon juice can heal a sore throat, according to folk tradition. The mixture does coat the throat to soothe soreness and scratchiness.
Spicy Foods
Intense spices, such as cayenne pepper, horseradish and ginger, have a sharp bite that can temporarily cut through congestion to clear nasal passages and improve your breathing. In most cases, these spices are added to regular foods rather than taken on their own.
Eucalyptus
Rubbing oil of eucalyptus leaves onto your chest may help break up congestion in your chest and clear your sinuses, according to the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
