[Jimbee (OP)]

I'm just getting over a cold. (Which is strange, I thought I just got over one a couple of weeks ago.) But, I'm trying out things that are soothing for it that are available around that house. (Notice I don't say to treat or cure a cold. Just things that are soothing to it.)

When I first got it I got the idea of popping a shower vapor tab in the kitchen sink as I did the dishes. (Shower vapor tabs have menthol and eucalyptus in them. And it was very soothing. It even seemed to clear up some of my congestion.) I know hot liquids are good. I like canned chicken broth. Then I usually add a dash of cayenne and some garlic or onion too. (They say cayenne is good for the symptoms of a cold. Is that true? Also onion is an old home remedy in some parts of the US for a cold. Is that true?) I sometimes add a pat of butter to the broth. Now I could swear that is soothing too. Maybe the oil in the butter coats the throat. Is that possible?

I also found this recipe online. I plan on having it along with coffee to avoid having too much caffeine:

  Golden Milk
(Turmeric Milk).

Milk
(over medium heat)
Turmeric, Cinnamon, Ginger,
Black Pepper, and Vanilla
(optional)
(Simmer gently without boil,
for 10 minutes)
Remove from heat, stir in
Maple Syrup (optional)

I just made it with warm milk in the microwave. You know it can be made like instant coffee. But I found just now you have to let it sit for about 5 minutes for the maximum benefit. (BTW, they don't usually recommend warm milk for a cold. They say it sometimes stirs up phlegm. That happened to me once. It's pretty good though. Like I said, I had some today.)

So. Any more suggestions?

[paul cotter]

I have never found anything that helps the symptoms of a viral infection other than pain relievers if pain is significant. Time is really the only solution. On second thoughts decongestants work if you are blocked up but here again I am talking about pharmaceuticals, not home remedies. Most of the systemic symptoms of viral infections come from circulating cytokines and there is not much you can here other than wait for improvements.

[alancalverd]

Chicken Madras relieves the symptoms, as does brandy with lemon and honey.

[paul cotter]

A vegetable vindaloo is what I would go for, if following that approach(cold or no cold).

[Bored chemist]

A stiff hot toddy doesn't cure the cold, but it can stop you worrying about it for a while.
The only things that really work are time and rest while staying properly fed and watered.