I’m sick. It’s one of those not-quite-a-cold, not-quite-a-sore-throat deals. Not bad enough to keep you from going to work (or writing an article, for that matter), but definitely bad enough to keep you from running at full speed. There are mixed reactions to “home remedies” especially when we’re talking about the common cold: some really work, some are just superstition, some fall under the “well, it can’t hurt” category. That said, here are some things you might have around the house that may make you feel a little better if you’re suffering, too. Best of all, these remedies all have some science behind them.

Disclaimer: I couldn’t even make it all the way through art school, so I certainly don’t have a medical degree. These remedies might make you feel a little better, but you should, of course, consult a doctor if you need medical help.

HONEY
A double blind study was released last year that compared honey, cough syrup and a placebo as remedies for a cough and sore throat. Honey won big time. Make yourself a drink of warm milk with honey before bed, add it to a hot tea, have it on toast or just eat it plain. Honey not only contains natural antioxidants, but it will soothe and coat your throat. (Note: This is also a great remedy for kids, but children under one year old should not have honey.)

GARLIC
The Ancient Egyptians used garlic as a cure-all for 22 different ailments. In World War II, when they ran out of penicillin, they used a diluted garlic solution as an antiseptic and to prevent gangrene. Please go to the ER if you are losing a limb. However, there’s scientific evidence that eating a big plate of garlic bread will help you out when you have the sniffles. The same chemicals in the garlic that make it smell bad are packed with antioxidants and other immune system boosters. There are several other benefits of garlic and you can even buy it in pill form if you don’t like the taste.

HOT SOCK
Make yourself a rice sock to ease sore muscles. No sewing required! Fill a thick athletic sock about half way with uncooked rice (not the instant kind). Tie a knot to close the open end, leaving some room for the rice to move around a little. Microwave the sock for about a minute. Or, chill by placing it in the freezer for about an hour. Use it to soothe your aching muscles. Feed corn (available at a farm supply store) can be used in place of rice and will hold the heat or cold longer. Do not use popcorn for this project.

STEAM
Finally, enjoy a long, hot shower. The hot water will ease your muscles and the steam will loosen congestion. You can also lean over a pot of boiling water or a
cup of hot tea.