Everyone wants to know the recipe for curing the common cold. While some people raid the store for the best over-the-counter remedies, other individuals attest to the best therapies. From chicken soup to Echinacea, garlic zinc and other cold quelling treatments, what really works? Review the following myths and old world therapy questions and answers:

Does chicken soup really quell the common cold?

Despite the wives tale, just as other cold remedies, chicken soup temporarily soothes the throat and allows the body to sleep so the body can clear the immune system. Nonetheless, there is insufficient evidence supporting that chicken soup cures a virus out of the body.

Is it true that natural remedies such as Echinacea, vitamin C and zinc are effective supplements for quelling a cold?

It depends on the individual. From person to person, Echinacea, vitamin C and zinc may prevent the onset of a cold. Alternatively, researchers have not conclusively proved how these natural supplements reduce, alleviate or prevent a cold or the flu.

Is there validity that a fever should be starved and a cold should be fed?

For the most part the treatment does work. To get rid of a fever, apply Vicks® Vapor Rub on the temples and the chest. Then bundle up in layers of clothes. The objective is to deprive the fever of coolness by sweating it out of the body’s system.

When it comes to feeding a cold, give your body foods high in nutrition (vegetables, fruits and proteins). Even if you have lost your appetite make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Decaffeinated green or black tea with honey represents more than 150 milligrams of antioxidants.