MayoClinic.com has reviewed cold remedies that work and don’t.

Here’s a summary of useful CAM options.

• Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevent dehydration.
• Saltwater gargle (8-ounce glass of warm water) can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.
• Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays combat stuffiness and congestion.
• Chicken soup (canned or homemade) has anti-inflammatory actions and helps relieve congestion.
• Zinc seems most effective when taken as a lozenge or nasal spray within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.

There is less enthusiasm for vitamin C or echinacea.

1/15/07 19:22 JR