Mainstream medicine has criticized vitamin C for cancer and the common cold. But new research suggests that Linus Pauling was right all along!
Our guests are expert herbalists. They share their knowledge on medicinal herbs to help you stay healthy, from Andrographis to thyme.
Many people wonder why Vicks on the feet could stop a cough. Others are convinced it's totally bogus. What if there IS a good explanation?
Many health professionals insist that home remedies are placebos. What if an MD recommends Vicks on the feet to calm a cough? Explanations?
Why did it take FDA SO LONG to realize the decongestant phenylephrine is ineffective? Have Americans wasted billions on worthless products?
Phenylephrine is in cold, cough and allergy pills. The FDA says it doesn't work! How about the phenylephrine decongestant in nose sprays?
A reader shares the details of her condiment recipe. It is full of hot peppers and garlic, which may help people fight off colds.
In this interview, an expert in critical care and pulmonology offers evidence-based tips on how to recover more quickly if you catch the flu.
What do you take for sniffles, sneezes, congestion and fever? Many OTC cold and flu remedies contain APAP. Avoid overdosing on acetaminophen!
Giving children cod liver oil may help them fight off respiratory viruses that cause colds and flu. Can it do the same for adults?
In this live radio show, get answers to your questions about the safety and effectiveness of OTC drugs. Can you trust them?
When we pay attention to fixing sick buildings, the people in them become happier, healthier and more productive.
Colds in the spring can be really bad for people with high blood pressure. Can you get relief from an herbal remedy for colds?
Scientific studies show the benefits of zinc for the common cold are modest but real. They don't yet show the best dose.
Decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin can lead to rebound congestion if they are overused. How can you overcome such nose spray dependence?
Keeping the vent above your seat on so air can circulate in your space creates turbulence that discourages viruses from landing.
Zinc lozenges taste terrible. Why not swallow a pill instead? A possible answer has to do with the "mouth-nose biologically closed electric circuit (BCEC)."
Decongestants can boost blood pressure. People with high blood pressure should look for cold medicine without phenylephrine.
Onion syrup, made by cooking onions with honey or sugar, is a homemade cough remedy that can help ease a persistent cough.
The FDA objects to unproven claims that Purell hand sanitizers can disable dangerous viruses.
Have you tried chicken soup for a cold? Put in plenty of vegetables and herbs like thyme to make it extra delicious and healthful.
Share your favorite home remedies with other listeners by calling 888-472-3366 between 7 and 8 am EST on Dec. 7, 2019. Do you ever use vinegar?
Herbal treatments for cough can help avoid overuse of antibiotics and prevent antibiotic resistance. Have you tried sage for sore throat & thyme for cough?
A search for a natural cough medicine from Germany turned up several herbs that can be helpful. Have you tried elderberry, thyme or Andrographis?
A reader who remembers home remedies of long ago wonders what happened to cod liver oil. Although doctors no longer prescribe it, people still take it.
Dosage variation prompted a manufacturer to recall ibuprofen for treating infants' fevers.
What do you do for a cough? Do you find that dextromethorphan (the DM in OTC cough meds) tastes terrible? Have you ever found that terpin hydrate helped?
An irate reader discovered that a favorite rub now contains a synthetic ingredient instead of natural essential oil. Should we pay less for Vicks VapoRub?
Parents should be wary of using OTC medicines to treat kids with colds. Some home remedies, such as honey for coughs, may be more helpful.
Trays in the security line at the airport may be handled by hundreds of people an hour. A study shows they are loaded with viruses, so wash your hands before and after screening.
Have you ever been given a prescription for a cold or the flu? Unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions are common, especially at urgent care centers. Read Joe's personal tale of woe and intrigue.
Have you ever worn a surgical mask to avoid the flu? If not, why not? Do you wash your hands? Wearing a face mask AND washing your hands is your best protection.
Sage, thyme and ginger can offer surprising cough and cold relief.
Are you someone who cares about germs or are you a bring-them-on kind of person? What about germs on your coffee cup lid? People get worked up about this!
It is not difficult to make your own all-natural cough syrup at home using thyme, lemon and honey.
A placebo controlled Canadian study found that extra vitamin D was no better than the standard amount for preventing winter colds in kids.
The vitamin wars continue. Many health professionals say vitamins are a waste of money. Is vitamin D good for colds? What does the latest research conclude?
Was terpin hydrate banned by the FDA or is it still available from special pharmacies? Why do some people still use this old-fashioned remedy?
Cayenne pepper can make you cough, but it might also desensitize the nerves responsible for a long-lasting cough that lingers after a cold.
One couple has found that vitamin C can prevent colds, although research has not shown that this supplement is effective.
One reader has found that regular exercise, adequate sleep and vitamin C and zinc supplements work together to prevent colds.
When people around you are sneezing and coughing, can you reduce your likelihood of catching a cold? Here are tactics that may help.
Sipping a cup of thyme tea can help ease symptoms of a cold, especially a troublesome nighttime cough, so the sufferer can get some sleep.
The immune system appears to be less effective at warding off infections with cold viruses in sleep deprived people.
Tart cherry juice benefits marathon runners, cutting the incidence of post-race infections and lowering inflammation.
The research connecting vitamin D supplementation with fewer infections is confusing, but you may want to consider a daily dose until spring.
The holidays seem like fun and games--time to hang out with family and friends. Beware the dangers. We offer home remedies to the rescue.
Brand name expansion is the name of the game in OTC drugs. The more shelf space the better for the company. It can lead to confusion for consumers.