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Articles categorized as Colds

Article imageJoe Graedon - December 2, 2024
Article imageJoe Graedon - November 18, 2024
Article imageJoe Graedon - December 5, 2024 - 41 comments

Linus Pauling Was Right About Vitamin C for Cancer!

Mainstream medicine has criticized vitamin C for cancer and the common cold. But new research suggests that Linus Pauling was right all along!

Terry Graedon - November 14, 2024

Show 1408: Roots & Remedies: The Practice and Philosophy of Herbal Medicine

Joe Graedon - November 4, 2024

Can You Boost Your Immune System with Extra Zinc?

Terry Graedon - October 21, 2024

Taking Garlic at the First Sign of a Cold

Terry Graedon - September 2, 2024

Have You Tried Elderberry to Ease Your Cold Symptoms?

Joe Graedon - July 25, 2024

Skip Cough and Cold Remedies for Something Better!

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Terry Graedon - March 14, 2024

Show 1378: Rediscovering the Power of Medicinal Herbs

Our guests are expert herbalists. They share their knowledge on medicinal herbs to help you stay healthy, from Andrographis to thyme.

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Joe Graedon - March 11, 2024

Can Science Explain Why Vicks on the Feet Calms a Cough?

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?

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Joe Graedon - March 4, 2024

Doctor Says Vicks on the Feet Calms Night Cough: Not a Placebo!

Many health professionals insist that home remedies are placebos. What if an MD recommends Vicks on the feet to calm a cough? Explanations?

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Joe Graedon - February 15, 2024

Is Phenylephrine a Worthless Decongestant? FDA’s Dilemma!

Why did it take FDA SO LONG to realize the decongestant phenylephrine is ineffective? Have Americans wasted billions on worthless products?

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Joe Graedon - February 12, 2024

Reader Spanks Us Over Phenylephrine Decongestant!

Phenylephrine is in cold, cough and allergy pills. The FDA says it doesn't work! How about the phenylephrine decongestant in nose sprays?

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Terry Graedon - February 4, 2024

Will You Make a Condiment to Fend Off Colds?

A reader shares the details of her condiment recipe. It is full of hot peppers and garlic, which may help people fight off colds.

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Terry Graedon - January 11, 2024

Show 1369: What to Do If You Catch the Flu

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.

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Joe Graedon - December 18, 2023

Overdosing on Acetaminophen in Cold and Flu Remedies

What do you take for sniffles, sneezes, congestion and fever? Many OTC cold and flu remedies contain APAP. Avoid overdosing on acetaminophen!

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Terry Graedon - December 10, 2023

Can Cod Liver Oil Strengthen Your Immune System?

Giving children cod liver oil may help them fight off respiratory viruses that cause colds and flu. Can it do the same for adults?

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Terry Graedon - October 19, 2023

Show 1360: The Pros & Perils of OTC Drugs

In this live radio show, get answers to your questions about the safety and effectiveness of OTC drugs. Can you trust them?

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Terry Graedon - May 25, 2023

Show 1274: Can We Make Sick Buildings Healthy? (Archive)

When we pay attention to fixing sick buildings, the people in them become happier, healthier and more productive.

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Joe Graedon - April 20, 2023

Is There a Natural Herbal Remedy for Colds?

Colds in the spring can be really bad for people with high blood pressure. Can you get relief from an herbal remedy for colds?

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Terry Graedon - April 3, 2023

Zinc for the Common Cold

Scientific studies show the benefits of zinc for the common cold are modest but real. They don't yet show the best dose.

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Terry Graedon - March 6, 2023

How to Beat Nose Spray Dependence One Nostril at a Time

Decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin can lead to rebound congestion if they are overused. How can you overcome such nose spray dependence?

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Terry Graedon - May 2, 2022

Why You Should Leave the Vent On in an Airplane

Keeping the vent above your seat on so air can circulate in your space creates turbulence that discourages viruses from landing.

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Joe Graedon - January 30, 2022

Swallow Zinc Pills Instead of Sucking Zinc Lozenges? Nah

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)."

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Terry Graedon - December 27, 2021

What Cold Medicine Is Safe for People With High Blood Pressure?

Decongestants can boost blood pressure. People with high blood pressure should look for cold medicine without phenylephrine.

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Terry Graedon - December 20, 2021

Onion Cough Remedy

Onion syrup, made by cooking onions with honey or sugar, is a homemade cough remedy that can help ease a persistent cough.

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Terry Graedon - January 30, 2020

FDA Cracks Down on Claims for Hand Sanitizers

The FDA objects to unproven claims that Purell hand sanitizers can disable dangerous viruses.

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Terry Graedon - December 12, 2019

Why You Should Sip Chicken Soup for a Cold

Have you tried chicken soup for a cold? Put in plenty of vegetables and herbs like thyme to make it extra delicious and healthful.

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Terry Graedon - December 5, 2019

Show 1191: What Are Your Favorite Home Remedies?

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?

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Terry Graedon - November 10, 2019

What Is the Impact of Herbal Treatments for Cough?

Herbal treatments for cough can help avoid overuse of antibiotics and prevent antibiotic resistance. Have you tried sage for sore throat & thyme for cough?

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Terry Graedon - June 10, 2019

How Can You Find Natural Cough Medicine That Works?

A search for a natural cough medicine from Germany turned up several herbs that can be helpful. Have you tried elderberry, thyme or Andrographis?

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Terry Graedon - January 7, 2019

What Happened to Cod Liver Oil as a Home Remedy?

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.

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Terry Graedon - December 6, 2018

Did the Maker Recall Ibuprofen for Your Baby?

Dosage variation prompted a manufacturer to recall ibuprofen for treating infants' fevers.

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Joe Graedon - November 19, 2018

Terpin Hydrate Helped World War I Veteran

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?

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Terry Graedon - November 5, 2018

Should You Pay Less for Vicks VapoRub®?

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?

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Terry Graedon - October 11, 2018

How to Take Care of Kids with Colds

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.

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Terry Graedon - September 6, 2018

Security Line Is the Germiest Spot in the Airport

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.

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Joe Graedon - July 19, 2018

Beware Unnecessary Antibiotics from Urgent Care Centers

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.

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Joe Graedon - March 5, 2018

Will Wearing a Face Mask Protect Against the Flu?

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.

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Terry Graedon - January 15, 2018

Spices for Unexpected Cough and Cold Relief

Sage, thyme and ginger can offer surprising cough and cold relief.

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Joe Graedon - January 8, 2018

Should You Worry About Germs on Your Coffee Cup Lid?

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!

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Terry Graedon - December 18, 2017

How to Make Your Own Cough Syrup

It is not difficult to make your own all-natural cough syrup at home using thyme, lemon and honey.

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Terry Graedon - July 20, 2017

Extra Vitamin D No Benefit for Kids with Colds

A placebo controlled Canadian study found that extra vitamin D was no better than the standard amount for preventing winter colds in kids.

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Joe Graedon - February 16, 2017

Is Vitamin D Good for Colds? Will it Battle the Flu?

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?

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Joe Graedon - February 6, 2017

Terpin Hydrate Cough Medicine Disappearance Can be Overcome

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?

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Terry Graedon - January 30, 2017

How to Soothe Your Cough with Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper can make you cough, but it might also desensitize the nerves responsible for a long-lasting cough that lingers after a cold.

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Terry Graedon - October 31, 2016

Will Extra Vitamin C Prevent Colds?

One couple has found that vitamin C can prevent colds, although research has not shown that this supplement is effective.

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Terry Graedon - February 8, 2016

How to Prevent Colds by Taking Supplements

One reader has found that regular exercise, adequate sleep and vitamin C and zinc supplements work together to prevent colds.

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Terry Graedon - January 4, 2016

How to Cut Your Chance of Catching a Cold

When people around you are sneezing and coughing, can you reduce your likelihood of catching a cold? Here are tactics that may help.

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Joe Graedon - November 2, 2015

Tincture of Thyme Fended Off Cold

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.

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Joe Graedon - September 3, 2015

Sleep Deprived People Caught Colds Easily

The immune system appears to be less effective at warding off infections with cold viruses in sleep deprived people.

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Joe Graedon - July 8, 2015

Tart Cherry Juice for Marathon Runners

Tart cherry juice benefits marathon runners, cutting the incidence of post-race infections and lowering inflammation.

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Terry Graedon - December 15, 2013

Could Vitamin D Keep You Healthy This Winter?

The research connecting vitamin D supplementation with fewer infections is confusing, but you may want to consider a daily dose until spring.

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Joe Graedon - January 7, 2013

Does a Chill Cause a Cold?

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Joe Graedon - October 25, 2012

Probiotics Against Colds

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Joe Graedon - October 3, 2012

Vitamin D No Help Against Colds

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Terry Graedon - September 9, 2012

Tips to Avoid Colds and Flu

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Terry Graedon - March 5, 2012

Remedy Required for Nasal Congestion

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Joe Graedon - November 21, 2011

Home Remedies for Holiday Hazards

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.

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Terry Graedon - September 22, 2011

Probiotics to Ward Off Colds

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Terry Graedon - December 9, 2010

Kids in Daycare Get More Colds

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Terry Graedon - November 10, 2010

Vicks against Chest Congestion

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Terry Graedon - November 4, 2010

Exercise Helps Ward Off Colds

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Terry Graedon - April 6, 2010

The Common Cold

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Terry Graedon - September 10, 2009

Probiotics May Ward Off Colds or Flu

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Terry Graedon - August 6, 2009

Probiotics May Help Prevent the Common Cold

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Joe Graedon - October 27, 2008

What Can Parents Do Without Cold Remedies?

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Joe Graedon - December 24, 2007

Cold Remedy Ads Fool Parents

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Terry Graedon - November 25, 2007

Cold Remedies Pose a Dilemma for Parents

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Terry Graedon - October 9, 2006

Beware Brand Name Creep in the Drugstore

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.

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Joe Graedon - November 29, 2004

How Good Are Children’s Cold Medicines?

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Joe Graedon - December 22, 2003

Preventing And Treating Colds Is Tricky