[Emerald U.]

General Discussion Thread 09.17.2025​

How have you been, dear GrayViners? I hope your week’s shaping up to be a wonderful one!

As for me, I’m still shaking off the flu and can’t wait to feel back to 100% again. I’m taking my meds, but I’ve also been trying the “home remedy” route—lots of tea with honey and lemon, plus a few brave “shots” of oregano and honey. Fingers crossed it kicks in soon!

Image source: Los Muertos Crew/Pexels

It got me thinking: so many of us grew up with tried-and-true remedies passed down from parents or grandparents. Do you have an old-school cure that always seems to help when coughs and colds come around? I’d love it if you could share your secret!

 

[Czech7985]

This isn't a "cure" for the cold or flu and its not from my grandparents but I have found it very helpful for one of the first symptoms of a cold or flu, the sore throat. Tastes terrible but I have gotten good results: 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons vinegar, dash of cinnamon, 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Mix with about 1/2 to 3/4 cup water and drink.

 

[ccolpitts05]

I use a cool mist vaporizer and medication that has stuff in it to loosen up the mucus so you can get it up and out. Put that mucus in a Kleenex and throw it out, do not swallow it like some people do that defeats the purpose. You can also use Vicks vapor rub and a warm towel over it helps also.

 

[Pattycake]

I like to take Dr Pepper, honey, lemon juice and a shot of whiskey and heat up, either cure you or kill you!

 

[Hazeleyes]

I make green tea with honey and lemon juice. Constant was hand and face and I use Ocean nose drops. Eat teaspoon minced garlic and chase that down with chicken soup.

 

[Madelyn]

Warm honey milk for sore throats.

 

[Wheream1?]

Vicks vaporub on my throat and chest and wrap in a towel. Breathe in the fumes from the vaporub.

 

[Cindy k]

Hot tea and vitamin c works if taken when symptoms first appear. At least most of the time.

 

[Gayle B.]

This isn't a "cure" for the cold or flu and its not from my grandparents but I have found it very helpful for one of the first symptoms of a cold or flu, the sore throat. Tastes terrible but I have gotten good results: 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons vinegar, dash of cinnamon, 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Mix with about 1/2 to 3/4 cup water and drink.

Sorry but I don’t think I can live through your remedy! Lol

 

[Gayle B.]

This is what my parents used till we were grown and moved on. We wore T-shirts under our PJ’s. At the first sign of a cold or flu, they rubbed Vicks on our chests then we put on our T-shirts. The smell was okay for maybe 10 minutes. After that not so much. If we were going to school they would attach a piece of flannel to the shirts or blouses with our chests covered in Vicks. Every teacher and the students KNEW it was us as soon as they got within 10 feet of us! It’s funny now but back then…not so much!

 

[hawaiimegrl]

I’ve always had the problem of a cold turning into Bronchitis and along with that constant coughing. Meds never helped. It was suggested to me to try sipping on 100% Pineapple juice. It works so well. Plus it has vitamins to help you get well faster. It really works.

 

[Peterbee]

Hi,
I use baby aspirin, if my throat is beginning to be sore, zyrtek for drying up the cold & coughs and lots of hot tea with lots of honey added.

 

[KellyColeman]

Daddy swore by Hot Toddies. A shot of Jim Beam, honey, lemon and hot water. Drink ( keep it down) wrap in a blanket, pass out and sweat it out. I fixed everything but Mono with me. Had my first one at 5. Guess that would be child abuse now. LOL but my parents didn’t believe in doctors. Till Mono. Ran a fever of 108 for 5 days they gave up and took me then. Refused to put me in the hospital though. We were just tougher then I guess.

 

[Emerald U.]

This isn't a "cure" for the cold or flu and its not from my grandparents but I have found it very helpful for one of the first symptoms of a cold or flu, the sore throat. Tastes terrible but I have gotten good results: 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons vinegar, dash of cinnamon, 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Mix with about 1/2 to 3/4 cup water and drink.

this is the first time i've heard of this concoction, @Czech7985! will make sure to keep it in my back pocket for future reference. thank you so much for sharing!

 

[Emerald U.]

I use a cool mist vaporizer and medication that has stuff in it to loosen up the mucus so you can get it up and out. Put that mucus in a Kleenex and throw it out, do not swallow it like some people do that defeats the purpose. You can also use Vicks vapor rub and a warm towel over it helps also.

Vicks is a staple in our household, too! I haven't used a cool mist vaporizer, but I'll check that one out for next time. thank you, @ccolpitts05!

 

[Emerald U.]

I like to take Dr Pepper, honey, lemon juice and a shot of whiskey and heat up, either cure you or kill you!

Well, that's definitely something I haven't tried, @Pattycake! Will keep it in mind haha

 

[Emerald U.]

I make green tea with honey and lemon juice. Constant was hand and face and I use Ocean nose drops. Eat teaspoon minced garlic and chase that down with chicken soup.

I also drink tea with honey and lemon juice! always soothing! Although I haven't tried eating a teaspoon of minced garlic, but that makes absolutel sense. Thanks for sharing this, @Hazeleyes!

 

[Emerald U.]

Warm honey milk for sore throats.

I have only ever taken pure honey to soothe a sore throat, but will try this next time @Madelyn! thank you so much for sharing!

 

[Emerald U.]

Vicks vaporub on my throat and chest and wrap in a towel. Breathe in the fumes from the vaporub.

always works for us, too! thank you for sharing with everyone, @Wheream1?

 

[Emerald U.]

Hot tea and vitamin c works if taken when symptoms first appear. At least most of the time.

I think I should start drinking vit c daily! -- I always say this but I also always end up taking them only when I start feeling under the weather