When I was growing up my mom had millions of home remedies for everything from a cure for an ear ache to a salve for open wounds. Some of them really worked and some of them I think were just smelly placebos to make you think it was working. Here are some of the remedies my mom used to use to get us better fast when we had a cold.

Tea with Lemon:
The first thing they will tell you to do when you get a cold is to drink tea with lemon. This will usually relieve some of the symptoms and give you temporary relief. The reason this works is simple. The hot water from the tea helps open up your repertory system, and the lemon is full of vitamin C which is good for your immune system. Taking vitamin C everyday can help you avoid cold before they start.

Antiseptic Soup:
I know the name Antiseptic soup does not sound appealing, but the soup is made from garlic. The soup helps open the repertory system. The soup also helps kill the germs already in the body causing the cold, and by adding a tablespoon of onion juice you can help remove toxins from your body to help speed the body's recovery time.

Ginger:
Ginger is another way to lower a fever. It is prepared by cutting up about ¼ of an ounce of ginger and then boiling it in water. Then strain the brew into a glass and add some sugar. A tastier but less effective way is to just cut up a few small pieces of ginger and putting them in a glass. You then pour boiling water into the glass and then put a tea bag into the water. Ginger should be used twice a day to lower the fever then once a day till the cold is gone.

Lady Fingers
For those who may not know another name for Okra is Lady Fingers. Lady Fingers are great for sore throats because they contain a large amount of mucilage that sooths a sore throat and helps keep the throat moist. Take a ¼ pound of okra, cut them into small pieces and boil in a liter or water. The steam can also be used but it is not as strong as eating the vegetable.

Seeds and Nuts:
After the fever goes down it is permissible for the patient to resume eating solid foods, but it is best to stick with fruits, vegetables seeds and nuts, and avoid things like dairy and meats for the first day or two.

Bitter Gourd Root Paste:
This is not one of my mom remedies so I have never tried it but I have been told from people that it really does work. This remedy does not cure the symptoms of the cold it goes after the cold itself. Take a teaspoon of the paste and a teaspoon of honey. If taken for a month it will rid the body of the cold germs and help strengthen your immune system.

Turmeric Root:
This cure will cure everything that ails you. It will rid you of all the suffering from sore throats congestion and runny nose. For this cure you want to buy the turmeric root in a powder form. Pour half a teaspoon of the turmeric root powder into a pot with 1 cup of milk and bring t a boil. When the mixture begins to boil, deeply inhale the steam. Then allow the milk to cool slightly and drink this twice a day. In just a few days you will feel better.

These were just some of my mom's home remedies from the old country. I hope they help keep your kids as well as they did my bother and I.