Herbal Throat Spray— Here's a blast of natural relief for a sore throat. First, buy yourself a new plant mister. Then brew up a triple-strength tea with 3 teaspoons each of dried slippery elm, echinacea, and licorice in 3 cups of water. Bring it to a full boil; then reduce the heat, and let it simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Strain out the herbs, and pour the brew into your new spray bottle. Open your mouth, stick out your tongue, and spray the back of your throat as needed during the day. Ahhhh, relief! (Caution: Licorice shouldn't be used by folks with high blood pressure or kidney disease.)

Rub on the Oil— Make your own chest rub by adding 3 to 4 drops of an essential oil (try eucalyptus, lavender, or thyme) to 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Apply liberally to your chest, cover with a clean cloth, and settle into a comfy chair with a cozy afghan and a good book.

Hail Mary!— Try a bloody Mary, without the booze! Mix some lemon, a celery stalk, and horseradish in a glass of tomato juice, and drink it quick. Tomato juice is full of vitamin C, but it's the horseradish that really does the trick. Its powerful fumes will loosen mucus congestion, making your cold more bearable.