The People's Perspective on MedicineArticles categorized as Colds
Show 1431: Vitamin C Studies on Colds & Cancer Vindicate Linus Pauling
Research on using vitamin C to treat colds or some types of cancer yielded results that vindicate Linus Pauling.
Should You Worry About Norovirus or 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? Norovirus is nasty!
Vitamin C Strikes Back in Combatting the Common Cold
How do you treat a sore throat, congestion and a cough? A new analysis suggests vitamin C can be helpful in combatting the common cold.
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.
Show 1369: What to Do If You Catch the Flu (Archive)
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.
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!
Vitamin C and the Common Cold: Will Ascorbic Acid Help?
Why does modern medicine argue against ascorbic acid for the common cold. You might think vitamin C is worthless. It is essential. Learn why!
Home Remedies or Brand Names for the Common Cold?
Traditional remedies for the common cold may be more effective than typical drugstore multi-symptom treatments, but with fewer side effects!
Show 1408: Roots & Remedies: The Practice and Philosophy of Herbal Medicine
You can make your own herbal medicine at home. Listen to learn how to make simple infusions and decoctions of common household plants.
Can You Boost Your Immune System with Extra Zinc?
Extra zinc may help improve immune system response for those who are low in this vital nutrient. Don't overdose!
Taking Garlic at the First Sign of a Cold
Is there a way to stop a cold in its tracks? Some readers recommend taking garlic at the first sign of a cold.
Have You Tried Elderberry to Ease Your Cold Symptoms?
Elderberry is a traditional medicine used to ease cold symptoms. Research shows it can bolster the immune response.
Skip Cough and Cold Remedies for Something Better!
So much in over-the-counter cough and cold remedies does not work or is counterproductive. There's good news about nasal sprays that DO work!
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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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!
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?
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?
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.
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?
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.
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)."
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.
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.
FDA Cracks Down on Claims for Hand Sanitizers
The FDA objects to unproven claims that Purell hand sanitizers can disable dangerous viruses.
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?
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?
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?
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.
Did the Maker Recall Ibuprofen for Your Baby?
Dosage variation prompted a manufacturer to recall ibuprofen for treating infants' fevers.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spices for Unexpected Cough and Cold Relief
Sage, thyme and ginger can offer surprising cough and cold relief.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tart Cherry Juice for Marathon Runners
Tart cherry juice benefits marathon runners, cutting the incidence of post-race infections and lowering inflammation.
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.
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.
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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