The People's Perspective on Medicine
FDA Cracks Down on Claims for Hand Sanitizers
The FDA objects to unproven claims that Purell hand sanitizers can disable dangerous viruses.
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.
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?
Have You Tried Elderberry to Ease Your Cold Symptoms?
Elderberry rob. a homemade concentrate of berries and spices, is used as a type of hot toddy to ease cold symptoms. Have you tried it?
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?
How to Beat Nose Spray Dependence One Nostril at a Time
Decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin or Sinex can lead to rebound congestion if they are overused. How can you overcome such nose spray dependence?
Vitamin C and the Common Cold: Will Ascorbic Acid Help?
Why does the medical establishment have such antipathy to ascorbic acid against the common cold? You would think vitamin C was worthless. It is essential!
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.
Overdosing on Acetaminophen in Cold and Flu Remedies
Did you have a cold this year? What did you take for sniffles, sneezes, congestion and fever? Many OTC cold and flu remedies contain APAP. Were you careful to avoid overdosing on acetaminophen?
Have You Tried Onion Syrup to Calm a Cough?
Simmering onions in sweet water to make onion syrup can offer relief for a persistent cough. Other remedies include ginger, thyme and eucalyptus.
Will You Catch a Cold on Your Next Flight?
You might be less likely to catch a cold while flying than you think. Still, there are some precautions that are wise to follow.
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.