Cold remedies--Vicks or Numotizine?

Someone on Facebook today was writing about Vicks Vapor Rub as a cold remedy).  It reminded me that my Mom always used Numotizine, which looks like thick pink peanut butter and she'd swab it on our neck and chest and wrap us up in an old towel or torn sheet. (What wasn't crocheted into area rugs was used as rags for cleaning or medical wraps.) By morning it had dried to chunks but seemed to work. So I looked it up on the Internet to see if it were still made--yes, it's a veterinary product for horses with sore or stiff legs! But I did find a few blogs that admired its assistance for bad colds. It's the heat, I believe. I personally think it was her love and concern that made us better, not that thick pink goo.

In those days the doctor made house calls, but was rarely called.  Those from Mt. Morris, IL may remember Dr. Murray Dumont.  Talk about house calls--Murray Trout told me he was delivered at home and named for Dr. Dumont. Dr. Dumont also delivered me, but in a Rockford hospital.

https://dfarq.homeip.net/the-ultimate-treatment-for-a-cough/

https://www.familyotc.com/Numotizine-Poultice-Ointment-3-5-oz-p/cb3637071.htm

Mayo Clinic on Chicken Soup for a cold

“There's no cure for the common cold. But if you're sick, chicken soup may help you feel better. Researchers say that chicken soup acts as an anti-inflammatory and temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose. This relieves congestion and limits the amount of time viruses are in contact with the lining of your nose. Plus, soup and other liquids help loosen congestion and prevent dehydration.”

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/health-tip/art-20048631

Vitamin C (after you have the cold), Echinacea, and zinc not recommended.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403?linkId=11832223

So what does work? The common cold

With three events cancelled this week, we're still slogging through my husband's annual holiday cold, or so it seems. My colds usually last three weeks, his two weeks. "Americans spent about $3.6 billion on over-the-counter cold, cough and throat remedies in 2009 . . . In addition, cold and flu sufferers will spend millions of dollars on prescription antibiotics that have no effect on viral infections." according to a NYT health/money article. And I know that, but was out there helping the profit margin at CVS and Wal-Mart refreshing our supply of dated OTC cold "remedies," none of which seem to work. This time I bought real Claritin because I couldn't find the generic Loratadine that I like, and I bought a different unbrand antihistamine because the one we like wasn't around anywhere. We also used the old faithfuls of more bed rest, chicken broth, and a whole lot of football (which is the only plus for holiday colds). For the first time my husband put Vicks on the soles of his feet instead of his neck--that remedy is going around the internet! The article continues:

"So, what does work? While few, if any, medicines can shorten the duration of a cold, some can help reduce the onerous symptoms of upper respiratory infections. Nasal sprays shrink swollen blood vessels and relieve stuffy noses, though the relief is temporary and you should not use spray for more than three days.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can reduce fevers and body aches. Rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution or breathing steam can help loosen mucous and increase nasal secretions, which can help to prevent a secondary sinus infection. Humidifiers and hot showers also help. Drinking warm liquids like tea has been shown to reduce a variety of cold and flu symptoms.

And don’t forget chicken soup. The age-old remedy, as you’ve no doubt heard, actually does help to reduce the symptoms of the common cold."

So far, I haven't caught his cold, but I'll touch a door handle or table top at the coffee shop that a germy 2 year old's parent recently used and I'll then be down for the count. If that's the worst health problem I experience at my age, I'll be grateful for the cold. (My New Year's resolution is "practice gratitude and appreciation.")

HT Tara Parker Pope of NYT