For those of you Bob Dylan nerds playing along at home, yes, that’s a super-obscure reference to “Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands.” Any time I write about cold remedies, I think of that line (around 4:45), even though most of the remedies I turn to in times of need, I learned from teachers and employers and not my mother. God knows I have a giant bag full of herbs and capsules she’s sent over the years that are probably way past their expiration date, but that’s a post for another time.

A note to my immune system: Waking up with a cold was not on the agenda. Put some pants on and pull yourself together.

I find that people are weirdly emotional about cold remedies, clinging to What Works for Them—and that’s fine. Sometimes I think the placebo effect of thinking something works is just as valuable as something that Science says may help, especially when the point is just to feel better. Obviously, I’d rather just feel well, but sometimes I’ll settle for better. Oh dear, now I’m thinking of another song.

Worth the 8 bucks? Maybe?

Some of my personal favorites:

• turmeric tea
• hot water with lemon & cayenne pepper (okay, my mother did teach me this one)
• extra probiotics
• green juice (fresh or powdered)
• eating lots of vegetables (it just feels good)
• soup (check out some favorites on my recipe page)

Here’s to hoping I can scare this thing off. Hopefully making it spinach pancakes this morning was a step in the right direction. That’s a hard sell for anyone who’s not my kind of crazy…

What are your favorite feel-good remedies?