From the Home Remedies Stove

Chicken soup.
Take some advice from your grandma: Sip a bowl of chicken soup. It doesn't matter if it's homemade or canned; chicken soup is calming for coughs associated with colds. While scientists can't put a finger on why this comfort food benefits the cold sufferer, they do believe chicken soup contains anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent a cold's miserable side effects, one being the cough. Plus, chicken soup contains cysteine, which thins phlegm. The broth, chock-full of electrolytes, keeps you hydrated -- although for hydration, homemade soup is best. (Commercially prepared chicken soup is loaded with salt, which may actually dehydrate you.) The steam helps soothe irritated mucous membranes and air passageways. Last, but not least, it tastes yummy.

Steam.
One of the kitchen's best remedies for a cough is also one of the easiest. Inhaling steam helps flush out mucus, and it moisturizes dry, irritated air passageways. Fill a cooking pot one-quarter full with water. Boil, turn off the heat, and if available, add a couple drops essential oil of eucalyptus or a scoop of Mentholatum or Vicks VapoRub. (These work as decongestants and expectorants.) Carefully remove the pot from the stove, and place it on a protected counter or table. Drape a towel over your head, lean over the pot, and breathe gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Don't stick your face too far into the pot or you'll get a poached nose.

Raw honey and lemon for sore throats

A mixture of fresh lemon juice and raw honey provides soothing relief for sore throats and helps stop the tickle that stimulates coughing. Raw honey -- with all its components including royal jelly, propolis and bee pollen -- is high in nutrients and enzymes which kill bacteria and viruses. The vitamin C and antioxidants found in fresh lemons boost the immune system, speeding healing. Together these two home remedies are a powerhouse for getting over a cold and sore throat. Mix the juice of 1/2 the lemon with 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey and sip throughout the day as needed.

Learn more:
http://www.naturalnews.com/035323_home_remedies_colds_coughs.html#ixzz2I3WZV4uv

Also, Thyme.
Store-bought cough syrups are often so medicinal tasting that it's hard to get them down without gagging. Here's a sweet, herbal version, made of thyme, peppermint, mullein, licorice, and honey, that's guaranteed to go down the hatch easily. Thyme and peppermint help clear congested air passages and have antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties to relieve the hacking. Mullein and licorice soothe irritated membranes and help reduce inflammation.
To make the syrup, combine 2 teaspoons each, dried thyme, peppermint, mullein, and licorice root into 1 cup boiling water. Cover and steep for half an hour. Strain and add 1/2 cup honey. If the honey doesn't dissolve, heat the tea gently and stir. Store in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to three months. Take 1 teaspoon as needed.

Winter Weather Got You Down?

Here is something fun to do...

"On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Jan. 21, 2013) admission will be FREE for everyone.(Please note that there will still be a $7 parking fee per car)

Worried about the cold? Don’t be. There are a variety of indoor attractions where guests can take a tropical vacation at Discovery Reef and Manatee Coast, say G’Day to some animals from down under at Bob & Evelyn’s Roadhouse, meet the gorillas in the Expedition Congo, slither on over to the reptile building, and explore Asia Quest including a visit with the Hank "The Tank" and our other elephants. Many animals thrive in the cold weather including polar bears Nanuq, Aurora and Anana who can be seen swimming year round in pool water maintained with geothermal energy at a comfortable 40-65 degrees.

Keep in mind that the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open every day through February from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The winter months are always a great time to visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, especially with 50% off regular admission this January and February."

Our family just loves going to the Zoo, and let us not forget C.O.S.I.