Having been raised “homeopathically” there are a few old stand-by practices I use when I get sick. They are easy to do and only require the purchase of a few (four) items (which you may already have at your disposal).

Mustard Plaster I use the mustard plaster for chest colds and tight coughs typically, but it is actually possible to use these compresses on swollen glands, or even on the face/nose area as long as you are careful! Mustard is hot stuff. The mustard plaster serves to loosen the congestion and draw it up and out. The ingredients you will need are cheese-cloth, dried mustard (powder) and water. First, try to locate the center of your congestion – is it higher in the chest close to your throat, down lower, to the right/left etc. Where is your cough coming from?

Cut a large square of cheese cloth and sprinkle the dried mustard on one half of it. The more mustard, the hotter the compress will be so be careful. You can always do a second one if the first is too weak. Fold the other half of the cheese-cloth over the mustard and roll the whole thing up like a cinnamon bun. Dip it quickly in a lukewarm bowl of water and gently wring it out. Unroll the compress and place it over the congestion source spot on your chest (put it on your bare skin). Let it sit for 20-30 minutes. It will burn and often the compress leaves a little redness behind on your skin. If it hurts too much take it off!

If the compress works the congestion should feel like its loosening – thicker coughs are the best sign – and should move out within a day or so. Can be very effective.

Onion Compress This compress is very good for drawing out ear infections and head congestion. It’s a little icky and you will smell like an onion for a time, but showers fix everything, right? You will need an onion and a bandana or scarf for this one.

So, slice a big fat onion and place the slice directly over the troublesome ear. Tie it in place with a bandana or scarf and go to bed. Make sure you tie the scarf tight enough that it won’t fall off easily while you sleep, but not tight enough to give yourself a headache. Voila, your infection can be pulled right out of you with an onion!

Face Steam! This works well for a clogged up head and get mean the difference between sleeping at night and wanting to die of stuffyness. Fill a bowl with boiling water, drop a little Olbas oil or eucalyptus oil in it. Place your face over the bowl and drape a towel or cloth over your head and the bowl. Try to breathe deep and stay there for however long it takes before you feel the draining start.

These are my old favorites. I hope they come in handy.

Lastly, I've heard that neti pots are very effective as well...must try them