My late mother-in-law had a big book, she would smack whatever hurt with it. Supposed to make things allbetter, but it reportedly did not. She was a mean alcholic by the way.

My mom was a big fan of honey and a little whiskey for a sore throat. I have been known to skip the honey part.

Vics vaporub in boiling water, head over pot on stove, towel covering the whole thing. Helps with a realy bad head cold...