Spirits and the Common Cold

Grandma’s chicken soup is one of many popular remedies for acute viral nasopharyngitis, better known as the common cold. Colds and other non-influenza-related viral respiratory tract infections account for nearly 500 million episodes annually in the United States (Fendrick et al., 2003).

Symptoms associated with this respiratory nuisance are caused primarily by an array of rhinoviruses and may be alleviated by numerous over-the-counter decongestants and pain relievers. Among the more trendy tonic…