Onion Poultice

Often, the worst part of colds and flu is the lingering cough. Onions are known to greatly benefit the respiratory system. Making a simple onion poultice can provide relief for hours.

Here's what you do:

1-2 onions, thinly sliced

Steam onion slices until soft. Remove from steamer and pat dry. (If you don't have a steamer, you can learn how to steam vegetables without one here.)

Place onions in a clean dish towel. Allow to cool until tolerable. For chest congestion and cough, place the poultice on the chest. For deeper congestion and cough, place on the back. Do what feels the most soothing for you. Leave it in place until it cools.

To repeat this, steam the onions a little longer and place them back in the towel.