Marie, My grmother was always called when one of us had a cold. She arrived, made mustard plasters and pinned them on with warm flannel. Gave us hot blackberry brandy and covered us up so we could not move. We sweated it out and were usually well, but weak come morning. For fever we were given Spirits of Nitre with a little sugar and warm water. I don't even think you can buy that now. I really liked that one. How about sulfur out of shotgun shells??? And I really believe we were healthier then. My grandmother believed in black strap molasses, also. Pat