Enter chicken soup. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, studies recently have tested the effects of chicken soup on clearing mucus from nasal passages. The faster mucus travels, the quicker congestion fades. But those who drank hot chicken soup cleared the mucus from the nasal passages fastest. Steamy vapors from almost any warm liquid will help lessen congestion, but chicken soup has the added benefits of calories, vitamins, fat and protein.
Some people swear by it, though there is no evidence that it really works.
Vitamin C does fight infection and is essential for skin health. There is no advantage to giving your child more than the Food and Drug Administration's Recommended Daily Allowance of 60 milligrams. Large doses of Vitamin C can cause an upset stomach. Sponging or bathing children in cold water is another common treatment that, in fact, can cause a child to be even more uncomfortable. But there are steps you can to take some of the sting out of these bad times.