That's a good one. You can also make an syrup of thyme--fresh, preferably, but dried works too--ginger, lemon juice and honey. Thyme is a natural expectorant, lemon juice is a natural antiseptic and honey is a natural antibiotic. Raw and local is best. Add the syrup to tea or take 1-2 tablespoons. Other lesser known natural remedies are dandelion root, licorice, star anise, and elderberry (that one has gotten very popular, and it really works!). If you can get your hands on white willow bark, that has been used for thousands of years as an aspirin and fever reducer. I am not a doctor, but I prefer home remedies to manmade drugs any day. They often taste better too.