Chicken soup and hot tea are important and legitimate medical treatments, according to ear, nose and throat specialists.

They help the cilia - microtubules found on the surface of the nose, throat and lung cells - move more quickly.

Menthol vapors also act on the cilia to produce a cool, clearing sensation.

The primary purpose of cilia is to move fluid, mucus or cells over surfaces within the respiratory passage. The quicker they move, the better they defend the respiratory system against contagious illnesses.

One prescription for morning sneezing and coughing is chicken soup in bed. Soothing soup and hot tea under the blanket helps the sneezing and coughing caused by a sensitivity of the body to cold before activity.

Another way to temporarily refresh nasal passages and soothe stuffy noses is to use a vapor inhaler. Those containing a mixture of natural aromatics menthol, eucalyptus oil and lavender oil can be use as often as needed, manufactures say.