Natural treatment of winter infections

I seem to be surrounded by people coughing, sneezing and spluttering at the moment.  Coughs, colds and viral infections are an unfortunate fact of life during winter, particularly if you have school aged children.  Over the counter cough and cold remedies are not only ineffective but, they can also be dangerous.  The medicines aimed at children contain high levels of artificial sweeteners, colours, syrups and some dangerous chemicals.  These medicines are usually labeled for use in children over the age of 6 years