We (2 bros and 2 sis) had the vick's rub (or in a humidifyer) for coughs and a teaspoon of Cod Liver Oil everynight before dinner for most of the young years. My mom would get SO mad at my dad when he spilled it on our clothes. The whole wash would stink for a while!
Also, my mom had the following remedy for sore-throats: a mix of whiskey, honey and lemon juice. Stills works really well (or ya double the whiskey so ya just don't care!)
BEA