RANIT MISHORI: "There is increased evidence that it helps shorten the duration of the common cold sometimes even by two to three days."

Dr. Mishori says honey seems to be especially effective in children with colds. But the Agriculture Department says never to feed honey to babies less than one year old. It says even honey in prepared foods may contain substances that can make babies very sick.

Some people believe in treating a cold with chicken soup. Does it work?

RANIT MISHORI: "Chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties, so it helps reduce the duration of the cold but also it helps clear the mucus."

Mucus is the sticky substance that can make you cough and have trouble breathing during a cold.

Have you ever heard the old saying "feed a cold, starve a fever"? Dr. Mishori says this is not necessarily a good guideline to follow. She says if you have a cold but do not feel hungry, then don't eat.

RANIT MISHORI: "But you have to drink a lot and you can drink water or you can drink tea -- anything that gets fluids into your body. That's very important."

But what about drinking milk during a cold? Some people think it only causes more mucus. Dr. Mishori says yes and no.

RANIT MISHORI: "Dairy products do not cause increased secretions, but they can thicken the secretions. So it's possible that discomfort is somewhat more enhanced when you drink milk. But obviously, if you’re a baby and that's all you drink, you should not stop giving babies milk."