Hmmm...
About 3-1/2 weeks ago, we started getting colds, but it passed quickly for all of us except DD who seemed asthmatic for a day. I used eucalyptus oil and a natural homeopathic cough syrup with ipecac and seemed to knock it out. Then we were out of town for 4-1/2 days-- 2000 miles driving, 35 hours total--and were exposed to other illnesses and unfamiliar climates for 2 days in between--SIL, who was also there, has bronchitis--and the cold started up again for all of us (dh, kids, and me) last week when we returned, with a vengeance I might add.
We can't seem to shake it. When I first noticed symptoms, I gave the syrup again, upped the probiotics, bought an echinacea herbal supplement formula for kids (echinacea/goldenseed formula for me), and have used eucalyptus oil consistently either on a damp cloth for them (DD and DS) to inhale, a few drops on their pillows and mine, in their baths, or in a room vaporizer. It seemed to help relieve the congestion but now that it is in her chest, it doesn't seem to help much.Â
I've given meringue for fevers. We drink peppermint tea all the time. I've added propolis and honey to it. And sometimes I mix peppermint tea with licorice root tea.
Maybe I'll just use Nyquil like DH, who got better after 3 days.

Although, he got to sleep for 3 whole days, too.Â
you have to remember it also makes a difference how strong the immune system is of the child you are using it on. sambuccol is great too.
We used a whole bottle of sambucol, between DD, DS, and me the last time we had a cold, and I didn't notice any benefit from that either. The cold passed after 5-7 days as usual and symptoms persisted for the duration.Â
I asked DH if he thinks our dc have strong immune systems. He said with no hesitation, "Yes!" How do you gauge strong, though? They've never had antibiotics, ear infections, strep, etc. (Breasted ds almost 15 mos. and dd 19 mos.) Have only ever had common colds and stomach virus. We eat mostly natural, unprocessed foods, supplement probiotics, avoid sugar, etc. I know there are a lot of other factors, but by and large, I just don't see how they can't.