Many of our summer-time herbs are winter-time allies, and in the cold-and-flu season, they shine. Here are a few garden remedies our grandmothers used.

• Thyme for a cough. Modern research lends support to thyme's traditional use as an expectorant. Use 2 tsp dried thyme per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to three times a day.

• Yarrow and plantain for a stuffy head cold: 1 tsp dried yarrow and 1 tsp dried plantain per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Drink three or four times a day.

• Horseradish for a chill: Add 1 tsp grated fresh horseradish to a cup of hot water. Drink three times a day. (To preserve your own horseradish, scrub and peel the root and grate. Place in a jar and cover with white vinegar. Refrigerate. Each day for a week, add a shake or two of salt and stir. Store, covered, in refrigerator.)