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Chicken soup, cough syrup, hydration, rest, tea and honey -- tried-and-true cures for colds and flus?. But frog skin, cow dung and kerosene? From the old days to even now, such bizarre treatments are said to also ward of these illnesses or its symptoms. Would you try any of these?

According to researchers from Queen’s University in Belfast, frog and toad skin can treat more than 70 diseases. Some say the flu is one of them. The secret: “two proteins secreted from the skin of frogs that could help treat cancer and other diseases by disrupting the growth of blood vessels,” says MedicalNewsToday.com.

NEXT: Grossest cold and flu remedy ever

Cow Poo

TimesDaily reports, a home remedy for the cold and flu includes a gross main ingredient: cow manure. It’s made into a tea and many have come forward saying their grandmothers or aunts made it for them.

NEXT: Strangest substitutes for Vicks vapor rub 

Goose and Kerosene

Feeling congested? As it turns out, you can rub goose grease and kerosene on your chest like you do with Vicks vapor rub. “Camphorated oil, when warmed up by body heat, would give off an aroma that would help clear out a stuffy nose and make it easier to breathe,” says John Straka of Tallmadge Express. “I don't know what the goose grease did, but it added a bit of the smell of good food, and that was comforting.”

NEXT: Ancient Greeks used to use this

Electric Eels

Have a sinus headache? Rumor has it, ancient Greeks thought it could be cured with a shock from an electric eel. Hmmm… We have no evidence to support this, not to mention, who’d actually want to try?

NEXT: You'd think this isn't a good thing for the cold, but it is say experts

Cold, Wet Socks

Almost hard to believe, but Toronto’s College of Naturopathic Medicine assistant professor Leslie Solomonian says wearing cold, wet socks to bed when you feel like you’re coming down with a cold can help ward it off. “Wearing cold socks to bed when coming down with a cold can mimic the effects of immune-enhancing hydrotherapy treatments,” Solomonian told BestHealthMag.ca. “Cold socks stimulate the body to increase circulation to the feet, relieving congestion from the head, regulating immune response and aiding in the elimination of waste. By morning socks are usually dry and feet wake up toasty and warm.”

NEXT: This aphrodisiac has zinc

Oysters

Not only are oysters an aphrodisiac, their high-zinc content might aid in curing your cold. If you don’t like eating the seafood, you can always suck on a zinc lozenge.

NEXT: Eating this uncooked will boost your immunity

Raw Onion

The naturally-antimicrobial onion (when uncooked) contains sulfur, which can help boost your immunity and detoxify. Just don’t kiss anyone after you chow down on one.

NEXT: Besides water, you should drink this

Coconut Water

It’s a given – when you have a cold or flu, you should drink lots of fluids. Consider putting coconut water on the list of fluids because it’s a great source for electrolytes, which balances out blood chemistry. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, can also do the trick!

NEXT: Add this key ingredient to dishes as a cold remedy 

Garlic

No only is garlic a great ingredient for some of the most delicious dishes, it’s also an expectorant and decongestant. When battling a cold, garlic can help you cough up the bacteria in your lungs.

NEXT: This is not just good for hot dogs

Mustard

Because it’s loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, mustard landed on our list. According to Discovery Health, mustard was used to cure colds as far back as ancient Roman times. 

NEXT: Can you stand the heat?

Hot Peppers

If you can stand the heat, hot peppers can also clear up mucus and ease your stuffy nose, says New York Times. Its secret: capsaicin, which acts as a decongestant.

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