How to Beat the Common Cold Like a Plimoth Patuxet Pilgrim

'Tis the season of giving germs to each other.

For the past three weeks, I have been furiously blowing my nose and setting alarms for when I can take another dose of Mucinex, and I know I’m not alone.

While visiting Plimoth Patuxet Museums on Wednesday morning, I came face to face with a 17th-century pilgrim who offered a simple remedy for the common cold that is likely in your cupboard right now, and I’m happy to say, it seems to be working.

All you need is a bit of sage.

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Malka Benjamin has been working at Plimoth Patuxet Museums for many years, even volunteering as a child. She plays many characters throughout the year as she helps visitors fully immerse themselves into what it was like for the very first season of Thanksgiving in an English village.

One of her favorite facts she loves to share with families is how to remedy cold symptoms with organic sage leaves.

“Just take a single leaf of organic sage, crumple it up a bit in your hand, and put it in your nostril,” she said.

At first, I said to myself, “She has to be playing a prank on me,” but she insisted.

After a walk down to the garden, Bejamin’s friend Rhiannon picked a few sage leaves for me, and while I stood in front of a few pilgrims, I shoved a sage leaf up my nose.

Not only does it smell amazing, but I could instantly breathe easier. It was like a breath of fresh air, filled with the scent of sage.

So, the next time you have a stuffy nose, remember this simple remedy from a 17^th-century pilgrim. You may look a little funny, but I promise, it works.