In light of the recent Food and Drug Administration warnings against using over-the-counter cold medicines in children under 2 years of age, parents and physicians alike are wondering what non-drug treatments have proven safe and effective in treating and preventing the common cold.

"Most people know that there are warnings against giving young children medications," Dr. Margot Weinberg, who practices pediatric integrative medicine in Pittsford, N.Y., said in an interview. "The cold medicines have not proven to be effective, and there's some concern that they might actually dry out the membranes." However, try telling that to the parent of a sick, screaming child.

"We ...