Everyone's least favorite guest, the common cold, lacks a definitive cure, but don't despair-certain over-the-counter remedies can ease your suffering. As temperatures plummet and germs proliferate, it's a smart move to stock your medicine cabinet with a few essentials. Or so suggests John Mafi, MD, MPH, an associate Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, who recommends a multi-faceted offense of diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep as the best prevention strategy.

Navigating the cold medication aisle can feel akin to orientating oneself in a maze-overwhelming and confusing. Luckily, we have a torch and a strong sense of direction. The bad news? Certain medications, such as those that contain phenylephrine (think Sudafed PE and DayQuil), are about as useful as a chocolate teapot. “We always knew [phenylephrine] wasn’t effective… it’s not something pharmacists usually recommend,” reveals Robert Green, PharmD, BCGP. Thus, give anything with phenylephrine a wide berth.

Don't lose hope yet. When it comes to easing your symptoms, we swear by a few tried-and-true angels. Start with ibuprofen and acetaminophen, hero ingredients for combating fever. They’re found in popular brands like Advil, Motrin, and Tylenol. But remember, always check with your healthcare provider to avoid complications, especially if you’re in a high-risk group.

In the battle against congestion, pseudoephedrine is your ally. Opt for Sudafed, but ditch the PE version. Alternatively, getting up close and personal with a "nasal saline spray" or a "neti pot" can flush out that annoying mucus. Remember, only use distilled or boiled water with your neti pot. Tap water can be a risky move.

Can't stop running to the bathroom with your nose? Try an antihistamine like Claritin, Allegra, or Zyrtec. They offer a boxing glove to punch out those pesky histamines that drive your allergy symptoms wild. On the other hand, if you're coughing up a fit, dextromethorphan is the key ingredient to look for in your remedies.

But here's the ultimate kicker-we've all been Punk'd by the infamous placebo effect. Ever felt better after taking a medication that wasn’t scientifically proven to help? That’s the placebo effect waving at you. Taking care of yourself the old-fashioned way (like getting plenty of sleep and using a humidifier to aid congestion) can be just as effective-if not more so.

So, while there may not be a magic pill to banish your cold instantly, knowing which over-the-counter remedies actually work can make the recovery process less miserable. Here's to a healthier season, with fewer trips to the pharmacy and more energy to enjoy your winter festivities.