BACKSTORY: They call them “old wives’ tales.” They may not actually work, but they certainly bring a degree of comfort when delivered with confidence and conviction by the wife who tells the tale. Such is one tale I learned from my mother many years ago: All sore throats require a lathering of Vicks Vaporub and fastening a wool sock around your neck for 12 hours minimum. If the sock is used, all the better.

Yes, you heard it right. When my siblings and I were children, we would dig through the dirty laundry looking for one of dad’s stinky wool socks as a form of medical treatment. I often wondered if my mother actually believed in this remedy or if she secretly laughed to herself. When I managed to persuade my husband to try it, I secretly laughed. It’s good to be the wife.