re: The delicate dance of whether or not to take cold medicine

Try this. It works for any kind of congestion:

Barbara Oneils Flu Bomb Recipe

Flu Bomb:
1 Garlic Clove Crushed
1/4 tsp Fresh Ginger Finely Grated
1 Drop of Oregano, Eucalyptus, or Tea Tree Food Grade Oil
(I use Eucalyptus)
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1 Lemon Juiced
1 TBsp Raw Local and Unfiltered Honey
1/2 C of Hot Water

Mix all ingredients together in a cup and immediately drink all at once.

Its legit. Doesn't work for everybody, but works for me, Mucinex dries me out so bad, the discomfort is unbearable. I prefer the congestion.