G: Mum, can I have a peperami, please?
Me: Yes, sure, help yourself, they’re on the second shelf of the fridge.
G (gleefully): I got a hot one. I think it’ll help with my cold.
Me (puzzled): I know chilli is supposed to be quite good for you, but I’m not sure it has specific therapeutic effects on the common cold?
G (patiently, as one explaining to the hard-of-understanding): It’ll make my nose run and then I can get rid of the gunk.
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