I use it when I feel a cold come on...I put a few drops in a glass of water and drink it. It doesn't mix well, so I swirl it a lot. When I start getting a sore throat I swab it way back where it hurts and it always takes care of it. Clove bud oil also works well for me. I haven't had a bad cold in years since doing this. Great idea to use it for your hands when out in public! Does anyone else use baking soda water to stifle a cold? I start drinking that immediately (about a half tsp to a glass of water) when I feel a cold could be coming on and it nips it in the bud. Sometimes I need to do it several times, but if I stay on top of it, it works. Hate getting sick!!