For many of us, this image may evoke only thoughts of New Year's celebrations and fabricated Chinese culture. However, I now have a better understanding of this dragon’s predicament and wish to illuminate what may pass unnoticed to the American eye. When looking closely at this creature, it is evident that he is racked by intense pain and nasal congestion. What is more, I can easily pinpoint the source of his nasal irritation (notice the enlarged and red nasal cavities). All these side effects can logically be connected with the Russian herbal remedy that he must have underwent to “fix” his congestion.

According to the wisdom of Russian folk medicine, a cold and subsequent nasal congestion can be eliminated by employing the following, easy steps. *Note: this was told to our class in all seriousness by a member of the Academy’s faculty.

1- Prepare two fresh cloves of garlic
2- Crush one clove to release its components and insert deep into the right nostril
3- Apply pressure to the left nostril and inhale deeply, five times. Note, exceeding five breathes may burn the inside of the nostril as it is a sensitive organ.
4- Remove the clove
5- Crush the second clove and insert into the left nostril
6- Repeat the inhalation process, being sure not to exceed five bursts
7- Wait 24 hours to see full effect