You can buy ephedra in supplements, and ephedrine over the counter as Primatene or Bronkaid. Primatene is the perfect cold remedy--ephedrine to clear your nasal passages and guaifenesin to loosen mucus. Bonus that ephedrine gives you some zip, especially if you're in the minority of people whose viral-induced sneezing and runny nose is responsive to OTC antihistamines, which can sometimes make you drowsy (not as much of an issue for me since cetirizine went generic).
Warning: both ephedrine and guaifenesin increase blood pressure, so take care if that might be of concern.
