1. The Neti-pot (pictured above.) Sinus irrigation that seems to stave off my natural propensity to transform a rhinoviral infection into a secondary infection, be it in the sinus cavity or the bronchial tubes. I cannot recommend this invention highly enough.
2. Cold-Eeze lozenges or their generic counterparts. I swear by them that, taken every second waking hour during a head cold, they genuinely shorten the length and intensity of the cold. I also employ menthol lozenges, however I assume their effect are purely palliative.
3. Analgesics and lots of them overlapping as often as I can. Inflammation is your enemy, so pump yourself full of anti-inflammatories I say.
4. Steam. Breathed in liberally especially upon waking.
5. Lots of sleep. My mother taught me that if I'm too sick to go to school, I'm too sick to play. I still have that ethic. Today, for example, I slept about 16 hours.
6. Lots of fluids, especially those gleaned from citrus fruit.
Things I do when I have a head cold which may or may not work. I genuinely don't know but do them anyway:
1. Chamomile tea with a spoonful of molasses.
2. Apple cider vinegar.
3. A half a glass of red wine taken in the hour of sleep.
4. Feeding a cold. These two seem more like an excuse although I am told that the body needs extra nutrients when fighting a virus. Laurie notes the gusto with which I apply this proverb.
5. Nasal spray. Used very sparingly and even less so since I've discovered the Neti-pot. But I was told by my physician many years ago that leaving a sinus cavity congested is a bit like having a rain forest. An eco-system will evolve there. I have also heard convincing arguments that nasal sprays can do more harm than good in the "come down."
Things I do when I have a head cold which probably don't help, but I do anyway: '
1. Deny that I have a head cold.
P.S. I am returning to work tomorrow. Thank you to all of the well wishers and I wish you all a healthy Spring.
Strong hot toddie
ReplyDelete3oz whiskey (good enough not to give an instant headache, but not so good that you're wasting it on a cold)
6oz strong, hot black tea
1oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
1oz honey
Repeat as desired.
This isn't for a head cold or sinus infection, but for a flu. On the other hand, if you take enough of your remedy you'll forget about being sick until the next morning.
A fine suggestion although there is one major problem I've found with keeping whiskey in the house. I forget to not drink it. A lot.
ReplyDeleteI keep Bushmills on hand. I forget not to drink it a few times per week. Tonight I remembered to forget about drinking it because I was mugged by a Yeti. Perhaps with nerves shaken by my touch with the supernatural, a touch of the Irish would be considered a timely restorative.
ReplyDelete