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.
