This post, though it has nothing to do with food, is designed to help you heal faster. Or at least feel better while you are down with the common cold or a flu. This post is particularly close to me right now as I have been sick (& off of work) since the beginning of the year. So I thought I would share some home remedies & ask everyone else what tips & tricks they have to offer.
Fever - Whether you starve it, or feed it (in which case I know of an excellent caterer!!) fever can be one of the worst feelings. It really takes it out of you. One trick that we use in our house is to wet a cloth in cold water with a few drops of cologne on it. Sounds silly I know, but the alcohol in the cologne helps to reduce a fever, faster.
Sore Throat - There is of course the tried & tested Honey in Tea remedy. A tablespoon of Honey in warm tea, herbal or regular, good old fashioned Tetley will help to soothe & lubricate your throat.
- I have also recently heard from a friend about a tablespoon of honey with Cinnamon. Since I don't like Honey in it's purest form, this is not something I have tried. But if you do, let me know how it works.
- Gargling with warm salt water. About 2 tsp of salt in a glass of warm water. Stir until the salt has dissolved & gargle away. This has helped me immensely in the past three weeks. For those clients that have spoken to me on the phone, they can attest, I sound terrible!! Very hoarse. The salt water gargling also seems to cut down on my coughing as well.
- Lots of cooling treats such as Jello, Pudding, Yogurt, Popsicles & Freezies will also help soothe the soreness.
Coughing - I've yet to find a home remedy or solution to this besides the gargling & over the counter cough syrup. (Thank God for NyQuil!!) But I do find that Vicks Vapo Drops or Halls Cough drops help. Ricola is another favorite of mine.
Stuffy Nose - Unfortunately, I believe this is one that must run it's course. Putting Vicks Vapo Rub on your nose at night will help, as will breathing over a pot of hot water with Vicks Vapo Rub or Eucalyptus Oil in it.
Above all else, remember, stay well hydrated. Drink lots of fluids, tea, water, juice anything that will help to keep you hydrated. I for one can't wait until cold & flu season is over. But while it's here, let's help each other. What are your home remedies? Let us know in the comments below.
Sore Throat - There is of course the tried & tested Honey in Tea remedy. A tablespoon of Honey in warm tea, herbal or regular, good old fashioned Tetley will help to soothe & lubricate your throat.
- I have also recently heard from a friend about a tablespoon of honey with Cinnamon. Since I don't like Honey in it's purest form, this is not something I have tried. But if you do, let me know how it works.
- Gargling with warm salt water. About 2 tsp of salt in a glass of warm water. Stir until the salt has dissolved & gargle away. This has helped me immensely in the past three weeks. For those clients that have spoken to me on the phone, they can attest, I sound terrible!! Very hoarse. The salt water gargling also seems to cut down on my coughing as well.
- Lots of cooling treats such as Jello, Pudding, Yogurt, Popsicles & Freezies will also help soothe the soreness.
Coughing - I've yet to find a home remedy or solution to this besides the gargling & over the counter cough syrup. (Thank God for NyQuil!!) But I do find that Vicks Vapo Drops or Halls Cough drops help. Ricola is another favorite of mine.
Stuffy Nose - Unfortunately, I believe this is one that must run it's course. Putting Vicks Vapo Rub on your nose at night will help, as will breathing over a pot of hot water with Vicks Vapo Rub or Eucalyptus Oil in it.
Above all else, remember, stay well hydrated. Drink lots of fluids, tea, water, juice anything that will help to keep you hydrated. I for one can't wait until cold & flu season is over. But while it's here, let's help each other. What are your home remedies? Let us know in the comments below.