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Monday, March 31, 2008 |
8 Natural ways to treat Colds and Flu |
Boy, oh boy, am I sick today! Colds stole into me yesterday, and last night, I knew something bad was going to happen. I read all the signs, but I did not do much to prevent it. And now, I hereby announce that today is the first official day of Mr. Colds' visit.
I know it is bound to get worse, especially since I am seated right below the air conditioning unit and the weather outside is absolutely, positively scorching. The perfect combination to nurse a starting cold. And without much medications available, the least I can do is bring relief and hopefully scare Mr. Colds from further stay.
Here are some remedies I found while trying to find a cure for my predicament. The following are natural ways to treat colds and flu (taken from WebMD):
- Blow your nose often - It is important to clear your nose regularly when colds strike, rather than collect mucus back into your nose. To blow your nose CORRECTLY, press a finger over one of your nostrils and blow gently to clear the other. Hygiene is a must, so go wash your hands after blowing your nose.
- Rest - In any other case, a good dose of R&R is important. How much more when your body is engaged in an all out immune battle? Show your support for your body and give it a rest.
- Use a salve under your nose - A dab of metholated salve under your nose can clear your nasal passages and help irritated skin under your nose. In my case, I favor a menthol stick called "Five Cranes." God knows how many times this has saved me from other uncomfortable threats on my health, other than colds. ;)
- Drink hot liquids - DO NOT be foolish as to drink boiling hot liquids! Now that would make things worse, don't you think? Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion and soothe the uncomfortable inflamed membranes lining your nose and throat.
- Take a steamy shower - Moisturize your nasal passages and relax yourself by taking a steamy shower. This works for those whose bathrooms come equipped with hot and cold showers. Although I think this would still do if you could boil water and mix it with tap water you've run for your bath.
- Gargle - Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary, but heavenly, relief. Try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, four times a day.
- Sleep with an extra pillow under your head - This helps drain your nasal passages. If you find that the angle is uncomfortable or awkward, try placing the pillows under your mattress to create a smoother slope.
- Apply hot or cold packs around your sinuses - Whichever temperature may relieve you of your discomfort. There are reusable hot or cold packs at a drugstore which you can buy. Or you could make your own. To make your own packs, take a damp washcloth and put it in a microwave for 55 seconds (make sure to test the temperature if it suits you). Or take a small bag of frozen peas as a substitute for a cold pack. It is all up to you.
So far, these have worked for me. I hope it would work for anyone else who has colds. Not that I wish you had them. ;) Now I am off to Lalaland.. I really need my sleep badly. Hopefully, I will wake up to a better day, if not, then I'll see you later Mr. Colds!!
Ciao!Labels: colds, cure, medicine, remedies, sickness |
posted by Ann @ 8:49 PM
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2 Comments: |
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informative...thanks for this. colds are rampant especially during these days here in our country. the early part of the day is so hot but then it suddenly rains later =P
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thank you! yes, i totally agree. everybody in my family right now has it. it's a bummer, but i guess this is what you have to deal with when the heat of summer strikes! ;)
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About Me |
Name: Ann
Home: Philippines
About Me: even when she has fairy wings on, this girl is anything BUT dainty. perhaps the size, the weight, and the personality alone are just too much for her to be considered delicate, prim, proper, and refined. this girl with the mud smudged cheeks has been down on the ground one to many times. these times forced her to be tougher, smarter, and more savvy than she has ever been. perhaps she will always be, never dainty.
email me: neverdainty [at] gmail [dot] com
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informative...thanks for this. colds are rampant especially during these days here in our country. the early part of the day is so hot but then it suddenly rains later =P