A cold or flu can make any of us feel miserable; while prevention is the best medicine any of us can “catch the bug.” Those bothersome symptoms of cold and flu are actually ways that our bodies are trying to fight these infections: fever is one way our body tries to kill the infection (germ-killing proteins in the body move faster and more effectively in a hot environment) and coughing is another way the body rids itself of germs that the thick mucus can carry to the lungs.
Many of us need relief from the symptoms but do not like to take over-the-counter medications for cold and flu symptoms; the side effects may be bothersome or there may be a risk of interaction with our prescription medication. Here are a few home remedies for you and your loved one that just might help you feel better:
• Stay warm and rested. Staying warm and rested helps the body focus on the battle the infection places on the body. Get comfortable under a blanket and take a break.
• Drink hot liquids. Hot liquids help relieve nasal congestion, prevent dehydration and soothe inflamed membranes in your nose and throat. If you are so congested at night and cannot sleep, try a cup of hot tea, add a teaspoon of honey, and if appropriate to your health and religious practices, add an one ounce of whisky or bourbon (but limit this concoction to one cup as too much alcohol can inflame the membranes).
• Sleep with an extra pillow under your head. Elevating your head helps to relieve congested nasal passages.
• Blow your nose often. Blow your nose when you have a cold, rather than sniffling the mucus back into your head. But when you blow your nose too hard, it can send the mucus back into your ear canals, causing an ear ache. The best way is to press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other.
• Clear your stuffy nose with warm salt water. Salt water rinsing helps to break up nasal congestion and get rid of viruses and bacteria from your nose. Mix ¼ tsp of salt and ¼ tsp of baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water. Use a bulb syringe to squirt this mixture into a nostril, apply pressure to the other nostril to close it while squirting the fluid in. Let it drain, repeat 2-3 times then treat the other nostril. You can also try using a netty pot, commonly available in most drugstores or health stores.
• Gargle. Gargling brings temporary relief to a sore throat by moistening it. Mix ½ tsp of salt in 8 ounces warm water until dissolved, gargle 3-4 times a day.
• Take a hot shower- Steamy showers moisturize your nasal passages and help you to relax. If dizziness is a problem, run the steamy shower but sit on a chair nearby and sponge bathe.
• Apply a salve under your nose. Applying a small amount under your nose can help to open your nasal passages and relieve irritated skin under your nose. Menthol, eucalyptus and camphor all have a mild numbing effect that soothes raw and tender skin.
• Apply hot or cold packs around your congested sinuses- Applying either will work so it is your preference. Place a damp washcloth in your microwave for 45 seconds to warm it up (test the temperature before applying the warm pack to those tender areas under your eyes or forehead) or use a frozen bag of vegetables for a cold pack.
• Eat infection-fighting foods, such as:
o Bananas, which help soothe upset stomachs
o Bell peppers and oranges, which are loaded with Vitamin C
o Blueberries, which help control diarrhea and may also help lower fevers and help with body aches and pains
o Chili peppers, which open sinus passages and break up mucus in the lungs
o Mustard and horse radish, which help break up mucus in the air passages
o Onions, which reportedly clear bronchitis and other infections
o Rice, which helps curb diarrhea
o Tea (black and green but not herbals), which are professed to have antibiotic and anti-diarrhea effects
Remember:
o Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
o Sneeze or cough into your elbow area rather than your hand to control spreading germs.
o Discard used tissue or replace handkerchiefs often.
o Antibiotics are not effective in treating viruses and should only be used for bacterial infections.
If at any time you feel the symptoms are severe or worsening, call your doctor.
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