Welcome to Gaia! ::

so, I have a question.

When one has a cold, what would be the best thing to do?

I've had the nastiest cold for the last week, most of that without internet access. I respond BADLY to cold medicine. Even the non-drowsy stuff knocks me out almost instantly for a period of 2-6 hours.

So, I have to go to work tomorrow and I'm panicking. I'm on the phones all day long and if I sound stuffed up or less than enthused because of a sore throat, even if it's beyond my control, it could be my job. I've missed two days already and I'm starting to feel the pressure.

So, anyone know of any natural, non-drowsy remedies that I could check into? sweatdrop

Also, taking a hot shower or bath may help clear up congestion.


As for other remedies, there is no cure for the common cold. However, there are ways to boost your immune system.

Get plenty of rest, as well as a bit of light exercise and some time outside in the fresh air. Eat right anddring lots of fluids (preferably somthing warm, like tea). Steer clear of eating too much junky food.

Also, consuming garlic and echenecia will help.


Tommrrow, if I can get online I'll dig out some of my old herbal remedy/naturopathy books and post some info from those. 3nodding

Best wishes for a speedy recovery! heart

Cold Treatments:


Vitamins:

Vitamin A: 15,000-25,000 IU per day for four days

Vitamin C: 500-1,000 mg every two hours

Beta-carotine: 50,000-100,000 IU per day

Zinc: 15-25mg every two waking hours for up to seven days (if taken for a longer period than such, it can actually lead to supression of the immune system)


Herbal Remedies:

Garlic: 1+ cloves per day

Echinaeca: One of the following doses three times per day;
Tea or dried root: .5-1g
Freeze-dried plant: 325-650mg
Fluid Extract: 2-4ml
Dry Powdered: 150-300mg


Cinnamon: No reccomended dose available

Hyssop: No reccomended dose available

Lemon Balm: No reccomended dose available

Rose Hips: No reccomended dose available

Ginger Root: No reccomended dose available


Folk Remedies:

For sore throats : Mix 4tsb of rock candy with 2tsp of lemon juice, 1tsb of honey, and 1/2 cup of warm water.
Also, gargle warm salt water.

For congestion: Add a few drops of essential oil (pine nedle, eucalyptus, clary sage, and tyme are commonly used for this) to a bowl of boiling water. place a towel over your head and inhale the steam from the bowl.
Also, adding essential oils to a warm bath can help as well.


Dietary Changes:

Eat plenty of fresh veggies, as well as take in protien. Eat healthfully, and try to avoid sugars.
Also, drink lots of liquids, preferably in the form of water, fresh fruit/vegetabe juices, herbal teas, and soup.


Lifestyle:

Get plenty of rest, however, despite this get some exercise, as it really works wonders for the immune system.
Go outside, and get fresh air as well. Fresh air and exercise, alongside good rest are KEY to helping to boost the immune system and fight the cold.


I hope that helps.
Also, I apologize for all of the "No reccomended dose available" things... most of those were recoomended to be taken as tea, and I was unable to find the proper dosage form any of my books.

yeah do the stuff dreamerspirit says!!!
Also, be optimistic! Get well soon!!!

ps penguins r cuddly

~chicken noodle soup
~lemon and honey tea
~mint tea and honey
~honey, no cane sugar
~soup, soup, soup. if your body doesnt have to digest so much, it can heal faster
~do the fung shui (sp?) stuff. i dunno if it helps but my grandma is always gettin on me about putting stuff under my bed and something about not good fung shui
~garlic. makes your breath smell bad, works just about as good as cold meds.