All across the country, snow, ice and rough weather continue to wreck havoc on daily routines. My daughter and I were sick with the common cold last week.
Seeing a doctor within 24 hours is next to impossible, and when you finally see someone, it is the same story, just take some Robitussin DM, drink liquids and call me next week!
Fending off a cold and managing children is something all mothers are familiar with. We have to get up and keep going, that is a fact of life, no excuses.
Here are some remedies for sore throats and holding off that cold.
Humidifier
Try it when your throat feels dry.
It keeps the air around you moist which is important since indoor heat and arid air may dry out the mucous membranes.
Keep the humidifier’s water tank and filter clean to prevent the growth of mold which can worsen symptoms.
Garlic
Try it when you notice a tickle.
Garlic is known the have virus fighting and antibacterial qualities.
They could help the body heal the infections that cause a sore throat, while fighting the germs that cause pain and irritation. Microwave one or two garlic clove for 10 to 15 seconds to decrease the intensity of the taste, then crushing them in a press and eating the garlic on a cracker. Do this once daily. The compound Allicin which is released when garlic is cut, crushed or chewed helps to reduce pain and irritation.
Garlic supplements are also effective at lowering cholesterol and blood pressure; do not seem to help the immune system.
Zinc Lozenges
Try them when you have a mild soreness along with a stuffy nose.
Zinc lozenges coat the throat to soothe the red, raw tissue. As the zinc ions dissolve, they migrate up the nose there they bind to and may halt the virus causing a cold. Look for drops that contain zinc gluconate, which is easier to stomach than other forms. Take them with food to reduce the risk of queasiness.
Be sure to check with your doctor as some supplements can interfere with other medications.
Try Cold-Eeze Sugar Free
Warm Salt Water
Try it when your throat is feeling sore and scratchy.
The solution is soothing and can kill bacteria in the throat. It can help to increase blood flow to carry infection fighting bacteria cells to the throat to speed recovery. Mix one teaspoon of salt per pint of water to create a gargle and use that mixture once a day as needed.
The water should be warm not hot.
Herbal Teas
Try it when the pain persists all day.
Herbal varieties may contain an immune booster, such as goldenseal root or Echinacea: licorice which is antiviral and antibacterial: or marshmallow herb, which helps to produce the protective mucous in your throat.
These herbs can also be taken as tinctures, which are distilled liquids you place under the tongue. You should be able to find them at a pharmacy or health food store.
Add honey to make it extra soothing.
Try YogiTea Throat Comfort
Slippery Elm Lozenges
Try them when your throat is red and feels raw.
The powdered bark of the tree keeps your throat moist, which eases the discomfort brought on my inflammation.
Some Slipper Elm lozenges are good when combined with Vitamin C, which some studies suggest have shown to reduce a cold’s duration.
Try Thayer’s Sugar Free Slippery Elm Lozenges (lactose free, which may stimulate pain inducing inflammation)
Over the counter numbing spray
Try it when every swallow aches a little. When this spray hits your throat, the ingredient phenol (a local anesthetic gives instant but temporary relief. The sprays deaden the area for a couple of hours. The simply mask the pain but do not treat the underlying problem. Some relief for a bit.
Prescription gargle.
Try it when it’s downright painful to swallow. At this point you should be visiting your doctor to see if something worse is happening like Strep Throat. This solution will numb the area for a longer time than over the counter medications.
Don’t eat of drink for 30 minutes after a prescription gargle, because in addition to numbing your throat, it can also deaden the sensation in your tongue.
Of course once you have the cold, the best you can do is to drink lots of liquids, and wash your hands all day, and do not rub your eyes with your hands (conjunctivitis).
Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil - I have been adding this Seven Seas- This is the best brand to a bit of orange juice every morning for the last 3 years and I have not had a serious cold within that time. CLO is a potent mix of A and D and helps build up a resistance to colds and other ailments. It does not fix my allergies but I am cold free. And I have more energy than I have ever had before. I used to take this as a child, mom does know best.
Feel Better Moms!
Source- Real Simple Magazine 2009
Source- Real Simple Magazine 2009
Images Istockphotos
