As the weather gets colder, inevitably sore throats and sniffles arrive. If you had been born in the Appalachians in the early 1900's your Grandma would probably have made an onion poultice for you when you had a cold. That is an hot compress to put on your chest made from onions and possum grease. Ew.
If you have read the About Me section you will notice I am a Nurse. Keeping people healthy excites me and I just love to share some updated home remedies to help you ward off any cold or flu.
Prevention - Your First Line of Defense!
- Eat foods that build you defenses such as fruits and vegetables. Avoid foods that lower your defenses like sugars and processed foods.
- Don't touch your hands to your nose, mouth or ears unless clean.
- Use saline spray to keep your nasal passages clean and moist. (Dry nasal passage ways are thin and germs can pass easily.)
- Clean your ears with Q-tips that have sweet oil on them. Sounds crazy to new generations but I promise I'm not making it up.
- Run a humidifier in your house, especially if you use wood heat. And the last tip, is a redundant one, get enough rest!
If you feel a cold coming on...
- First and foremost, it is the oldest trick in the book, rest more! Your body will have a chance to fight the virus if you are not working or just running around like a chicken with its head chopped off.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Warm concoctions are always good. If your throat starts feeling funny, spray your throat with Propalos Spray.
- Use a neck or shoulder warmer on the front of your throat for about 20 minutes before you go to bed. Keeping the warmth around your neck increases the blood flow in the area so your body can fight the sickness.
- As most doctors recommend, take 2 Advil to help fight inflammation.
- Don't forget home made chicken soup. It is a "natural antibiotic".
If you take these suggestions I hope your sickness goes as quickly as it came!
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