Soothing a cold

[Argy]

After a fun weekend with my boyfriend, I've developed a cold. I'm stuffed up, sore, and fatigued, and seeking relief.

Since everyone has been through this, what have you found that helps to ease the suffering? This can be anything- food, drink, activities, etc.

I'm not a fan of medication unless I absolutely need it.

 

[Habunake]

Teh Internet!

Unless you have a bad headache...

Oh, and Diet Coke and Noodles.

 

[Argy]

I start feeling burned out and bored after hours online, though...

I hate diet drinks (artificial sweeteners)...

 

[DarkEliteKaren]

Hot peppermint tea and a nice long soak in the bathtub with a good book. Unless you have a headache, in which case I'd forget the book.. I can't read when I have a headache, makes me feel worse. But the peppermint tea.. that's heaven. Helps with the stuffy-ness.

 

[Birdyspot]

[Natural] echinacea really helps. It works better the earlier you notice you're coming down with a cold, but if you start popping echinacea pills at the rate of three at a time twice a day during the worst of it, it'll cut down on the severity of your symptoms. I get through a lot of colds without the stuffed nose & sinuses just by doing this.

Airborne is kind of the same thing (also natural), with similar results. Taking zinc also helps. While it boosts your Special Defense. ;-)

Hope you get well soon!

 

[YumeHeart]

I'm the same way about medication; I don't take it unless it's absolutly necessary (in other words: never for colds). Peppermint tea is really good. Drinking it always makes me feel better. Also, I put a tea bag on my pillow when I go to sleep, because smelling the mint helps to clear out my nose. Those "Breathe Right" nasal strips are good too (though not perfect). I also think seltzer water helps when my throat is sore/stuffy.

I hope you feel better soon!

 

[Argy]

Oye, thank you guys. I'm feeling worse.

I have a shitload of tea, but not mint. I wish I could take a bath, but my family's only bathtub is absolutely disgusting (mineral build-up, mold, etc.).

 

[Blackjack Gabbiani]

I know you're veg, but to most people, I'd suggest chicken soup. Seriously, that broth clears up my sinuses like nothing else.

 

[Beautiful Day]

Sorts of yogurt work for the sinuses too, even if they are tubs of fermented milk.

 

[GrnMarvl14]

If it's ANYTHING sinus related, there are these things called Sudacare Shower Soothers. They're these green tablets that are activated by the shower spray. Disturbingly relaxing and make you feel unbelievably better. I always keep a box around just in case. Bit addictive, too.

 

[Argy]

Hmm, I will look those tablets up.

Thanks but no thanks, Blackjack. . I do have other soup, though.

Basically I'm trying to stay away from excess sugar and junk.

 

[Satoshi-chan]

I have a cold too, and I am currently clearing out my nasal passages with some Vicks VapoRub.

 

[LightningTopaz]

Any sort of soup will do...if you have to take some medicine, I'd suggest Nyquil for sleeping at night--clears a stuffy head and helps you sleep.

 

[★Ancient Latios★]

When I come down with a sickness, I usually believe in myself that I can heal, fast. I also occupy myself in something that doesn't need much focus, like looking at some pictures, to make me forget I have a sickness. And it works, for me.

Soup does wonders, especially when it's warm.

 

[Nekusagi]

According to Fruits Basket, lots and lots of leeks...

But really, herbal tea always does the trick for me. And ramen noodles.