(For those of you who are not suffering right now, I'll translate that for you..."I've got a cold in my nose.")

I've looked for a thread on colds, but I'm not finding one. I coulda sworn we had one in here, so forgive me if I'm starting something we already have going. I saw Chelsea Belle's allergy thread, but not one on strictly colds.

As you can guess, I've come down with a cold. I feel icky. Congestion, cough, junk in the lungs and chest, headache, fatigue,.... I've got it all.

What are your favorite tips for getting over a cold? Do you have any suggestions on how to feel better until it goes away? Yeah, I know the old saying, "Treat a cold, and it'll last a week. Let it go and it'll only last 7 days."

I didn't realize I was getting it, so I didn't get the zinc and vitamin C in soon enough to ward it off.

I did have some homemade chicken soup (with lots of garlic - don't come near me today!) last night. I thought that might help.

I got up and did a nasal spray about 4 AM and FINALLY got a bit of sleep last night. Not much - only about 3 hours, but it's better than getting none.

Taking a decongestant.

Unfortunately, staying home and in bed isn't an option. I just got back from a business trip (pretty sure this is where I caught it), so I can't take any more time off.

HELP! I want to breathe! And, I'm tired of (excuse me for being blunt, but this is the truth) coughing up stuff.

I don't want to go into the weekend sick, so I need to combat this NOW.

I'm not sure if it's a worldwide product but I found 'Procol' to be a good product. It gives a few hours relief from a blocked doze. Be sure to read the usual warnings though (or perhaps 'dough' in your own case!).

[ May 21, 2002, 11:35 AM: Message edited by: tellywellies ]

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) every time. At the first signs of a cold I take a dose and if the cold dare to take hold it rarely last more than 24 hours, 48 hours at the most. The one I take for colds is Yin Qiao San, this contains lonicera and forsythia Fm - whatever that is supposed to mean. They are in capsule form and I send to London for them.... not a lot of good to you in Texas though.

I am a great believer in TCM, I have acupuncture and take herbs on a regular basis, I see my practitioner monthly.

It occurred to me just a little while ago that I could smell. So, it's not full-blown, yet. That's good.

I'm planning on having Chinese food tonight - hot and sour soup, hot/spicy beef, etc. That'll open up the sinuses, right? (Oh, ok! So, I'm also really in the mood for Chinese food anyway! So, I'm killing two birds here! )

The trouble with my colds is that they so often turn into sinus infections. If they would just stay a normal cold and not turn into something more sinister, it would be one thing. But, now I'm gun-shy and think it's going to be worse than it might be.

I take a lot of hot showers when I have a cold. Not only does it just feel good to be clean, but the steam opens the nasal passages some. I need to do that tonight.

I know you shouldn't be taking time off but do! Get into bed and relax. You'll only pass the cold on to others at work and make your recovery slower!

Take care of yourself.

Linda...don't know if this helps, but the thread was started by Bruyere, I think, when she was all flu-like and really grumpy, too! ...maybe even whiney...I think it might have been about March this year! *all in fun, Heather*!

I recommend warm red wine. Always works for me. Just pour it into a glass or mug...set the micro for about 1 min. 20 at about half power....and drink it! The warm fumes clear your nasal passages, it feels good going down your throat, makes your tummy warm...and after you've repeated the dosage..well...everting seemessjuzzzzzzfine, thanks!

And sleep! Even if you find you have to work...increase your sleep time! Actually Tylenol cold&flu, the type like a hot lemon drink, is good, too!

Hope you're feeling better! I had two real doozies from Jan to March...all your symptoms, too..and it did turn into sinusitis...Almost well, now though....TOUCH WOOD!

Bringing this one up (and going back to see if I can find the other thread)!

Hi

Try the remedy I described in the other thread. Add some rosemary for the headaches.

Eating garlic and onions really helps. Also, take Vitamin C and Echinacea to help boost your defenses; won't make you feel better, but will help you get well sooner.

ShadowHippie