We are heading into Autumn, and the children are heading back to school in full swing. With so many children collected in mostly enclosed areas, such as classrooms, the library, the media room, the music room, and the gym; chances are your child will be in contact with other kids that may have the common cold. It is inevitable because the common cold is highly contagious.
When I send my 8 year old son off to school, I often remind him not to share drinks, not to get too close physically to his friends, and to wash his hands after going to the bathroom, and so the list go on, and on… Really, I am not an overly protected mom. I am just a worried mom, because if my son gets sick, he can’t sleep, and then I can’t sleep either. I’m just thinking about myself out loud here. However, no matter how careful one can be, the common cold can just whip you at any time.
These five suggestions are intended to help you cope with the common cold. They will provide some comfort, and they may reduce the lengthy time the common cold usually takes to run its course. They work very well in my family, and I always keep these well-stocked in the house.
Chicken Soup
The choices are yours. You can either make your own or buy ready to use. Personally, I prefer to cook my own because I do not want any chemical such as MSG (monosodium glutamates) or preservatives in my food. Although chicken soup has been recommended for years to help fight off colds, recent research studies show that chicken soup may contain a number of effective substances, including an anti-inflammatory mechanism, that can ease the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
Yogurt
You can use any kind of yogurt that you like to eat. Yogurt carries an active culture that helps eliminate the germs in your body. Research shows that yogurt (with live cultures) strengthens and stabilizes the immune system.Hot and Sour Soup
If you can handle spicy food, order a bowl of hot and sour soup. The spicy soup will help clear your congestive nose, and assist with your sweat. If you can’t get to the restaurant, just add some Tabasco or Louisiana hot sauce in your chicken soup, and double up on your doses of comfort. Capsaicin is the ingredient that makes chile peppers taste hot. Reported benefits include antimicrobial, anticoagulant, or anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to increase circulation or to relieve cold symptoms by clearing the sinus.
Lemon Tea
Make some Bigelow lemon tea, adding a teaspoon of honey to ease your sore throat. Lemon improves your immune system, and helps get rid of the toxins, while honey contains antioxidants to help you fight the cold and flu. The darker the honey, the more antioxidant it contains.Add Garlic and Ginger
Cooking with garlic and ginger not only produces a good smell, it is also very healthy for you and your family. If you are hesitating about using these, first try them as powder to marinate your chicken, beef, pork, and of course, seafood, then eventually buy them fresh to add in your cooking. Garlic is a natural antibiotic, and ginger helps with respiratory infection. With these two helpful benefits, your common cold has no chance to linger.
The flu and cold season is fast approaching, do whatever you can to avoid contracting it. Wash your hands often. Stay involved in activities that help your body fit. Keep yourself free of stress. Vacuum and dust your house regularly. Try learning a few relaxation techniques to boost up your immune system. It’s ideal if you can stay away from catching a cold, but if you do catch one, remember to rest and take plenty of liquid. Nurse yourself back to health quickly using the five suggestions above.
