While everyone in our house is blessed with exceptionally good health, we are still occasionally felled by the odd cold virus. I prefer to avoid using over-the-counter type cold remedies for a variety of reasons (including the fact that they're fairly expensive and they make me feel weird). I have found a few gentle low tech/natural remedies keep us quite comfortable while we're on the mend. Here is what I keep on hand for soothing a raging cold:
-a big box of tissues with lotion (these are pricey; I keep them squirreled away so they only make an appearance when they're really needed- the last box lasted me at least 2 yrs!)
-hard candies with vitamin C to help sooth sore throats
-a hot water bottle
-eucalyptus essential oil for steam inhalations (see below for instructions)
-epsom salts (add to a hot bath to ease muscle aches and soreness)
-thyme and honey for homemade cough syrup (recipe below)
Usually, these simple solutions, combined with lots of hot tea and soup (and lots of napping under warm blankets) are enough to see us through a typical cold without feeling too miserable.
Eucalypus Oil Steam Inhalation (to relieve nasal and sinus congestion)
Boil about a litre (4 cups) of water and carefully pour into a heat-proof bowl (such as Pyrex). Add about 6 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the water. Drape a large towel over your head to form a tent and carefully lean over the bowl, keeping a few inches away from the water. Stay under the towel for as long as is comfortable, taking short breaks if necessary. Aim for 10-15 minutes or so total.
Thyme and Honey Cough Syrup
I have found this to be more effective than over-the-counter cough syrups. Honey should not be given to children under the age of one.
In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1 tbsp dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then cover and turn off heat. Let steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain the liquid into a jar (I use a small canning jar) and add 1/4 cup honey. Stir until honey is completely dissolved. Take 1 tbsp as needed.
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1 comment:
Hello fellow Hamiltonian!
I wanted to make a suggestion on a natural cough syrup for you. Not really a syrup, more a tea or infusion.
It's simple, just fresh oregano steeped in boiling water. Oregano is a natural anti-inflammatory. It also works for mild asthma. It's supposed to help an upset stomach as well, but I have tried it for that on several occasions and I find it doesn't help.
Oregano is also very easy to grow, I'm not sure if you already grow it or not.
I drink it straight, but kids might not like it much. Try some cloves or some honey to give it a better taste for them. Whatever you find that they like.
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