tips for relieving a common cold by Shawna Common
It’s that time of year again when people start having the sniffles, and sneezing is a familiar sound. Since a cold is a virus, antibiotics are useless. What do you do if you start feeling the effects of the common cold? There are many home remedies for the common cold, from oldtime concoctions to modern practices. My grandmother swears by the popular old-time mustard plasters, and would slap one on anyone that started coughing. She is convinced that this is the best remedy for any sort of chest ailment, and my mother remembers many mustard plasters from her youth. You will need two heavy pieces of cotton (flannelette is best) the width and length of the infected person’s chest, a towel, cold cream or camphor oil, warm water and mustard powder. Mix the powder and water into a thick paste, and smear it between the two pieces of cotton. Cover the sick person’s chest with either cold cream or camphor oil; place the cotton combination on the sick person’s chest, and cover the whole thing with a thick towel. Leave the plaster on the person for anywhere from five to 20 minutes, then remove. Ensure the plaster is not left on too long, or the mustard will burn the skin. “If there are white blotches on the skin that’s the infection, and the plaster has now loosened the infection in the chest for the person to cough out,” says Grandma. The tried and true remedy of loosening chest and head congestion by holding your head over a bowl of steaming water has been around for generations. Putting a towel over your head and the bowl allows the steam to be concentrated and work faster—just be ready with lots of tissues. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the steaming water for an extra-effective result. The aroma of eucalyptus oil stimulates the sinuses and relieves
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congestion from a cold. In addition to being used for steaming, the oil can be applied directly to the chest, neck or even the temples, allowing you to breathe better and relieve some aches associated with colds and flus. Have you ever heard of your parents or grandparents mention the hot toddy? This remedy combines a shot of whiskey (for “warmth”) with a teaspoon of honey (to soothe the throat). Add hot water, a few cloves and a cinnamon stick, and serve with a lemon wedge (for vitamin C). If whiskey isn’t your thing, soothe your sore throat with the tried and true salt water remedy. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle. Avoid swallowing the mixture—it won’t hurt you, but the taste is not the greatest. Of course, getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids is always recommended. Get a head start on cold season by eating the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables and maintaining a healthy dose of sleep each night. FLS