Any advice to lift a recurring cold?

[haysi06]

I have been taking the usual over the counter medicines for a couple of weeks now on and off and nothing seems to lift it completely. I can't get a docs appointment this side of the 12th of Never! I have got a nasal spray on repeat prescription for congestion but it doesn't seem to be helping.

Any tips greatly received ~ atchoooo

[Lakitu]

Covonia. It's rank but it's good.

[evedawn]

echinacea vit c and zinc to help you fight it. Also keep your mouth and nose covered with a scarf. recent research suggests that exposing your mucous mebranes int hese areas to cold air help te virus to thrive.

[Barmaid]

Echinacea - take 30 drops (not 15 like it says) morning and evening. Tastes like sh!t though.

[haysi06]

Lakitu, is that the cough medicine with the bull on the front?

I take echinichea but thought that you could only take it for a fortnight and then take a break or it loses its effect.

[Lakitu]

Yes, that's the stuff.

[glenis]

whenever i have a cold i swear by hot lemon and honey - squeeze half a lemon in a mug ,then chop up the lemon half and put that in the mug ,then add a tablespoon (or two )of runny honey and then top up with hot water give it a good stir and leave for a few moments to get the flavour from the lemon skin ,drink this several times during the day and you will feel better ,my friend swears blind by chicken cuppa soup whenever she has a cold

[haysi06]

Thanks glenis I have tried all the beechams, askit, benylin cold cure type potions and still feel really bunged up and headachey.

I am going to pop out and get some lemons/honey and covonia and some tigerbalm (think thats what it's called) as I have been told thats better than vicks vapour rub.

[jen78]

You could try Sinutab in case it's your sinuses prolonguing it.

The breathe right strips are good too. And you could try 4Head or those lovely cool pads for your head.

Dissolvable vit c tabs can give you a good boost and lots of water and good nutritious food to heal your system.

[sue11]

For the congestion, I would recommnend menthol crystals. You can buy them from any chemist and you very very sparingly sprinkle them on hot water and then sniff the water, that certainly clears the sinuses! Don't put too much in though or they will blow your head off!
As a prevention for colds in future, I eat quite a bit of onion and garlic as they are very good as providing your body with a natural defence. I used to suffer with a lot of colds, but since eating more onion and garlic, I only seem to be struck down about once a year. II have to be careful about inflicting garlic breath on other people though!!!
Hope this has helped,
Sue.

[sara3]

tigerbalm is great. you can use it for lots of things. I use it on my forehead when I'm getting a headache and it usually goes.

buy the white one, as the standard one is yellowy-brown, and looks a bit odd on your forehead when you're out.

and yes, I did that.

[joggerjayne]

To lift a cold ...

... when you think you are going to sneeze ...

... stand on a chair.

[sara3]

take the juice of 2 brandies.

[haysi06]

Thanks for the advice, yours made me chuckle JJ and Sara :)

I take a soluble vit c tablet every day, my decongestant spray is meant to help with sinus problems too but its just not helping. I am going to make an appointment with the doctor however its not likely to be until the end of next week but I will go and have a chat with them.

Unfortunately I am now suffering with catarrh (ewww) however I will persevere with holding my head over a steaming bowl of water with tigerbalm - I will get the menthol crystals today as my mum used to swear by them but I haven't seen them in years.

I need to drag myself into work today :(, have a good day.