Properly Nurse Your Cold...

We are now in the season, where colds and coughs are heightened!  I see more and more commercials during this time of year for over-the-counter cold/cough medicines.  Surely many of you have not experienced a whole lot of true relief from nursing a cold/cough with the over-the-counter remedies.  I have not had much success with any of them in the past...just gives me false-hope, especially since the commercials do such a great job selling the product with their funny animations of how the medication attacks the cold germs!  Cute, but not helpful!!  During previous experiences with the cold, the best remedies in my household have been STEAM & WARM SALT-WATER GARGLING.  Not only does it provide relief, but it does not keep us bed-ridden!

The moment, I start to feel that tickle in my nose and/or throat, I attack!  I immediately start to gargle with warm salt-water and steam with a vaporizer.  Most of the time, the cold has to run its course, but I do not feel sluggish nor do I lose any energy.  Instead of sitting and feeling miserable, I spend a lot of my free time during the course of the cold steaming & gargling for most of the day!  Taking over-the-counter medications only gives temporary relief...and the reality is...the bug needs to come out, not rest in our body!  The steaming and gargling helps get things flowing, so to speak, so "yes" - you will be blowing your nose, be stuffy, spitting mucus and maybe have the occasional stomach upset!  I know it sounds gross, but getting it out, is truly the best remedy!  You will still be able to properly function and get things done that you need to get done!

Some other things to have on hand are the following items for preventative maintenance and for use during the course of the cold/cough.  I buy most of my items through Vitacost, where products are cheaper, plus free shipping after $49 and you will often receive other special offers from them:



Sinusin nasal spray is awesome!  I use this daily just for preventative maintenance.  It is a homeopathic formula that is even safe for children 2-years+.  Before this, I was always experiencing a runny nose during the cold months and itchy nose during the spring months and now, I can go on a jog when it is a little cooler and not have to worry about my nose dripping the entire time!  Each family member in household has a bottle of it!





NutriBiotic Nasal Spray - is a grapefruit seed extract nasal spray that is also great to use during the course of a cold or even during that initial tickle you feel in your nose and/or throat.  Use as directed and can be a huge benefit for you!  This I find works better preventing sickness in the summer!  This can sting the inside of your nose for a bit after initial spray, but wears off after a couple seconds.  I always make sure to have a bottle in my medicine cabinet.  Also a homeopathic spray, but there is an age minimum.




Emergen-C - This is another great item to have on hand!  I take these just when I am feeling a little run-down than usual and have not had much Vitamin C.  These powdered packs can just be mixed with water and can provide amazing effects immediately! 




For those smoothie makers, here are some great all-natural SUPERFOODS you can add to your smoothie maintain optimum health and will keep you healthy all-year long:


Spirulina Pacifica: I have been taking Spirulina for a year now and have loved the health effects it has!  It is the richest food source in the world and gives you the natural energy boost you need and improves immune health.  See one of my previous blog posts on Spirulina. 



Wheat Grass - Another amazing superfood that improves immune health, skin, filled with antioxidants.  I love the taste of it because it actually adds a bit of a sweeter flavor to my smoothies! 



Chlorella - is a fantastic superfood and has been known to have excellent effects when taken with Spirulina!!  It is know to reverse effects of known ailments, too!  See Chlorella Benefits.