I keep several things on hand for when allergy and cold symptoms get me down. The Boiron allergy tabs dissolve under the tongue, the homeopathic drops that I get from my naturopathic doctor are held under the tongue for a couple of minutes, Oscillococcinum (in the bubble pack in front) is great when I’m feeling achy. Just open a vial and let the pellets dissolve in the mouth.
For sore throat, and to kill germs, the Thieves spray is always good. Fair warning on the Thieves spray: First time use will feel like it’s taking your head off! It’s spicy and strong, but quickly numbs a sore throat. I carry it with me in my purse, year round, and you can spray it on surfaces as a disinfectant as well. I’ve used it on my hands after pumping gas and on door knobs in public restrooms.
Another good product to help relieve sinus stuffiness is the Peppermint Facial Scrub by Simplified Soap. I use it in a hot, steamy shower and rub it on my face and chest and it feels wonderful. Just keep it away from your eyes!
Another remedy I keep on hand this time of year is my homemade cough syrup. We add it to hot tea in the evenings to help us sleep when we don’t feel well. I use 1 part fresh lemon juice, 1 part unfiltered honey and 2 parts Jack Daniels whiskey. You can tweak it to suit your own taste and add more or less of the three ingredients.
I had two partial bottles of honey and just added the lemon juice and Jack directly to each bottle until the consistency was right. We’ve used a bit out of both bottles since I made it last night and I’ll be able to pour it all into one bottle later.
If you happen to have a bottle of honey that has crystalized you can just add the other ingredients to the honey, give it a good stir, leave it on the counter to remind you to give it a shake when you walk by, and the Jack will dissolve the honey crystals in no time. Give the bottle a good shake before you use it. Put an ounce in a shot glass and sip it, add it to your hot tea, or just pour some in a cup and add hot water. It will warm your throat and chest and help open your sinuses as well as clearing the crud out of your throat that causes a cough.
I hear Brad clearing his throat in the other end of the house. Sounds like he needs some hot tea and cough syrup!
Rural Texas Knitter 