“Remedies for (almost) instant cold relief, easily made at home. One remedy for me, and one for son.”
I wasn’t too sure, or it was just me. I noticed that the cold & flu viruses and bacteria just wouldn’t go away, everywhere. Perhaps it was my low immunity, it was the hot weather, it was due to my constant late sleep… Son’s schoolmates were taking turn to fall sick all the time, too… Both my son and I were having a cold. For me, the symptoms of body aches, nasal congestion, runny nose and sore throat were noticeable before taking the hot lemon coke (cola). I hadn’t thought of having it until 2 days later. As soon as I did, I felt an instant relief of these symptoms in me. Yes, it soothed my throat and chest as well as feeling less stuffy of my nose. It even felt dry for quite a while. It worked for me. :)
Hot Lemon Coke with Salt (For the adults)
Ingredients
150-200ml of coke
1/4 wedge of fresh lemon
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Method
Pour come into a small pot. Squeeze in fresh lemon, and heat over super low fire. Do not bring it to rolling boil, turn of heat when it starts bubbling. Pour hot lemon coke in a cup. Add salt. Serve immediately once the sizzling of salt in the coke subsides.
As I do not take regular Coke, I used Coke Light for this instance. However, please drink with discretion. It’s made of sodas. So, I do not recomend this to the children, even adults should limit the intake. Treat it as a ‘treat’. I took this once or twice a day, for 1-3 days. :)
If you really are concern about having carbonated beverage as cold treatment, I have another home remedy which I made for my son, of course. It’s for all ages above 1 year old.
Unlike hot lemon Coke which its effectiveness might be debatable, this natural cold remedy is kinda proven to work. I used Echinacea drops in honey lemon drink.
How to use Echinacea (pronounced as Ek.ɪˈNeɪ.Se) :
Echinacea, a natural plant, widely used for many benefits of health. It claimed to help in reducing and relieving cold, too. It’s available at many health supplements stores or pharmacies. Just bear in mind that the way to take this Echinacea supplement is, to continuously taking for 7 days (1-4 times a day, depending on the type and brand as well as potency of Echinacea you got), stop for 2 days, before resuming it. It is because you do not want your body to get used to it, and have the effect diminishes.
You may stop taking Echinacea once your cold has subsided, or go through the cycles for about 3-4 weeks before stopping it completely for over a period of time. You may start taking this supplement when some flu symptoms appear. For regular intake, refer to the guideline stated in the label/ packaging, instead.
Warm Honey Lemon & Echinacea (For all ages above 1yo)
Ingredients
2 – 3 teaspoons of honey
1-2 wedges of fresh lemon
10 drops of liquid Echinacea
200ml of warm water
Method
Add honey into a cup. Squeeze in fresh lemons. Pour warm water and stir to combine well. Add Echinacea drops into honey lemon. Serve.
External remedy to relive cold:
Son was having runny nose and mild cough. What I did beside making the remedy drink, I applied generous amount of Vicks on the bottom of his feet.
Gently rub to warm the Vicks a little on his soles, and then, put on socks for him before sleep. Leave it overnight.
^The above were my home remedies for my family. Just for your reference only. :)
Tips: Echinecia comes in liquid, sachet, and capsules forms. For faster and easier absorption, I will go for liquid type, especially for children. There are many different potencies catering for adults and children. Flavored and unflavored. Go to a health store, drug stores (pharmacies) and even online to look for one that’s suitable for your need. An average price for small bottle of Echinacea in SG costs about S$40-50.
* Honey can also be in different types, of course. Your preference. Not for below 1 year old.
