[lenjan]

OK, so this might belong in the health support forum instead, but bear with me.

Because of the multitude of other meds I am taking for both physical and mental illness, I can't take OTC cold meds, Advil, or Motrin. Extra strength Tylenol does nothing for me. I have a cold that keeps me up at night with the sneezing and itchy eyes and runny nose and cough. What the heck can I do about it if I can't take any cold meds? Any old wives' tales out there that actually work? I would really like to get some sleep, and I would really like to get it at night, not in the middle of the day when I get so exhausted I have to collapse or else.

Thanks.

Candy

[SleepsWithButterFlies]

All I know of are steam....like a hot humdifier..heck even a cold water humdifier....those Halls things they are like cough drops but even hard candy would coat your throat and warm compresses on your forehead. HOT tea and they say chicken noodle soup really does help..zinc too

[wi_fighter]

My natural remedy book says garlic is an antibiotic, cleanser, and antihistamine. It's listed in the cold section and allergies and sinusitis section.

Take two Kyolic oderless garlic capsules three times a day. VapoRub on the temples will help clear congestion. I rub it on my chest and throat too.

I'd try some saline nasal spray to help flush out the mucus faster too.

[Rhapsody]

YES........................... good old GARLIC & VITAMIN C

LoVe,
Rhapsody -

[(JD)]

(((candy)))) I can't take OTC medicines ...I'm too allergic...

Have you asked your MD about taking Vitamin C? 500mg 4x a day is usually what is needed while battling sickness.
Yes, steam helps... hydration is most important... drinking more water and still more water... and making sure your home isn't too dry humidity-wise.

Spend more time in sunlight, that helps reset your circadium rhythm (as little as 10 minutes of direct sunlight.)

Have you lavaged your sinuses? Gross, but greatly effective... be sure to use distilled water and non ionized salt.

...feel better..

candybear, i can't use afrin or any of those OTC sprays. so, i use the saline nose sprays. nothing in it but salt water and it keeps my nose clear and moist. i discovered it years and years ago. it's cheap and i've never had a side effect from it. i totally agree with taking garlic and vitamin C.

[dottie]

To reduce nasal stuffiness..I dab a little Tea tree Oil..right under my nose. Hot tea and chicken noodle soup/with added black pepper. Also...If I am overly stuffy..I will rub "IcyHot"into my forehead...with a little rubbed onto the nose itself.

A cool-mist humidifyer helps too. Hope this helps.

[Genevieve]

For the congested chest, etc, I take hot water, with lemon and honey, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and usually a shot of brandy. They all have specific uses: the brandy acts as a muscle relaxant, the lemon helps cut through the crud, the honey helps reduce the discomfort as well as making it easier to get the lemon down , and the nutmeg eases some of the congestion. Not to mention it tastes good, is soothing, won't upset most medications, and is just generally a feel good kind of thing for me.

With the brandy in it, when I'm still actively sick, it usually puts me to sleep. It might be worth a try.

Hope you feel better soon!

[SleepsWithButterFlies]

I think due to all the meds you metioned drinking would not be a wise idea brandy will react with many meds

[JustBen]

I like Genevieve's recipe--we call them "hot toddies" in my house--but if you can't drink alcohol, you could put the lemon and honey in hot tea instead. The only other thing I've used at night is the humidifier like Sleeps suggested. (Just make sure you clean it thoroughly or it will just pump mold into your system.)