Jan
for a cold i would assume so because its a respitory illness,
what about a stomach flu? i would asume no because its from the lungs and must be ingested.
Answer:
Germ phobia can really be a drag can't it.
Answer:
NAUSEA:
*Sip room temp ginger ale. Nibble some ginger snaps. If you can get powdered ginger into your guts, that's the most effective natural remedy. I sometimes put it in capsules & swallow it, or I mix some in with applesauce. It doesn't taste great, but it works. You know you've had enough when you burp & taste ginger.
*Room temp, FLAT cola. Or coke syrup. Emetrol is the same type of stuff if they don't have coke syrup at the store. I’ve even gone to the McDonald's drive-thru in a pinch & asked for coke syrup. They gave me some!
*When I'm desperate & I’ve nothing else at home & do NOT feel up to running out to the store, I take a Dramamine (meclazine). It will help you sleep a few hours & take away your dizziness & nausea for a while.
*Clear liquids for now. Tea & juice at room temp, not cold. Cold will further shock & upset your stomach. Drink only 1 or 2 ounces at a time.
*FOOD: only if you can: eat light carbohydrates in small amounts- toast or crackers. As your tummy de-nauseates, graduate to light protein, like chicken breast or fish. Fatty foods are the last thing to add to your diet.
*ACUPRESSURE POINTS: Apply pressure to the webbing between your thumb & index finger on either hand. Use firm, deep pressure & a rapid massaging movement for several minutes. I don't mean caress it. Using the same kind of motion & pressure, rub with your thumb or thumbnail on the top of your foot between the tendons of the second & third toes.
*The last option is to go ahead & grant yourself to vomit. This does not mean MAKE yourself vomit. That’s not recommended.
SINUSES, NOSE, THROAT, AND LUNGS:
Boil some salty water in a pot on the stove. Turn off the burner. Blow your nose & cough out some phlegm. Make a steam hood by draping a small-to-medium-sized towel over your head & the pot. Breathe the salty steam in your nose, out your mouth several times. Breathe some in your mouth & out your nose a few times as well. Blow your nose often. Keep this up until the steam stops. You can do this trick a few times throughout the day until you feel superior. Salt is great.
OVER THE COUNTER MEDS TO TRY:
**Sinus decongestant: Phenylephrine 5mg. You don't necessarily need all the extras it's often blended with.
**Expectorant: Guaifenisen (Mucinex is the brand name, but it's way cheaper at dollar stores. Always read ingredients!!) liquefies your mucus so it's much easier to expel. But you have to drink TONS of water or it won't work, & you must be near a loo because it makes you pee a lot. (yet causes constipation… another reason to stay hydrated!)
**Pain, inflammation, body aches, headache, fever: Ibuprofen (Advil) should be alternated with Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
IMPORTANT! IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT:
-Stay home. (even one day can make a difference. plus, you'll keep your germs to yourself.)
-Sleep!!
-Drink plenty of water. (8 8oz servings a day=bare minimum!! pee out those germs & flush 'em away!!)
-Take vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea.
-Eat garlic. (sorry, but it really is great for your health! and it will give you a good reason to stay home. hehe)
-Wash hands well & often. Moisturize skin to keep from cracking your hands to bits.
-Avoid milk & chocolate, which thicken your mucus and make your fight that much harder.
-Moderate exercise helps too!
NOTE: the meds and garlic are harsh, so don't take them on an empty or upset stomach.
COUGHING FITS:
>DAY: Mucinex and water. (generic is fine, and cheap!) Cough it out while you're awake.
>NIGHT: Delsym (cough suppressant, DEXTROMETHORPHAN). Get some restful, coughless sleep.
HOMEMADE EXPECTORANTS: Mix very hot water, cayenne pepper, white vinegar, and honey. >GARGLE & SPIT OUT!!!!!!!<
Or drink hot water with lemon and honey.
NOTE: I’m not a physician or nurse. Consult a medical professional to tailor any of the above suggestions to your particular circumstances, especially taking into consideration your weight, age, health, whether you're pregnant or nursing. FEEL BETTER SOON!!