Coping with the Common Cold

We are heading into late Autumn, and the children are heading back to school in full swing. With so many children collected in mostly enclosed areas, such as classroom, library, media room, music room, and gym; chances are your child will be in contact with other kids that may have the common cold. It is inevitable because the common cold is highly contagious.

When I send my 8 years old son to school, I often remind him not to share drink, put his face too close to his friend's face, wash hands after going to the bathroom, and so the list goes on. However, no matter how careful one can be, the common cold can just whip you at any time.

These five suggestions are intended to help you cope with the common cold. It may give you comfort, and it may reduce the lengthy time the common cold usually took. They work very well in my family, and I always keep these stocked in the house.

Chicken Soup

The choices are yours. You can either make your own or buy ready to use. Personally, I prefer to cook my own because I do not want any chemical such as MSG (monosodium glutamates) or preservatives in my food.

Yogurt

Eat any kind of yogurt that you like to. Yogurt carries an active culture that helps eliminate the germs in your body. It also builds stronger immune system, and helps slow down the bug in your stomach.

Hot and Sour Soup

If you can handle spicy food, order a bowl of hot and sour soup. The spicy soup will help clear your congestive nose, and assist with your sweat. If you can't get to the restaurant, just add some Tobasco or Louisiana hot sauce in your chicken soup, and double up on your doses of comfort.

Lemon Tea

Make some Bigelow lemon tea; add a teaspoon of honey to ease your sore throat. Lemon improves your immune system, get rid of the toxins, and honey contains antioxidants to help you fight the cold and flu. The darker the honey, the more antioxidant it contains.

Add Garlic and Ginger

Cooking with garlic and ginger not only produce good smell, it also very healthy for you and your family. If you are hesitating about using these, first try them as powder to marinate your chicken, beef, pork, and of course, seafood. Then eventually buy them fresh to add in your cooking. Garlic is a natural antibiotic, and ginger helps with respiratory infection. With these two benefits, your common cold has no chance to linger.

The flu and cold season is also approaching. Do whatever you can to avoid contracting it. Wash your hands often. Involve in activities that help your body fit. Keep yourself clear of stress. Vacuum and dust your house regularly. Learn a few relaxation techniques to boost up your immune system. It's ideal if you can stay away from catching a cold, but if you caught it, remember to rest and take plenty of liquid. Nurse yourself back to health with these five suggestions above.