Fight that Cold--and Win

With the cold and flu season in full swing, I thought it would be a good time to review some of my favorite remedies:

Vick's Vaporub-This gel-type ointment comes in a variety of sizes of bottles. Instead of taking a pill, you rub it on your neck and chest. I've also been known to put a dab right under my nose. It works best for sore throats, and also helps with congestion. You may want to test it in a small area if you have sensitive skin. If you can't find Vick's, the store brands seem to work almost as well.

Cold-Ease-These lozenges are similar to cough drops. The difference is that you take them before the full brunt of your illness sets in, at the first sign of a hack or a scratch. They are used to keep your cold from getting worse. Another good remedy for prevention is orange juice or vitamin C supplements.

A humidifier-Plug one in in your bedroom or office to prevent a scratchy throat due to the dry winter air. Just fill it with water, turn it on, and you get a nice outflow of steam. Bed, Bath and Beyond and some other home supply stores have cute ones in the shape of penguins and pigs, for about 20 bucks apiece.

Robitussin-This liquid medicine seems to work better than the rest for when the cold or flu hits you hard and you're stuck being a puffed up sniveling mess. Take one dose and you'll be feeling better in no time, at least until it wears off in a few hours. It can also help you fall asleep and it doesn't taste too bad.

Sleep-That brings up the next cure-all: sleep. If you're sick as a dog, do not go to work. Stay home, rest, and get some extra zzs. You're body needs time to heal itself. If your boss tries to give you crap, tell him sick workers are a drain on productivity and you don't want to be the cause of him losing money.

Osci-what?-There's an herbal flu remedy called Oscillicoccinum. It's available in a lot of grocery stores, either in the pharmacy or at the checkout aisle. It is a plastic container filled with little white pellets. You take a few at a time. Sure, it's weird and it has a funny name, but it has always worked for me.

Green tea-The healing effects of green tea are plastered all over the net. No wonder it can help you with your cold. Add some honey to soothe a sore throat, or try mint tea for the added benefit of fresh breath.

Chocolate-If all else fails, try dark chocolate. Those antioxidants will do you good. Besides, is there truly anything chocolate CAN'T do??