Getting Sick: Home remedies anyone?

[ChristianKitsune]

So I thought I'd make this thread, because suddenly I seem to have fallen victim to a freak Cold/flu thing that is going around my college town.

What are some home remedies that you guys use to make yourself feel better?

Sometimes I just sleep the whole thing away, (If I don't have any classes or homework, and this is dependent on if I CAN sleep.)

Other times, I chugairborne or emergan-C mixed with water, or eat ice chips if I have an upset stomach.

My dad has told me that drinking powerdered jello mixed with water (not allowing it to become actual jello) is also great for upset stomachs. I guess it's a lot like peptobismal?

Lol, I hope this thread is helpful, and it would be interesting to read what different little remedies you guys use.

[Okami]

I too have been under this cold thing on-campus. This past Saturday I spent the day hopped up on Dayquil surrounded by tissues (and awesome friends who gave me more tissues <3) but slept through most of the day where I could weasel it in. So my remedy is sleeping unless I am drugged enough to the point of functioning without sniffling/sneezing/coughing/etc. every three seconds. Otherwise I'm dragging a miserable self to class unless I have a fever or am throwing up.

[Xeno]

I print out and a eat pictures of Chuck Norris. Usually scares the germs right out of my system.

However, IF that doesn't work, I'll take some Airborne right when I'm starting to feel the effects kick in and get some sleep. If that doesn't knock it out of my system then a day or two of Dayquil in the day and Nyquil in the night will normally take care of it.

[Atria35]

You're wasting your money on Airborn- it's been proven that it's just a multivitamin, and that the person who made it was just making a quick buck. It's cheaper if you go for the actual multivitamins.

Ginger ale or ginger pills are good for upset stomachs- ginger is a natural remedy for nausea and/or seasickness. I keep some around for when I feel ill.

Water and orange juice to keep hydrated and for the Vitamin C.

Hot tea and honey for sore throats (and if I'm at risk for bacteria in the throat due to a runny nose, whiskey- it kills the bacteria better than mouthwash, plus it's safe to swallow).

But sleep is always number 1 for me. I have been known to fall asleep for 12 hours and wake up well at the end of it.

[rocklobster]

I've heard chicken soup can do the job. There's even research to back it up!

[blkmage]

Copious amounts of congee and Tylenol.

[mechana2015]

But sleep is always number 1 for me. I have been known to fall asleep for 12 hours and wake up well at the end of it.

This. Sleep is paramount to getting healthy.

[Cognitive Gear]

Sleep, eating food (very important to eat whatever you can!), and depending on what's wrong, sinus rinses. The first time I tried a sinus rinse, I was doubtful and a bit weirded out by the concept, but I had a sinus infection and no health insurance. After doing it once, the infection was cleared and I felt better within the day. Ever since, I have made it a habit whenever I get a cold. For whatever reason, it knocks the cold out fast.

[ShiroiHikari]

I've heard zinc is supposed to shorten the severity/duration of colds. Might be worth a shot. Nasal saline rinses are good too. Also, peppermint tea is good for an upset stomach (not to mention delicious).

[A_Yellow_Dress]

Kay, this may sound stupid but it works!

For stuffy nose and/or cough caused by that stuffy nose:
When going to bed, rub Vicks Vaporub on feet and wear socks.

[TheMewster]

Really? Vicks on your FEET? Anyway I may need some of these dice I've already came down with a cold recently and may be coming down with one for te second time this month.

[Shao Feng-Li]

My favorite cold fighter so far has been hydrocodone. I don't spend the entire not coughing.

[SolidÃ…rmor]

The only thing that seems to really work is honey and lemons, oranges, limes...basically any citrus fruit. Vitamin C from the fruit and honey is anti-bacterial.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

How on earth does a sinus rinse work? It sounds suffocating.

When I have a major cold, I drink lots of water, have some foods with Vitamin C (or the tablets), lots of sleep/rest and eat healthily. But you should really be doing that anyway.

[Asuka Neko]

I remember once when one of my friends lost her voice right before the night of the school play in which she had a major role she chugged honey all day.

[Atria35]

How on earth does a sinus rinse work? It sounds suffocating.

If it is what I think it is, you basically breath in salt water through your nose. At least, that's my family's version of it. The salinity kills the bacteria while the water rinses out the snot.

I remember once when one of my friends lost her voice right before the night of the school play in which she had a major role she chugged honey all day.

....did it work?

[ShiroiHikari]

On the subject of honey, it's really good on minor burns because not only is it anti-bacterial, it's also anti-inflammatory. I've used it a few times and it really does help relieve the pain and helps it heal a little bit faster.

[Mouse2010]

Hot tea and honey for sore throats (and if I'm at risk for bacteria in the throat due to a runny nose, whiskey- it kills the bacteria better than mouthwash, plus it's safe to swallow).

You beat me to this one: one of my standard cold remedies is a classic hot toddy, with hot tea, honey, and just a splash of brandy. I can't say that the brandy really does anything medicinally, but it makes the whole thing taste even better.

[Atria35]

^ I completely admit to never having had a hot toddy. They sound amazing though. Would you mind PMing the recipe you use? I've seen them with slight variations, and I'm scared to make one because the liquor is so expensive.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

Atria, ah, thanks, mate. I'm familiar with salt rinses then.

[Asuka Neko]

....did it work?

Yup, it worked just fine!

[ShiroiHikari]

I've heard several people say that whiskey/brandy is good for a sore throat. I don't really like the taste of alcohol but maybe I should pick up a bottle of whiskey for the upcoming cold season. I hate having a sore throat and I've yet to find anything that actually helps (Chloraseptic is gross and doesn't work very well for me).