Do you know how to fight a cold or flu and win?

Reprinted from 2016. Artwork created for Marilynn Dawson, NHP’s The Spike Relief Workshop circa 2022.

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Please note: I am not a medical professional and what I share is based on what works for me and my family, and shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. Please go see your doctor if you need medical assistance.

Last Wednesday night I went to bed feeling pretty good. I woke up the next morning totally miserable with that peculiar, sore throat-referred pain I get when the source of the irritation is really sinus pressure causing inflammation in my middle/inner ear. Wow, that came on fast!

But I got dressed and took my daughter to school because I wasn’t sick enough yet to stay home. By the time she got home from school, she was starting to get sick too. We both knew we were really in for it! What would it take to get us well again?

We knew we had to take a few sick days to let the virus run its course. But, we also didn’t want it taking any more time than we absolutely had to give it!

The best thing we found to fight back with this time:

Oscillococcinum: This is a homeopathic I’ve never used before, but it came in really handy! I’d take the dose and within minutes the sinus pressure would let up, the post-nasal drainage would cease, and I felt almost like a normal human being! I even managed to sleep through the night cough free! This was incredible.

I can’t remember the last time I had it so good when I caught a virus like this one! That said, Oscillococcinum isn’t a cure-all. It works by boosting your body’s ability to fight the infection. I.e., you must have some ability to fight to begin with, or it won’t work.

Other options we’ve found to fight a cold or flu:

A good probiotic is invaluable at this time of year for promoting better health and immune system function. And, if you can also find one that specifically promotes ear, nose, and throat health, I encourage you to get it and keep it on hand. We have one we’ve ordered through Kohl’s Preventive Care in Omaha. We’re down to one box… time to get more? I’d share a link, but I can’t find it online.

Colostrum can also be really helpful.

L-Lysine: Usually at this time of year, we take L-Lysine as a preventative. When the virus came on so hard and fast, I realized I’d forgotten to take it. I started taking double doses. Now that I’m doing better, I can take less.

Garlic oil capsules (tasteless, odorless): garlic is great for fighting or preventing any kind of infection, and also may help control cholesterol–unless you’re sensitized to it like I am.

Quercetin also helped some for the headaches and muscle pains that the Oscillococcinum didn’t quite cover, but– that was pretty much it except for a few Ricola throat lozenges!

We stay away from the cold meds: no decongestants or antihistamines, or cough syrups (which usually destroy my throat and make me cough much harder).

Please also be advised: Most over-the-counter cough syrups are highly acidic and full of sugar, and will quickly damage children’s teeth. Yet somehow, no one warns parents until it’s too late. There are healthy cough syrups available on the market. Look for Herbal Expec and Buried Treasure ACF.

Okay, so you’re sick! Try not to let it get you down.

Watch a movie, play a board game. Cuddle up on the couch. Eat chicken noodle soup. Whatever makes the experience more fun!