Any frugal cold remedies.

**Rachel Barratt** · 08-23-2005, 06:34 PM

My youngest 2 daughters aged 9 years and 8 months have a stinking cold. Does anybody have any frugal cold remedies?

**KimSecret** · 08-23-2005, 07:11 PM

Oh dear! SO sorry to hear they are sick. I was going to suggest vitamins and orange juice, but since they are not adults, Im not really sure...Ive heard that homemade chicken soup is the best for the common cold. I would also suggest lots of water and a little juice (not too much...this is what Dr's have told me.)

Sorry I cant be of more help, but I do hope they get to feeling better really soon! (((BIG HUGS)))

**Nikmom** · 08-24-2005, 01:03 PM

Myself personally, I have had more luck with kids (and myself) feeling more comfortable with a cold, to increase fluids, the chicken soup thing, and vicks. I had a horrendous cold when I was pregnant, and wouldn't take anything and that helped so much. Also a humidifier, and I use the Johnson's medicated bath for the kids. Once in desperation I used it myself too. lol
Seems like a lot of the cold remedies just dry them out. But do listen to your pediatrician too. Whatever he/she suggests.

**Michele Annette** · 08-24-2005, 01:20 PM

I too used a warm mist humidifier last year when I was so sick. It was worth the cost because it really helped! I tried a cold mist humidifier first that didn't help me at all. The warm mist was the way to go for me. I hope your daughters feel better quickly!

**forestdale** · 08-24-2005, 03:39 PM

As there is no cure for a cold I think it's best to help the body's immune system to kick back in and get rid of cold symtpoms quickly. You can treat the symptoms of a cold with tylenol, if they have sore throat and a high temp. They will also need lots of fliuds - water and fruit juice. Fresh juice is best, either orange or lemon juice made into a sweet drink they will want to drink. Add honey for sweetness. A blocked nose can be helped with a few drops of eucalyptus oil spinkled on a tissue or on their pillow or pjs at night.

The only other thing, and in my opinion it's the one that really works, is sleep. It's the one thing that will boost the immune system in to action. I know what kids are like, however, so good luck with the sleep.

**melissasue** · 08-25-2005, 10:57 AM

so sorry to hear that your kids are sick. due to certain meds i take, I cannot use any cold meds. What does help is an eye mask that I found at linens and things for 10.00 (it can e reused) it is filled with rice and eucalyptus and spearment. What you do is microwave it for a minute then place it over your sinuses and breathe. It really helps! Just be careful with real little ones since the heat and strong oils inside can sometimes irritate the skin. HTH!

**melissasue** · 08-25-2005, 10:59 AM

oops just re-read the ages of your kids. This would only apply to the nine year old --not the baby-obviously!

**Englishlady** · 08-25-2005, 02:54 PM

Wearing my RN hat here Rachel

Sadly there is no such thing as a Cold Cure/Remedy Frugal or otherwise!

They can transplant organs and fly to the Moon but Medical Science hasn't quite conquered the Cold

The Common Cold is a Virus and there are about 150 different types.

Don't forget that the "Cold Remedy" industry is worth a fortune and like the "low fat food" stuff is equally useless

Keeping warm, encouraging fluids and Vicks are all helpful and soothing.

Keeping hands clean, encouraging sneezing into a Hanky (or at least in to the hands & then wash 'em!) all this helps with preventing the spread in public etc. it but as the germs are airborne, once they are in the house, chances are you are ALL going to get it!.

As kids mix with different groups of children, the different cold germs will fly about, so whilst they seem to get, one-after-the-other, it is just that there might be a few different strains about

So what do Nurses and Doctors do when they get a real stinker?

Paracetamol for the headache, grease around the nose for the inevitable tissue "burn"

.......and for when YOU get it, a Hot Toddy to wash down the paracetamol

some menthol drops on the pillow and just wait it out

..........on average it takes about 7 days for the cold to go, & when it gets to the day 5 and the head is bunged up I do tend to reach for the Sudafed

HTH?

Karen