Sniffles and a Sore Throat

An Uncommon Cold

 

“I haven’t done it in years, and I don’t want to do it now.”  Those thoughts went through my mind as my aching head, clogged up nose and sore throat called me for some help.

Growing up with frugal parents I was taught to use natural methods when ever possible.  Yes our bathroom medicine cabinet contained some band aids, Methyolade  (I think they quit making the stuff because it contains mercury,” a bottle of Alcohol, some ST37 (a popular disinfectant in those days,) and a bottle of what Mom called “healing oil.”  It smelled something like tea tree oil, and could have been that. There may have been a bottle of aspirin too.

When it came winter time, I always was plagued with a cold and not just any simple common cold, but a snotty unbelievable congestion of a cold that traveled from the top of my head down through the nose and fired my throat and lungs.

Warm Salt Water to gargle
and to sniff !!

Mom’s remedy was as simple as you can get and I can remember her warming a glass of water and stirring a tablespoon full of table salt into the water.

"Here gargle some of the salt water first, then hold out your hand over the sink and pour some salt water into your hand and sniff it up your nose." 

A big handkerchief was ready because after that sniff, Mom commanded, “Now you may blow your nose real good.  Keep doing that until you feel better.”

This always worked and although I haven’t done it in years, I think it is something worthy of re-consideration.

If you do not have good tap water, for safety sake, boil the water first and allow it to cool, and then proceed to add the salt and continue.

Now a-days you can purchase for around ten dollars a Nedi-Pot, but honestly why spend your money on something that must be cleaned and stored away when you can do it yourself for pennies and a bit of salt water.