How to Make a Cold Last One Week or Less

I know we are all concerned at this time of year because of colds and flu. Especially this year, we have the H1N1 flu strain to worry about. But what if you just have a plain old cold? Well, here's a recipe that has worked for me and my family for several years. I don't have scientific data, but it seems to work better than store-bought, over-the-counter cold or flu medicines for us. This recipe is my interpretation of the one found in Juliette de Bairacli Levy's book, Common Herbs for Natural Health.

First, cut a lemon into six wedges and put the wedges, cut side down, in a shallow bowl. Then pour honey over the lemon wedges. (I use honey from my own beehives, but try to get local honey if you can.) Add a couple of whole cloves (I usually add 4 or 5 cloves, just because I like the taste and smell), then let the bowl sit overnight. The next day, squeeze the lemons into the honey. Get all the seeds, and the cloves, out of the honey, then mix the honey and lemon juice and pour into a jar. Anytime you think about it, take a couple of spoonfuls of the mixture (or do like I do and take a little swig). Because this mixture is just honey and lemon, you can't overdose. Seriously, this really works, and it feels pretty good if your throat is sore. One health note: don't give this to children under one year of age. I've never heard of an infant being harmed by honey, but you definitely don't want to take chances with your babies!

This recipe seems to take care of those sniffles and stuffy noses really quick. As you know, a cough can hang on forever!! This medicine also helps with the cough (I told you it feels good on your throat), but it takes a little longer.

And here's my testimonial…
Last Thursday night I had a stuffy nose when I went to bed. I got up Friday with concrete in both sides of my nose (you know the feeling!). I had just a small sip of the honey-lemon stuff left from last year, so I took it before going to work. I suffered through the day sniffing, sneezing, and honking. My co-workers love me for this! Then on Friday night I cut a new lemon and started a new batch of medicine. Saturday I mixed it up, took a good swig, and continued to do that all day. Saturday afternoon we went to a local bluegrass festival and stayed until around 9pm. I figured sitting outside so long on Saturday had undone all the benefits of the honey-lemon mixture and I would be worse on Sunday, but lo and behold, Sunday arrived and I was almost completely well. Oh sure, I had a few sniffles, and a little scratchy throat, but was able to get through church with minimal nose-blowing and I could sing along pretty well. Monday I had to give a training presentation, and any problems I had with that had nothing to do with my cold! It's now Tuesday and I'm continuing to improve. I just have to blow every now and then, but no body aches, no sneezies, and no nasal concrete! Whoopee!! Try it!

I'm Still Here!!

I know it's been a month since I posted anything, but I'm still here, honest! It's a very busy time at work, so I haven't had time for any extracurricular activities. I'll be posting something in the next week or so, I promise. Thanks for being patient and coming back to check on me.
Mimi