I am clouded in mucous thanks to a URI -and- sinus infection. A fever almost reached 101. It all started Christmas afternoon. Usually I get Bronchitis for Christmas, so this was a nice change. 😛 Purgatory has been prayed for a lot!
I left urgent care with antibiotics, a steroid, and Flonase. I am only using the antibiotics and natural remedies. What remedies are these?
Well, I Googled some at a 3am nursing/blowing my nose into oblivion session. I had already been drinking tea with fenugreek. Not only does it boost lactation, but it helps keep mucous away. Saline solution, it helps flush all that crud out. I want to drown my nose in it and I -hate- using the stuff. I just highly dislike being a mouth breather. Lemon tea with honey will not only keep me from sounding like Demi Moore, but the lemon cuts into the mucous to make it easier to hack up and the honey will soothe my throat. Yes, I am using local, raw honey!
As for the new stuff: eucalyptus oil. I have some on hand for wipe solution and for rash cream, all cloth diaper safe. If you have ever used Vicks, then you know how powerful eucalyptus is. Well, I went to sprinkle some in the bottom of the shower before I got in. I forgot the 4oz bottles do not have a dropper. Yep, I showered with 1oz of the oil in the shower. Perks, I could breathe and kids and hubby left me alone because they were gagging. For a mom of three and someone who rarely gets bathroom privacy, it was golden! Best shower ever!
I am now cutting dairy out, and not because of mild lactose intolerance (which I do have). Dairy has a protein that ups mucous production. I want the snot to dry up and my poor nose to heal up. My daily cup of yogurt is eliminated and I took a probiotic to counter the antibiotic removing my “good” gut bacteria.
Water is consumed well by me, but a glass of water every hour is supposed to help. Yesterday I consumed 3 liters of water plus two huge mugs of tea. I have had one mug of tea and four glasses of water do far. 😛 I am not aiming to drink at night aside from at nursing sessions. This would also be why nights stink.
I am also plotting on how to get raw garlic into my meals. Dinner tonight will be breakfast for dinner. Perhaps I can grate some on my hashbrowns (done in my waffle maker so they won’t be fried…fried stuff also boosts mucous production). My eggs will drown in salsa and Tabasco sauce. Spice helps thin out the thick, nasty mucous (are you tired of that word yet? I am).
Currently, I do feel better. I am probably at about 80%.
May none of you get sick this season!
God bless!
Read Full Post »