Sooo, I have been sick all weekend with a nasty cold (runny nose, severe congestion, …etc). I have been attempting anything and everything to get over it! Some of the key things I have tried that have really decreased the severity of my symptoms, made me feel more comfortable, and improved my overall wellness are as follows:

1. Hydrotherapy:

The more I learn about hydrotherapy the more I am increasingly interested and have been implementing some of these tactics into my daily routine! There are so many options out there that are very simple, inexpensive, yet extremely effective – and they truly only revolve around the use of …. you guessed it! Water. Some ideas to try when you are feeling sick are:

Contrast showers– alternating between one hot/warm water for 3 minutes and cold water for 30 seconds. Try multiple sets, ending on cold. This will increase your circulation, thereby eliminating toxins, and decreasing congestion.

Contrast footbaths– alternating between hot (103-110 degrees F ) water for three minutes and cold (40-70 degrees F) water for 30 seconds in two separate pails and/or tubs that fit both your feet up to the ankles. This also increases circulation, therefore eliminating toxins from your body, and decreasing congestion. (I also serve full-time in the summers, and it is great for edema [swollen ankles/feet/joints]!!)

Wet cloth-  Apply a classic warm and/or cold washcloth on the forehead for some comfort/relief

Drinking more water– most people are not drinking enough water! Consistently keep a water bottle at your side and force yourself to keep sipping over the day. Some people are sensitive to water temperature when drinking water, so do what makes you feel best! Room temperature, warm or cold water. You can add lemons (detoxifying), ginger (soothing to stomach), honey (antimicrobial properties and soothing to mouth, & throat), and/or cinnamon (antimicrobial)!

Aromatherapy– Humidifiers are always helpful in cases of congestion but why not try placing about ten drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil into the water. Peppermint will help with congestion, almost to the same effect as putting vapour rub on your chest, and lavender essential oil is very relaxing and may help you get that extra sleep you are needing! !

Warming socks– dunk your regular everyday socks in cold water, place them on your feet and put wool socks overtop! Take a little nap, and your feet will have warmed up the socks. This increases circulation as well and …

Peat– Peat pelloid is a mineral and hummus rich mud/clay substance that can be purchased online. It is used in many spas across the world  It is used therapeutically, as part of balneotherapy which is the use of water for treatment of disease. It is detoxifying and has the wonderful natural scent of wintergreen.

Epsom Salts- this type of treatment has become more popular with society for treatment of swollen joints and limbs and is very relaxing. Just add a cup of the salt to a tub of water, maybe even along with some essential oils for the pleasures of aromatherapy. They can be bought at most drug marts or health food stores.

Sauna– the use of a dry or humid sauna is very wonderful for “sweating out a cold”. This basically just means it will help clear congestion, increase circulation, and be useful for detoxification. Do not go longer then 20 minutes! And for greater results, try alternating between sauna treatment for 5-7 minutes then jump into a cold shower for 30 seconds. Try to go back and forth a few times, ending on cold. Many gyms have saunas (a wonderful post-workout routine), and some naturopathic offices have them as well. But remember to drink lots of water after!

Steam bath– Fill a bowl with bowling water (be careful!), add a couple drops of essential oils and position your face approximately 30 cm over top of the bowl while draping a towel overtop of your head to trap the steam. This is wonderful for congestion, and wonderful for detoxification of your pores (a great facial!).

Netti pot- this is most easily accomplished with a device bought at a drug store/Walmart etc. It makes it easier to pour the water into your nostril with a spout and a squeeze or squirt bottle. Make a solution containing a 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a cup of luke warm water and tilt head back to allow water to travel through one nostril and out the other.

2. Orthomolecular (vitamins) medicine/Nutritional medicine

– Add 500mg 3 times/day of Vit C!

– Zinc, garlic, lemon, ginger, honey are also wonderful additives to water or tea.

– Emergen-C  packets are also a good source of Vitamin C and add flavour to your water!

3. Rest

Give yourself the chance to heal! This is one of the most important things that most people overlook. We get so busy with life and our daily checklists, that when we are feeling under the weather we are driven crazy by what we aren’t able to be doing instead of accepting the present situation and living within the means our bodies are able to give us for the day. Take the chance to make a day of watching Netflix, letting someone help you out, cuddle up with a pet, and take lots of naps! Nothing is more healing than sleep, and a peaceful mind. Breathe, relax, and let go of what you can’t change or accomplish that day and be in the moment. As crazy as it sounds, enjoy your sick day!

** Lastly, remember that if you are having symptoms of a cold, it is more than likely a virus and not a bacterial infection. Therefore, the use of antibiotics are virtually useless, even though most doctors will give you a prescription if you book an appointment. Unnecessary use of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance, and kill your good bacteria as well as the ones causing infection leading to impaired immune function. Therefore avoid their use unless absolutely necessary.  However, everyday colds can develop into more serious cases, for example – streptococcus infections (strep throat), so it is your duty to be vigilant with your symptoms and if you are concerned do please see a doctor! **