Coughs, colds and congestion

Lani Minella

Frankly I found Zicam makes me react badly but it's different with everyone. If you are stuffed up, use an antihistimine nasal spray for the temporary fix. Since Sudafed is only available behind the counter, ask for it or Mucinex D which has a combo of pseudoephidrine and guafenisin. If you want to try to cure a cold faster than airborne, go to the heath food store and get these things: Garlic (ordorless caps), Olive Leaf Extract caps, Oil of Oregano, Pau D' Arco. If you want to throw in Una de Gato or Cat's Claw, you will pretty much have viral and bacterial killers getting down to business and you'd be surprised at how you can stave off something or shorten the lifetime of a cold. Laryngitis cures---there are not many that work. Prednisone and throat sprays will not do much and if you have a cold, steroids will lower your imimune system's ability to fight a cold. Sometimes, you can raise or lower the pitch of your voice and find a temp sweet spot where the laryngitis isn't so obvious, but even gargling salt water won't do much. Bee propolis and herb spray may help with slippery elm, Licorice and other extracts, but careful if you have allergies to bee products.
Best of health to all in 2007.
Lani

Steve Allen · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006, 18:28 (GMT) Post subject: Neti Pot

[quote="Maureen (moe) Egan"]This suggestion won't help with current illnesses...but it WILL prevent future problems. When I was the radio, EVERY winter I would get a nasty cold, flu, or case of strep throat, which would lead to laryngitis. Once I started doing voice work full time, I did a lot of research into how to keep my throat & voice healthy....so I wouldn't miss any work ( funny how much more important that becomes when one is self employed).

Anyway, three years ago, I started using a Neti Pot...basically a way to cleanse out your nasal passages with a saline salution. Most people I suggest it to are totally disgusted and don't ever try it. Shocked

But I can tell you that along with keeping myself properly hydrated, using a humidifier in my bedroom and using my Neti pot, I have not missed one day of work in three years.

Just Google "Neti Pot" and you'll find a bunch of options. Hope this helps!

WOW! You are one of the most wise advisors I've read so far. I'm not into New Age garbage or Yoga, but this seemingly "strange" method of treating the "funkie cold" is by far the best and most natural way you'll ever find of treating the problem straight at the root of the source.
Of course if you've never set foot in a Health Food Store, you'll be on new ground, but hey, we all need to "think outside the box" once in a while right? A neti-pot has NOTHING to do with marijauna. (In case you were thinking that.) It looks like a tea pot. (Alright, I'll say it again... A neti-pot has NOTHING to do with marijauna.)
Most health food stores sell "Neti-Pots" and the other things I'm going to tell you about. Here are the ingredients you will need for the most effective results: sea salt (NOT iodized), "oregon grape" tincture and warm water. That's it! The neti-pot is simply a way to pour this into one nostril (turning your head sideways over the sink) and allowing it to drain out the other one. It seems strange when you first do it, but wasn't being on air the first time strange too? It doesn't hurt and you won't drown!
I got my kids doing it now and my daughter (28 yrs old) is the prissiest girl in town. Guess what???? NO MORE SINUS INFECTIONS! Not only will it help you without drugs, but it will keep you from ever getting another sinus infection as long as you live! Always do this first! If you still have sinus pain, take two aspirin and two sudafed and you'll be ready to talk for hours. If you have a common cold, add rest, lots of Vit C and plenty of water, tea or juices until you're all better and call me in the morning...

OK, I'm not a doctor, but I play one and believe me, this DOES work great!

Oh Lord, I wish I owned stock in the Neti-Pot company!
Good health!

David Ford · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006, 18:29 (GMT) Post subject: voice problems?

As both a voice-actor and a professional singer (bass soloist type), I've utilized one product for years with awesome success. There is an uncomplicated product out there that doesn't cure anything BUT it will allow continued use of the voice under even extreme circumstances.

ENTERTAINER'S SECRET is the product. Here in Nashville, it is available at most pharmacies...sometimes you have to ask the pharmacist simply because some places don't keep a huge supply of it.

The spray is designed to be sprayed directly on the chords. However, it is also extremely effective when used up the old schnozola...and, with a bit of a "burning" sensation which is easily withstood, it will do wonders for cleaning things out when you almost pour it into the sinuses.

The is nothing addictive about the product...with the exception of one learing to depend on it because it really WORKS.

Happy voice work!!!

Lynne Alston · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006, 23:45 (GMT) Post subject: home remedies

Some good suggestions, I try to stick with the natural approach, I just hate those side effects that come from synthetic drugs..

For nasal issues; you need a baby suction syringe (has a ball on the end)
1/8 teaspoon of sea salt, 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 cup warm water.
suction up the solution, spray up each nostril, and spit , if you do this you will understand the need to spit (gross i know) the baking soda helps relieve inflammation and the sea salt cleanses.

Aches, pains and fever: Run a hot bath, add 1/2 cup each of epsom salt, sea salt ,baking powder, soak in the tub for 10 -15 minutes, shower in warm water. Drink lots of water, this mix will make you sweat a lot, it is used as a detox treatment.

Sore throat. Yes the traditional hot water, honey lemon mix, with a shot of Jack Daniels. the alcohol will kill the bacteria and numb the pain.
Of couse, shocking as it is now, jack daniels was used a a teething remedy in England for years, now wonder we all like the pub so much!!

Rhonda Sanders · Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006, 09:28 (GMT) Post subject: Cold Cure

A great way to end a cold is apple cider vinegar. Put 1/2 cup in 1 cup qarm h20 (cuts the taste) with a bit of lemon, gargle and swallow. It is not the most pleasant, but works like a charm. Apple cider vinegar has anti-microbial qualities that kills germs lickety split and restores you to great voice and health. up your Vitamin C and massage your vocal chords and you will be amazed! Very Happy