This is what I call being down with the flu!
It didn’t happen to me for years, and I almost forgot what it was like. Aching body, hedaches, burning eyes, high fever, running nose and sore throat. Something I had completely forgotten about, and that I hope to forget once more. Hopefully, I asked for help on twitter and facebook, and received some kind of interesting responses.
. One told me to eat some camembert (non-pasteurized mind you). Things I do everyday already, and if it does improve my immun defense system, it doesn’t help me with my fat. Ah! (On the same basis, I drink a lot of non pasteurize milk, something that can seem awfully crazy over the ocean, but that we have done here for centuries. It’s really better to taste, and have better nutriments for your body). My point of view: what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
. Somebody else told me about the famous Grog recipe. Hot milk, honey and calva (apple alcool). Didn’t have any calva, so I stuck with the milk and honey for a while. Very soothing for the sore throat.
. On twitter, @eliotsykes sent me a link with a lot of old-school recipes. I tried the wiskhy+honey+lemon black pepper one. Except I didn’t have any lemon, nor whisky. So I tried a mix with coitreau, fresh orange juice, honey and black pepper. And it did very well ! (This one almost killed me though, quite harsh.)
. He also recommended me salt gargles. Which proves to be very effective! I already use sea salt soaks for taking care of my piercings, and it seems that salt can heal almost everything. That pretty disgusting to taste, but far better than any chemicals.
. My pacman made me a great load of soup: potatoes, leek, onions, garlic, thyme and clove. Most of them know for their disinfectant properties. Results? Quite good! Felt better after a bowl. Next time, let’s try chicken soup.
. When I was a child, my mother made me inhale steam with a pinch of tiger balm in it. I still do this from time to time, as it’s very effective. I also use it in massages in the chest area, but it a bit smelly for everyday wear.
. Slepping with your head a bit raised. Uncomfortable, but really helps you to breathe. I had to sleep this way all the time when I was an asthmatic little girl.
. Taking your meds. Ok, I really wanted to be on my feet for this week-end, so I took my real meds religiously too. It was not really effective, except for the fever drop-down.
. Getting some rest. I slept for maybe 20h the first 3 days. Listen to your body, it says what you need.
. I heard about horseraddish for the cough, but haven’t got some at the moment. Should try that next time.
A flu is supposed to take 5 days to heal, if taken care properly. I’m supposed to be on day 4, but I feel really better, except for the body aching and the cough. I’m going to continue taking both meds and granny’s recipes, and tell you if I die in horrible pain until tommorow. Until then, going back to sleep for a while!
See ya and have a nice week-end, you lucky healthy readers.
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Zélia
