FitSugar

Home Remedies: Cold and Flu

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

The colors of Autumn might be lovely, but a few things about the season actually bring me down. I am talking about cold and flu season. If you're unlucky enough to have come down with some bug, you might be able to soothe some of your ailments with ingredients you have in your pantry. Prevention has listed some home remedies for common cold symptoms, and here are the highlights.

Soothe that sore throat: Mix six pressed garlic cloves with hot water, and gargle with this garlic tea twice a day, for three days. The warm liquid soothes inflamed tissues, while the garlic has antimicrobial properties that fight pain-causing bacteria.

Bring down a fever: Try drinking linden flower tea. It controls your body temperature by stimulating the hypothalamus, and also dilates your blood vessels and induces sweating. Pick up the dried herb at a health food store or herb shop. Steep one tablespoon of dried linden flower in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Stash makes a linden flower tea, too. Drink this tea three to four times a day. If your fever is over 102° F, take a tepid bath to cool off the body.

To see how you can dull your hacking cough with a few sweet things, just read more.

Suppress a cough: Eating a bit of dark chocolate can help your cough. Theobromine, a compound found in chocolate, has been found to be even more effective than codeine for suppressing coughs, and it won't make you drowsy or constipated. You can also tame your cough with honey. Before bed take two teaspoons of honey and take 500 mg of Ester C 30 minutes prior to lying down to quiet your cough and give your immune system a little lift.

If you have any home remedies for cold symptoms, please share them in the comment section below.

Source

Another Reason to Eat Chocolate: It Soothes a Cough

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

You know me; I am always looking for another reason to eat more dark chocolate. From lowering blood pressure to having a load of antioxidants to just tasting so darn good, there is yet another reason to eat chocolate. Hooray!

Research has found that theobromine, an ingredient found in chocolate, has a cough-reducing effect superior to codeine, an ingredient found in many cough syrups. What's more? Chocolate, as we all know by now, soothes and moistens the throat.

As a matter of fact, I think I feel a little cough coming on right now. Looks like I'm going to be forced to eat some dark chocolate - twist my arm already, jeez. I think I will go make some hot cocoa now!

Source

Relax Already: Eucalyptus Steamer

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:25:00 -0800

For a relaxing steamer when you're starting to feel a bit under the weather, try this using:

6 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
6 cups of water

Bring the water and oil to a near boil. Using a towel, make a tent over the water and steam your head for 5 minutes. I would recommend turning the burner off and putting the pot on a trivet away from the stove starting to steam.

The eucalyptus steam will help ease symptoms of bronchitis, colds, coughing, fever, flu and sinusitis.

Fit's Tip: If the steam is too hot on your face, use a bigger towel and move further away. You can get the oil at most health stores as well as online. Buy it here for $11.95.

Just a Spoonful of Honey

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:28 -0800

It's that time of year when dry coughs begin to interfere with sleep. You lie down and start coughing, and the coughing keeps you up. Never fear, there's a natural fix for the problem: honey.

The amber liquid has been found to ease nighttime coughs. It is believed that honey helps ease coughs for a variety of reasons. Not only does it soothe sore throats because it is a humectant, helping trap moisture where it is needed, but honey is also high in antioxidants and has antimicrobial effects. Try a teaspoon before bed and see if it helps.

Source: Flickr User biskuit

Menthol (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:08:59 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Menthol (MEN-thole)

Relieves sore throat and cough due to common cold or allergies.

Brand Name(s)

Medikoff Drops, Diabetic Tussin Cough Drops, Vicks Cough Drops, Fisherman's Friend, Luden's, Robitussin Cough Drops, Halls, Thoracol, Koldets Cough Suppresant, Cough Drops, Leader Cough Drops, Olbas Pastilles Maximum Strength, N'Ice, Robitussin Honey Cough, Sunmark Cough Drops

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to menthol.

How to Use This Medicine

Lozenge

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Place the lozenge in your mouth and let it melt slowly. Do not chew or swallow it whole.
Do not give the lozenge to infants or children younger than 5 years old.

If a dose is missed:

This medicine is to be taken as needed. Follow the directions on the package.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have chronic cough, asthma, emphysema, or if you smoke.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have severe cough with excessive mucus or severe sore throat with fever, headache, swelling, nausea, vomiting, or trouble breathing.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5256

Dextromethorphan (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:48:23 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Dextromethorphan (dex-troe-meth-OR-fan)

Treats a cough caused by colds, the flu, and other conditions. This medicine is a cough suppressant.

Brand Name(s)

Delsym, Simply Cough, Creo-Terpin, Scot-Tussin Diabetes CF, Vicks 44 Cough Relief, Rite Aid Tussin Cough, Robitussin Cough Gels Long Acting, Children's Pedia Care, Robitussin Pediatric Cough Long Acting, Pediacare Long-Acting Cough, Miltuss, Good Neighbor Tussin, Robitussin Maximum Strength, Robitussin Cough Long Acting, Creomulsion Cough

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to dextromethorphan. You should not use this medicine if you are also using an MAO inhibitor (such as Parnate®, Nardil®, or Marplan®) or if you have used one of these medicines in the past 2 weeks. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Chewable Tablet, Lozenge, Liquid, Tablet, Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
The chewable tablet can be chewed or crushed or swallowed whole. Drink plenty of water after swallowing the tablet.
Slowly dissolve the lozenge in your mouth.
Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. It is not usually a concern if you miss one dose.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma or liver disease.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Mild drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, or restlessness
Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0236

Coughing 101

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 12:00:00 -0800

We all know that it’s more than polite to cover your mouth when you cough; it makes good public health sense. Oh, I can still hear my mother’s voice ringing in my ears. I can hear my own voice ringing in my daughters’ ears, for that matter.

But, you should cough into the crook of your elbow or your shoulder rather than into your hands. That way if you are contagious (and it is really hard to know if you aren't), the germs coming out of your mouth don’t make it onto your hands. Since you are less likely to touch things with your elbow or your shoulder, the germs won’t spread.

So do like your mother told you and cover your mouth when you cough -- just do it with your elbow.

Antihistamine/antitussive (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:50:18 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Treats runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and cough caused by the common cold or flu.

Brand Name(s)

Tannate 12 S, Tannic-12, Respi-TANN, Tussizone-12 RF, Coricidin Cough & Cold Maximum Strength, Tricodene, Promethazine DM, DM/Promethazine Hydrochloride, Good Sense Children's Triacting Cough & RunnyNose, Good Sense Night Time Cough, Notuss-AC, Children's Dimetapp Long Acting Cough Plus Cold, Robitussin Pediatric Cough & Cold Long Acting, Scot-Tussin DM, Robitussin Cough & Cold Long Acting

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any cough and cold medicine or to any antihistamine or antitussive. You should not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitors such as Nardil®, Marplan®, Eldepryl®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use any other medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, seizure disorder, asthma, emphysema, or an overactive thyroid.
This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). Talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Some liquid cough medicines contain alcohol.
Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse after 2 or 3 days of treatment, or if they do not improve after 7 days. Also call if you develop a severe sore throat or fever; or cough up thick yellow mucus.
Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults, especially if they take too much medicine. Always read medicine labels carefully and give your child the right amount. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure how much medicine to use.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
Trouble breathing
Extreme weakness
Skin rash, hives, or itching

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Drowsiness or dizziness
Dry mouth, nose, or throat
Sunburn (use a sunscreen)
Trouble urinating
Confusion
Thickened mucus

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0381

Acetaminophen/dextromethorphan (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:12:36 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Acetaminophen (a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen), Dextromethorphan (dex-troe-meth-OR-fan)

Treats minor pain, relieves cough, and reduces fever.

Brand Name(s)

Tylenol Cough & Sore Throat, Children's Tylenol Plus Cough & Sore Throat, Good Sense Children's Triacting Cough & Sore Throat, Good Sense Cough & Sore Throat, Quality Choice Cough & Sore Throat, Good Sense Infants' Pain Relief Plus Cough

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen or dextromethorphan. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This combination medicine contains acetaminophen (Tylenol(R)). Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using because they may also contain acetaminophen. It is not safe to use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver and drinking alcohol may increase this risk. If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take this medicine without asking your doctor.
Do not also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen or dextromethorphan, or you may be getting more than a safe amount of medicine.
Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen, including products with brand names such as Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Comtrex®, Excedrin® Migraine, Midol®, Sinutab®, Sudafed®, Theraflu®, and Vanquish®. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using to be sure they do not contain acetaminophen.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver or kidney disease. Ask your doctor before using this medicine if you smoke, or if you have breathing problems such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you develop new symptoms such as redness or swelling. If you have been using this medicine for a fever and the fever lasts longer than 3 days, stop using the medicine and call your doctor.
Call your doctor if you have a severe sore throat that lasts more than 2 days, or if you also have a fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5522

Review: Hall Naturals Cough Drops With Honey

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:00:00 -0800

I came down with a bad cold over the holidays, that targeted my throat and left me with out a voice for three days. I think my young daughters loved having a mom the could barely speak, but that is an issue to take up with my fellow sugar mamas over at lilsugar. Unfortunately, my sore throat coincided with my ski trip. When I was able to, I drank lots of tea with honey but needed cough drops to keep me going on the slopes.

Intrigued by the the "vapor action" of added menthol combined a soothing honey center found in Mountain Berry Naturals by Halls, I picked up a bag to try. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps retain moisture, and it is also considered a natural cough suppressant.

To see what I thought of these drops read more.

The berry flavor and the menthol battle for dominance when the cough drop hits your tongue. Luckily the berry flavor wins, though tinged with mild herb flavoring. These cough drops did not taste like candy, which meant my daughters stopped pestering me for them. The honey center allowed the soothing effect to linger after the lozenge completely gone. They did help my cough and soothe my throat. They were not as tasty as a Ricola cough drop, but they didn't taste overly sweet or fruity like other kinds of throat lozenges by Halls. As for the word "natural" in the name. All the ingredients looks familiar except MCT oil, which stand for oil medium-chain triglycerides. I have no idea what that is doing in a cough drop.

Here is a list of ingredients: Active ingredient -Menthol 2.5 mg, inactive ingredients - citric acid, cottonseed oil, elderberry juice, flavors, ginger, glucose syrup, glycerin, honey, lemon grass, MCT oil, sage, soy lecithin, sucrose, water, white thyme.

Even with the mysterious MCT oil, I would buy Naturals cough drops again. A bag of 20 retails for $1.99.