Sick days cheatsheet

I am not sure what is happening to me, but since about a year, I get sick much more severely than before. A common cold can lead to exhaustion, strong headaches and nausea.

As it is happening more and more often, here is a list of the things I personally do to help me feel better (in no particular order).

For the immune system

• Sleep, sleep, sleep
• Take some Vitamin C (e.g. oranges and broccoli)
• Drink herbal teas with honey and ginger
• Eat some rice porridge with tumeric¹
• To test: defrost and drink an immunity shot

For a sore throat

• Gargle salt water a few times a day
• Eat a teaspoon of honey
• Drink a few drops of propolis

For a congested nose

• Take a hot shower
• Drink a lot of water throughout the day
• Do a steam bath²
• Rinse nostrils with a neti pot a few times a day³

For nausea

• Controlled breathing⁴
• Eat bland foods, avoid spicy or fatty foods
• To test: wrist acupressure to point Neiguan (P-6)
• To test: candied ginger or fennel tea

To prevent sinusitis

I have a sensitive nose that easily transforms an inoffensive cold into full-fledged sinusitis. Here are ways to prevent it:

• Rinse nostrils with a neti pot a few times a day³
• Drink lots of water to keep the mucus thin
• Take a hot shower and do a steam bath²
• Avoid dry environments
• Sleep with your head elevated
• Blow your nose gently, one nostril at a time. Forceful blowing can irritate the nasal passages and propel bacteria-laden mucus back up into your sinuses. ⊙