What's safe for colds?

[scrappin-mama]

Non-medicine preferred. I've been taking echinacea and upping my vit. c. I take a D3 supplement daily as well as my prenatal. I've also been getting adjustments. I've had this drainage/coughing/headache/light fever thing going on for almost a week and I can't seem to shake it.

Is there anything I can take to break up the mucous and help with the coughing?

Thanks!

[mojobot2000]

I have my MW's okay to take Zicam, a zinc-based homeopathic remedy widely available OTC at drugstores--and I swear by it. It works best when taken exactly as directed on the package, at the first sign of illness, but I think it can still help if you start after you're already sick. I've been using it for years, and it truly is a miracle. If you start as soon as you feel that slight scratchy throat, you can avoid a cold altogether, or at the worst get off with 3 days of mild illness as opposed to a week of misery! I took it a few times while preggers with my first, with no apparent ill effects, and am actually taking it right now (at 37 weeks) because my LO brought home a gloopy nose from the Y and I felt that scratchiness when I woke up this morning. I do not want to give birth with a cold!

Some minor side effects--shouldn't be taken on an empty stomach, as it can cause some upset, and that might be a problem in the first tri. Also leaves a really bad taste in your mouth and makes food taste icky while you're on it--a small price to pay, IMO.

[~Demeter~]

I would get a neti pot and use that to help with the sinus congestion and as for breaking up mucous it's a proven fact that honey is better than any cold medicine on the market. That and lots of rest. I'm 35 weeks pregnant, and I'm just getting over a cold. I was miserable for about 2 days where I did little but sit on the couch... While I still have a few lingering effects ( a little cough, nothing major and occasionally snuffly nose) I definitely feel human and I didn't need to resort to anything OTC.

[sonshine_rae]

Sage helps to dry up mucus (and breastmilk.. so don't do it while nursing), and sinus rinses or neti pots.. help to clease your sinus's. My doctor recommends sinus rinses (salt and baking soda) for sinus infections even!

[scrappin-mama]

Thank you! I do have a neti pot but I've been avoiding it b/c it's not my favorite way to pass the time. I guess I'll have to get it out tonight.

[mom61508]

Haven't tried this but looks promising!

http://www.healthhomehappy.com/2010/...kids-love.html

[gemasita]

Cupping has helped me avoid a cold when I feel it coming on. My acupucturist does it. It's like a miracle. Hyland's also has a homeopathic remedy called "Cold Calm" which I used a lot last year.

[mamaki]

I make a hot drink from apple cider vinegar (1 tsp) and 2 tsp of Manuka Honey (from New Zealand) which has anti-bacterial and healing properties. It tastes good too