aw ! poor pshrynk ! here are all the cold remedies i know :
- drink plenty of hot fluids. the heat is key, everything else is just bonus. even plain hot water will help.
- obviously soup or hot infusions are better. thyme infusion is good for lungs, if it's a bronchial cold. lemon and honey is good for sore throat. ginger is good for everything (boosts immune system) and can be added to any other infusion. fresh is best, if you can get it.
- did i mention ginger ? put it in everything.
- garlic is a natural antibiotic and i believe also boosts the immune system. have some garlic toast (made with fresh garlic, obviously).
once when i was sick a friend made me his "top secret" remedy. ideally you should (edit
NOT see it prepared, but promise it's not nearly as disgusting as it sounds :
- red wine
- honey
- thyme
- fresh garlic
- ginger
- black pepper, or chile pepper, or chile sauce (worcestershire for instance)
- cloves
- cinnamon
- a bit of lemon juice
- you can add more ingredients depending on what spices you have around the kitchen ; pretty much any spice will be good for *something* (according to him).
put everything together in a saucepan and heat it on a low heat for a few minutes. this will help the spices to infuse and make some of the alcohol evaporate.
drink it while it's hot.
get lots of rest.
keep warm : wear a hat (and socks).
an aspirine or ibuprofen will help with the aches and pains and fever.
for god's sake, don't smoke while you're sick.
i hope you feel better soon ! it's miserable being sick.