By Penelope A. Domogo, MD
The latest wave of covid spread fast and was mercifully mild. There might also have been the seasonal cough and colds brought about by the chilly weather so many people were affected. The virus spread quickly among institutional workers and households and many opted to stay home, rest and self-isolate as they were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms. And in this situation, many have used time-tested home remedies for cough and colds which we discussed in the past like oregano and lagundi teas, gawed plaster and fluid therapy. Today I would like to share 2 more simple measures:
1) Gargle with warm salt solution– this is good for sore throat, nasal congestion, mouth sores, dental caries and gum infection and even bad breath. It clears the phlegm in the throat and helps kill bacteria and viruses. So at the first sign of colds or sore throat, just mix one-half teaspoon salt with warm water and gargle 2-3 times a day or more. How to gargle? Take in as much water as your mouth can comfortably hold, gargle for around 30 seconds and swish around your mouth before spitting it out. You can also gargle, though, daily as a preventive measure especially during the colds and flu season.
2) Hot water bag compress.
This is usually used in muscle pains and bruises but it is also very good for cough. Put a hot water bag in your chest then in your back to relieve coughing. Change the water when it gets cold. Increasing the temperature of a certain part of the body improves blood flow and relaxes and soothes damaged tissues and makes the clearing of mucus easier and faster. If you have no hot water bag, you can use bottles like the “lapad” but make sure the cover is water tight or else the patient will burn. If the bag is too hot, wrap it in cotton cloth first to have the right hotness.
There you are, two more things you can do to help your body cure itself. May we all be well!
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:11
