My way to beat colds

Friday I came down with an icky sore throat. I knew what was coming and I did my usual cold fighting tactics and now 24 hours later, I am OK...a bit weak but OK.

I don't like colds and with a husband always working and no family in sight, I cannot afford to be sick for very long ever. I don't do OTC medicines. I actually think stuff like Nyquil and Sudafed prolong a cold. Ask my husband--he used to stick with OTCs and still be coughing and miserable days after I was 100%.

No, my biggest cold fighter is hydrogen peroxide. Seriously. At the first sign of a cold, I dip the ends of a q-tip in the peroxide and put a drop in each ear. There's some bubbling. From what I have been told, the bubbling is actually killing the nasty cold germs. I tried the drops in my ears when I felt fine and heard nothing so I am inclined to believe this.

Then I get into a very hot tub with a big glass of water. I relax and drink every drop of water.

When I get out, I put on my warmest socks, PJs and tuck into bed with a glass of water (or Mother's Milk tea if congested--the fenugreek in the tea loosens things!) until the next day. I will admit these are the times I let the kids watch TV all day even if it beautiful outside. Yesterday, they watched "A Christmas Carol" with George C. Scott, "Holiday Inn" with Bing Crosby and "Wall-E" with um, Wall-E during a beautiful day, and I did not care. (edited to add the husband did come home before the first movie was over to work from home and I was able to hear them--no deep sleep until hubby was home!) I did not worry about their poor minds rotting away. I relaxed. I stayed in bed (I also gave the oldest some cash for dealing with diapers and snacks.) I slept and I slept--only to wake up for an occasional water.

The next morning I woke up and felt better.

And that is what I do to fight a cold. This works about 90% of the time. Sometimes I eat raw garlic but this really messes with my stomach so I don't do this as often. But I know there are other methods. I know some of you have a great tip to keep us all healthy and happy in 2009. Willing to share?