Who has a foolproof remedy for a nasty chest cold?

[skygazer]

I've had this thing for a week now and I just can't shake it. I've tried Thera-Flu, cough syrup, Mucinex, Nyquil, booze, herbal cough drops, prayer.... okay, I didn't try prayer. But I'm about ready to!

Anyone have any ideas for loosening up all this crap in my chest before I just stop breathing? :(

[XemaSab]

1. Coffee helps with the snotty chest

Ditto for black tea and even herbal tea.

Also breathing steam in the bathroom will clear some of it out.

I feel your pain. :pals:

[skygazer]

3. Steam's a good idea

Oooh, maybe I'll try some disgusting Vick's vaporub. I think we have some kicking around. That ought to turn on my sweetie. O8)

[sakabatou]

2. When I had one

I would take a hot cloth on my chest and drink peppermint tea.

I don't know if that would work for you.

[skygazer]

4. Another good idea

Maybe I'll incorporate them - some steam, a hot cloth for a while and the Vicks at bedtime. And I've been drinking tea though all I have is black.

[lizziegrace]

5. Mucinex

It's like Sudafed for your lungs.

[skygazer]

6. I've been using it

So far no real result. :( But thanks. :hi:

[lizziegrace]

7. I'm sorry :(

I have asthma and use it a lot to keep my lungs clear.

Lots and lots of fluids. Also, is there someone who can pound your back? Sounds strange, but it can help loosen things. And cough. A lot.

:hug:

[SPKrazy]

8. And Like You Said: Drink Lots of Fluids!

can't emphasize that enough

and vitamin C
and if your chest is congested you might need to get something for it.

[skygazer]

10. The chest congestion is the main issue

It's driving me nuts. I have to sleep propped up on pillows because I get to clogged up. :(

I'm going to try some of the suggestions I've gotten here. This is really getting annoying. :grr:

[SPKrazy]

12. The thinning of the mucous is the important thing

and being able to have productive coughs vs. dry hacking coughs which are irritants to your respiratory system

Coffee is a good bronchodilator, but not too much as it also leeches your body of vitamins.

[democracyindanger]

9. Hot toddy

I haven't been sick for a while, but this recipe sorta makes me want to be.

http://stevegilliard.blogspot.com/2007/01/weird-weather-cures.html

"I am still alive, so I guess he was right. The hot toddy recipe is one I have come back to for more colds, flus and bronchitis than you can shake a stick at. It never fails.

In an Irish Coffee mug or similar container, put:

1 tablespoon of honey

1/6 of a lemon (no more, not less)

1 clove (stuck in the rind of the lemon. Avoid the temptation to add more cloves)

1 shot of Jameson’s Irish Whiskey (Bushmill’s doesn’t work as well, I cannot figure out why)

fill to the top with boiling water.

Breathe the vapors until it is cool enough to sip. Then, sip and breathe until finished. You will feel so comforted and have the most restorative night’s sleep. I have also used it prophylacticly to avoid illness when I have been soaked with icy mud during the odd early spring rugby match. There is nothing like the combination of hot bath and Tommy’s toddy to ward off the effects of the cold ."

[skygazer]

11. Now we're talking!

My ex mother-in-law made a mean hot toddy but I was never sure what was in it. Knocked me for a loop and made me feel much better.

I'll have to trot out and get some Jameson's tomorrow. :)