For the most part of my teenage years and adulthood I have had to battle with cold attacks. These attacks would come at anytime of the month, yes, I had them all year round. The harmattan [you may know it as winter] was always the worst.

My nose never ran dry. I would sneeze and blow until it started peeling. I had blisters all around my nose. Most times, my handkerchiefs end up with plenty holes from the countless washing to get rid of nasal mucus

I didn’t cough much but when I did, it was painful and dry

I have experienced headaches for as long as I can recollect… so frequent it began to feel like it was normal. I still cannot tell the difference between cold-induced headaches and migraines. None of these is delightful

One particular episode with the cold remains evergreen. I had lectures and I had to the cold. Missing the lectures wasn’t an option. I went to a nearby kiosk and bought several wraps of TOM TOM sweets to get some relief from the cold.

Everything was going well until a rumbling sound began in my stomach. I thought I could hold it but I began sweating. Even the sweat was extremely discomforting. Dropping every sense of decency, I made for the bush and the rest is history. 

After taking several over-the-counter and prescribed medications, I resolved to use home and herbal remedies. Steaming with hot water, hot water bath, drinking warm water all became my daily routine.

Somebody recommended this herbal remedy to me last year and it’s been so helpful.

Note:

• Most people cannot tell the difference between cold and Influenza/Flu. So we just lump all the symptoms together as symptoms of Cold. You may find the image below helpful.
• There’s no permanent cure for Cold, Flu, Influenza or whatever it may be called. However, we can always seek out an effective remedy that gives us the best relief when we need it the most.