It's the little things

Ugh....visited by the flu.....started with a sore throat Sunday evening. Fever, headaches, chills, nose running like a faucet and a sore throat from hell because of the post nasal drip.

Two things stand out as being sent straight from the heavens.
1. Neti pot
2. chicken bullion broth

For the neti pot, if you've never tried one, it provides so much relief. Don't waste your money on buying the (very expensive) powder packets.
Obviously you'll need a neti pot. I've got a little blue plastic one I got from W-mart years ago.
Heat two cups of water in the microwave to just above your body temp. Mine takes 1 minute. Distilled water is preferred due to micro organisms in tap water.
1 Tbl spoon baking powder
1 Tbl spoon sea salt
Mix into the water and pour 1 cup of that solution into the neti. Place the tip into one nostril, tilt your head slightly to the side, breath out of your mouth and the water will wash your sinuses out. Once empty, refill with the remaining solution and do the other side. Once done, wait a few seconds and let the few drops of warm saline wash to gently drip out of your nose. Then GENTLY blow your nose a few times. Not many things that will provide better relief. It is recommended that you blow your nose gently as too vigorous of blowing can inflame the membranes of the nose.


When you want a hot drink and you've had all the tea you can handle. One cup boiling water and 1 chicken bullion cube. Tastes like the chicken broth you used to be able to get from the coffee vending machines and the saltiness feels great on a sore throat.