Below are a few tips on self-help for colds. If a  cold doesn’t get better within a day or two, it’s time to see your acupuncturist or physician.  Watch out, too, if you have high fever and chills, then it’s time to see your practitioner.

FOR COLDS — TAKE A BATH . . .

Chilled to the bone? Nonstop runny nose? Here is a great “healing bath” you can take to help!

1 fresh gingerroot

5 drops of eucalyptus, White Flower or Possum-on Oil

1 body brush (available at Henry’s or Bodywork Emporium) or loofa

Grate the ginger and steep a tablespoon of it in a mug of boiling water (to drink while you’re in the tub). Put the rest of the ginger in a hot tub and add the essential oil.

Next, dry brush your body with quick back-and-forth strokes. Work from your shoulders down (this stimulates your lymph and gets your circulation or “qi” moving).

Relax in the water and drink your tea. You may sweat a little, this will help fight off your virus.

Enjoy!

Other options for the first 24 hours of a cold:

• Drink miso soup with ginger and scallions or onions.
• Drink peppermint tea mixed with ginger tea
• Airborne (copied a Chinese formula called “yin qiao”; other herbs are for prevention and should not be mixed with yin qiao); yin qiao is what is working for people, plus some vitamins are added which are helpful.

Hope these are helpful!

KAREN SULGER, L.Ac.