What can you do if you have a stuffy nose and no nose spray? Move into a bathroom and steam the room. Take a steamy shower or wash your hair. Yes, steam can help, if you breathe it.
Or chew seriously strong Altoid peppermints.
Or for a stuffed nose or pain in your sinuses, dig out Vicks Vapor Rub, Mentholatum or even a sports rub and CAREFULLY dab a little on the pained or stuffed areas. DO NOT rub it into your eyes. They should water and your nose should run. If you can lie down, do and relax. You might put a cloth over your face and breathe.
If you have problems going to sleep, try spraying lavender scent on your pillowcase or use a lavender scented lotion. Light a lavender candle, but make sure it is in a safe place where it can't catch fire.
Make your bed a place to sleep. Do not read in bed. Do not watch TV in bed. Do not eat in bed. Okay, you may have sex in bed, if you get the chance.
Take a warm bath before bed instead of a hot one.
Has the flu made your muscles ache? Dig out the horseradish and olive oil. I'm not kidding. Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in one cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. By the time you use the mixture as a massage oil, your muscles should feel better and your head should be clearer!
Got an insect sting? Grab an onion or a potato and slice it. Hold it on the sting like a compress for half an hour. Then hold ice on the sting area for half an hour. Alternate for pain relief. If the insect stays attached to it's stinger in your skin, DO NOT use tweezers or your fingers to remove it. Flick the insect off. Scrape the remaining stinger out carefully and gently with the tip of a knife or a credit card.
Want more? Wet salt dabbed on the sting area helps, as does toothpaste or wet mud. Baking soda is an old remedy to draw out the poison.
Chime in any time, ladies!
I am such a fan of this stuff, Mary! Very interesting.
I'm glad you're a fan!
Another good post with useful info, Mary.