So as luck would have it, I came down with a cold on Tuesday night.

And with the Sunfeast around the corner, you can imagine how frustrating that is for me. Anyway, I thought I would ask for some home-made recipes to cure a common cold and I got some very interesting responses when I posted a request on Facebook which I thought of sharing with the wide world out there.

I mean, with all this valuable advice on my fingertips, how could I keep it all to myself, right? Another runner friend suggested I post these together so we can have a manual, a ready reckoner. Any time you think the sniffles are coming along, please do feel free to use these tips.

(And of course, the standard disclaimer that if none of these work – then it’s not MY fault – applies 🙂

Pavitra: “Try brandy with hot water, lemon, honey and a pinch of pepper. It also tastes like heaven!”
I usually have this concoction in the morning, but without the pepper.

Arundati says: “Make a decoction of 2 cups water, 1 tsp crushed pepper, 3-4 laung, 3-4 cinnamon sticks, 1 inch piece ginger, dry is better but fresh will also do. Boil till it reduces to 1 cup, mix with a little honey and sip warm 3-4 times a day… if you cant drink it plain, add a few tablespoons of honey…”
This is what I am going to try through the day tomorrow!

“Alternatively a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a spoon of sugar at night time is also good.”

Vidya suggests mulligatawny soup.
Sis made some yummy potato and leek soup the other day. I am not sure she’s making another soup anytime soon!

From Monica: “Try this Ayurvedic thing called Samahan that you get in medical stores – with hot water – 1 packet every 4 hours till saturday – if it doesn’t go down till Saturday evening, start using paracetamol to supress the cold, so you can run a bit more comfortably.”

Syed has a novel idea. “You could run with the cold for a cause like “raise awareness about local and homemade recipes for cure of cold!”
I might have to consider this, if I don’t recover in time!

Hasina says that after “many honey ginger hot teas she just began sucking on ‘limcee’ from the pharmacy. With Vit C supplement tabs.”
I have no idea what limcee is! Anyone?

Indrani suggests the Assamese remedy: “Rub hot mustard oil with garlic on your back and chest. Quick relief.”
Definitely trying that today. How could I forget our very own remedy?

Lalitha says rum works.
I like!

And Donna has the funniest remedy of them all: “Rub vicks to the soles of your feet – wear socks and sleep. swear it works! Well by the time you would have tried all the above 15 remedies, you would be cured of all ailments!”
I am tucking into bed with Vicks tonight 🙂

And of course, if you have any sure-fire recovery recipes to share, please do add them to the comments!