by Lara Gladych –
Seaside Magazine wants to live up to our slogan of being “the voice of the Saanich Peninsula,” so, in every issue, we’ll be asking people to answer a question. We’re looking for responses from all ages and across the diverse neighbourhoods that form our community.
I did a little bit of reading online as to why we so often get sick with the dreaded winter cold after the holiday season. To no one’s surprise, it’s largely related to depleted immune systems. The stress (be it good or bad) of Christmas preparations and celebrations takes a toll on our bodies, as does lack of rest when we’re over-scheduled. Over-indulgence in alcohol is more common over Christmas and New Year’s, and this, too, weakens our resistance to sickness.
Another interesting factor in the transmission of germs and catching “a bug” just in time for the lull of the new year is our greater proximity to others during the social season. We’re more likely to be indoors because of the cold temperatures outside, and in crowded spaces such as busy stores and parties where viruses are easily spread.
As we slow down in January and recoup from all the fun and celebrating, many of us are left with sniffles, coughs and the plethora of other accompanying symptoms that come with a cold or flu. As such, this month I decided to ask people what their favourite home remedies are when they find themselves plagued with the common winter cold.
Scotch is Fred’s favourite cold remedy during the chilly months. He’s 80. When I asked his wife if she has her own go-to concoction, Fred jumped in with: “She helps me drink it.” She burst out laughing, as did I. Lemon and honey is in fact Pat’s drink of choice when she’s sick. She’s 69.
Tiffanie, 37, likes ginger tea to soothe a cold while her husband Matthew, 47, relies on sleep. Their son, Alex, five, loves Paw Patrol tissues when he’s got a stuffy nose.
Vitamin D liquid keeps Marie, 68, feeling healthy.
“I sit down and have glass of hot rum. It’s what we always used to do: have a Hot Toddy,” said Ken, 71. I asked him what goes into his personal concoction: “I make mine with rum and black coffee.”
“I don’t get colds very often, but , hot lemon.” This was Valerie, 68. “I bought this bee pollen at Urban Bee, and I take it all the time. It has nothing to do with colds, but I take it for energy. It’s quite unusual but it’s really good. I also take a tablespoon of molasses daily.” I tell Valerie that I’ve recently discovered the Hot Pepper Infused Honey from Urban Bee, which I add to my own hot lemon and spice concoction.
Thora, 83, loves “whiskey, fresh lemon and lemonade.”
Bedrest was Shirley’s answer. She’s “old” (her words, not mine!). Her companion, Sharon, 67, favours “any kind of good soup,” but has no preference in terms of chicken versus tomato, or cream versus broth.
Dan, 32, had the most original answer: “That’s a tough one. A Neo-Citran-tini. It’s Neo-Citran with a splash of vodka. Are you allowed to write that? It’s pretty good.” We both chuckled. I asked Dan if he coined the name, and he told me that he used to work at his uncle’s restaurant and that it was his uncle who first gave him the cocktail one day when he came in sick. I’m not positive that this one is doctor-approved, so try at your own risk, readers.
“That one’s easy: hot water with lemon and honey. And sleeping with a sweatshirt and socks on to sweat it out – which was better when I slept alone.” Katie, 33, and her friend Teala, also 33, made this their mutual answer.
“Be honest, dear,” says Diana, 81, to her husband John, 85. John’s anti-cold drink is “black rum and Coca Cola.” Diana says she doesn’t get sick, nor does she take any regular supplements to ward off viruses.
Jim, 71, was the first to mention any kind of medicine, and his go-to is Dristan.
“When sick with a winter cold I’d say hot lemon and honey with a Tylenol crushed in it,” said Leah, 52. “I’m going with her answer,” affirmed her friend, “because I’d be calling her to ask!”
“We get our vaccinations for the flu, we take fish oil – but not the capsules, because they don’t work – and vitamin D.” This is couple Glenda, 64, and Emery, 69. Before they leave me, Emery shares a few last words: “I have one more remedy for you: Mexico.”
It’s hard to top that one, my friends.
