How to cure a head cold

Snot, watering eyes, an aching skull and a sore throat are no match for this head cold remedy. It is a simple, effective cure and you’ll have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already.

​Galle was a tropical paradise. The Indian Ocean shimmered through the palm trees. The walls of an ancient fortress rose above us. The fortress surrounded everything - elephants, people selling fish and me with my head cold. Even a paradise like Sri Lanka can seem hellish when you’re sick.

A local man drove us to a hut that sold papers and sweets. He bought a little packet of strong spices - a cold remedy. After swallowing it with some water, my head felt like it was on fire. But, my cold was on its way out. I’m not in Sri Lanka now but the same principles apply when curing a head cold.

Rest
Yep, cancel those meetings, ring work - you’re heading to bed. This is one of the most important remedies. We must rest. So, make whatever arrangements you need to and get thee to bed!

Heat
First, keep warm with extra blankets and clothes. Second, hot drinks (more on those below) and hot food are really important. Third, get a hot water bottle and put it against your head, especially your ears if they get sore.

Honey
Now, we’re getting into the really important stuff. Honey works like a strong antibiotic, preventing bacterial infection. It is one of the best foods we have to keep us healthy and is always being used in our kitchen. Use it on toast, porridge and in hot drinks. Eat or drink three tablespoons per day until you feel better.

Thyme
I love thyme. It is one of the herbs that I use most often. It is the strongest antimicrobial, antiseptic and antibacterial herb around. It is a superhero and essential when fighting off a cold or infection. I find the easiest and most effective way to use it is as an essential oil.

I put a drop of the oil in a half glass of water and drink it. It is quite a strong taste, so be prepared! I take one drop in water three times a day until I’m better.

Here’s another great trick: I sometimes add a drop of thyme oil to a tablespoon of honey. It is very comforting for sore throats and effective at fighting infections.

Last, and certainly not least, is this magnificent hot drink. Here are the ingredients:

• Two or three leaves of fresh sage chopped up
• Dry sage will do either. I’m sure you have some in your kitchen. A teaspoon will do
• Tablespoon of honey
• A thumb-sized piece of ginger chopped up
• Quarter of lemon, squeezed

Throw everything into a mug and add boiling water. Take this twice a day.

A head cold can be hellish whether you’re in Sri Lanka or Dublin. But, the cure for it is the same: rest, warmth and healing herbs.

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