I think I am turning into a nag. My most common phrase in the house lately has been, “Could you wear your sweater, and some socks please?” And I say it about 99 times in a day.
The Nairobi weather has been chilly lately, and with the cold comes the accompanying sniffles and a runny nose, especially with the children. The girls would rather walk around in tees and shorts. And once they have them on, they begin complaining of too much warmth. Well, maybe I layer them on too much, but who wouldn’t, in this chill?
They wear a long sleeved top underneath their dresses or tees, then a sweater on top, some cotton stockings, a knit beanie on their heads and depending on what outside looks like, a fleece jacket. Also waking up at night to cover them up has become a norm.
I have also had a cold for two weeks now, the longest I have ever had one, and had me googling the causes of a runny nose. The google results ranged from allergies to leaking cerebrospinal fluid. Stuff of nightmares.
I have whisked up concoctions in the kitchen to sooth throats and let allow everyone to sleep better. And now I have become a connoisseur of sorts on home cold recipes. Some work, others don’t. And I know to take the tots to hospital if it becomes more than a simple cough.
Steamy moments
Every evening will find me boiling a huge bowl of water. Then, will fetch some rosemary herbs from a wild bush in the compound (you can buy dried herbs too from the supermarket), wash and dip them in. Then, will get a big towel, enough to cover three heads — mine and the children, and we will hover over the bowl with our heads covered for about 10 minutes. Makes for a good story telling time. This treatment helps decongest for the chest allowing for easier breathing and better sleep. It works by loosening the secretions that cause a stuffy nose and chest.
Tip: You can also use eucalyptus in place of rosemary or just hot plain water. A hot steamy shower works the same way too. Avoid herbal vapours if pregnant.
Warm fluids
I have always known that staying hydrated when suffering from a runny nose or sore throat helps ease the discomfort. So now I am the water police, knocking off cold cups of water from little fingers. As hard as it is to keep downing fluids when cold, warming them up will help some. And you will feel better too.
Covering up well has never killed anyone, and a little sweat is good. Makes me wonder though, how do infants in ice-covered Greenland survive?
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