I thought that when you were pregnant, it meant you were an immunity powerhouse.  I guess I was wrong.  I have been sick for 9 days now with an apocalyptic head cold that will.  not.  go.  away.  What’s making matters worse?  I can’t take use any of the normal meds because I’m pregnant.  Now I understand why all my girlfriends who were pregnant before me talked about pregnancy all the time: It takes over your life.

I crawled into my acupuncturist’s bed (acupuncture bed, get your mind out of the gutter) and begged for any and all safe, natural remedies.  It got me thinking, I should probably be using more natural remedies anyway, pregnant or not.  I mean, God knows what’s in some of the drugs out there…  So, here are some #barebeautyapproved head cold remedies for you!  (Fine Print:  If you are sick, go to the doctor.)

XLEAR SINUS CARE SPRAY

We all know saline sprays are a great way too moisten dry nasal membranes, clear debris from the nasal passageway, and improve mucous membrane function, but many of them have a synthetic preservative in them called benzalkonium chloride (BKC).  BKC kills of  important cells in the nose called neutrophils.  Neutrophils are present all over the surfaces of the nose and mouth, and provide a frontline defense against invading organisms. There must be enough functioning neutrophils for the body to successfully fight off infections, including sinusitis.  Many of sprays also employ antihistamines and decongestants, which can dry and irritate nasal passages, also making them more vulnerable to attack.  I am using Xlear sinus spray, which is all natural and contains a combination of saline and Xylitol, which soothes and moisturizes the sinus and nasal passages.  It has also been found that Xylitol-based products result in a decrease in in cohesion of bacteria.  Grapefruit seed extract acts as a preservative.  Cost: about $7 for .75 oz.  Purchase it here or at Whole Foods.

NETI POT

The practice of nasal washing, known as Neti, has been used by practioners of Yoga and Ayurveda in India for hundreds, if not thousands of years.  It more thoroughly and more sanitarily cleanses and moisturizes the nasal passages and many people practice it as part of their daily routine, like brushing their teeth.  Below is a demo video from the Himalayan Institute for you first-timers.  I know it’s immature, but I can’t help but to laugh when I watch it, please tell me I’m not alone.  Cost: about $17.  Purchase it here or at Whole Foods.  The Himalayan Institute provides lots of information if you have more questions.  I would recommend using water that has been boiled (but is no longer hot) or distilled water to avoid bacteria.

ASTRA C

My acupuncturist told me it was too late in my illness for Zinc or Echinacea, but she did give me Astra C.  I think it is mostly vitamin C and Astragalus, which are both good for head colds.  I am no expert in Chinese medicine, and I don’t ask a lot of questions other than, “is this safe to take while pregnant?” because I get the feeling the answer would confuse me as much as an astrophysics lecture.  I pretty much do what she tells me to do because she is just that good.  Cost: about $24.  Purchase it here, but you should really see a professional before taking any medicinal herbs.

HUMIDIFIER

My dear friend, Lauren, took pity on me and lent me her humidifier.  She even dropped it off.  That is a good friend.  It has really helped me sleep better (thanks, Laur!) and it got me thinking, “I need to get me one of these”.  How good looking is this one from Brookstone? It would totally blend with my bedroom decor.  My acupuncturist also advised me to add a few drops of tea tree oil to the water to naturally disinfect it and open up my sinuses.  Why didn’t I think of that?  Cost: about $150.  Purchase it here.

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That is it for today.  Back to bed…