It appears as though my “get sick for Christmas” tradition is active again this year. Can’t blame the tree, since it started before I got it. I’ve got to work tomorrow, but that’s my last day. I’m hoping to get ecards out – at least – before Christmas. I managed to send out a box to my mom and grandma – who are adjusting to sharing a house again after all these years – but that’s about it. So today the plan is to putter around very slowly, and catch up on some work that needs to be done around the house.

I think I still have some Swiss Kriss – my secret weapon – around here somewhere. This stuff is the only thing I know about that might help, since I’ve started wheezing now. Swiss Kriss is a laxative tea. I’ve never actually tasted it, but the combination of herbs is powerful.

Here’s what to do:

1. Prepare a space on the counter, and grab a big towel.
2. Get a nice wide pot and boil some water in it.
3. Throw in a bunch of the Swiss Kriss tea.
4. Turn the heat down to a simmer.
5. Make it at least double the strength of tea that you’d drink, steeping for at least five minutes.
6. Carefully transfer the pot onto the counter.
7. Drape the towel over the back of your head like a parachute, to catch as much of the steam as you can.
8. Be careful not to burn yourself. Gradually move into the steam.
9. Take regular, deep breaths through your nose and mouth.
10. Almost immediately, your sinuses will drain.
11. Then your face will sweat, and you’ll start coughing.
12. Continue to breathe in the herbal steam for at least 10 minutes.

This clears out all the gunk in your sinuses and in your lungs, and it’s even good for your skin. I usually follow up with a nice long shower to amplify the effect.

I’m really sensitive to decongestants and antihistamines and I try to avoid both. This more mechanical method has always been a lot more effective for me.