DesDownunder's Blog

The old fashioned remedy is Vick (do you get that downunder?). Do you want me to come and rub it in for you??

Thanks Bruin, We do have Vick's here, but I prefer White Tiger Balm. However, whenever you are down this way I am sure we can find something to rub it in to, but I think it would be better to avoid either of them being rubbed in downunder.

The last time I tried using White Tiger Balm (or a similar product from Sri Lanka) was a comical experience. I put some on my temples because somebody insisted it would help ease my headache. The next day I'd developed a red blotchy rash on my hands extending up my forearms, and in my groin too. It didn't occur to me that the ointment might have anything to do with it, and I took myself off to the local cottage hospital where a perceptive doctor asked about it and pointed out that the Balm contains extract of chillies, and that the concentration of the extract is not always well standardised. As for the rash in my groin, I must have handled my little friend when I still had some of the residue on my hands. Whoops!The rash got better over the next few days.

I have seen the rash appear with Red Tiger Balm but never with the White as it is not as strong. I suspect you are sensitive to the chillies component even in the lower amounts used in the White. Vick's is safe.I have actually been having a lot of success with saline nasal sprays used every half 30 minutes or so.They are non-medicated so there is no over use danger. It is even safe if you are pregnant, so the label says. (if you are pregnant you must tell me how you did that as my bf and I have been trying for ages without any luck at all.)I just discovered a new product (for us here in Oz, anyway) called Sinoclear, which is also a saline spray but with added minerals. It seems very effective at keeping the nasal drips at bay and I am most impressed with it. (Needless to say I have no connection with the Sinoclear company other than as a happy customer.) Bruin, perhaps you and I could assist each other with our spraying?

Indeed. Any time you need a spraying partner, let me know and I'll be right there. We can put our hands together, bow our heads and intone 'let us spray'...

'let us spray'

ah men to that.