Harald has been fighting off something for weeks now and when he went to the doctor the last time right after Christmas, it was suggested he make a trip to Whole Foods and buy a product called “Umcka” which is supposed to help lessen the severity and duration of symptoms.  I felt pretty suspicious when I heard that.  I guess I tend not to believe too strongly in the value of “natural” remedies that cost a lot, since so few of them have proven reliably effective – in my experience anyway.  And at around $15 for a box of the stuff, you do have to think twice about spending that kind of money during these economic times.

However, after a few days of taking the chewable tablets, Harald felt remarkably better.  He said his symptoms really were less severe and didn’t last as long.  So on Monday when I started getting a painfully scratchy throat, I decided to give it a try myself and start taking the tablets.  I’ve gone through what H had left over, and now I’ve started taking the tea instead.  You can get this product in a droplet form, chewable tablet form, or a tea form.  And I have to say, for a cold that’s making me feel as tired and beat as this one is, I have remarkably few other symptoms.  I am particularly free of the awful head congestion (knock on wood!) that usually ails me.

If you are unfortunate enough to come down with a cold any time soon, I encourage you to consider giving it a try.  After the experience we’ve both had, we are buying a box or two just to keep in the house at the ready.  With the frequent colds that H brings home from the kids at school, it is most welcome to find something that works so well.