Many persons are at their worst when they have a sore throat: difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, weight loss, and restlessness are just some of the torment experienced. How does one get used to the torturing scratching of sandpaper against their throat whenever they swallow? They don’t, but there are always methods that you can try, to help make the pain less excruciating or temporarily unavailable.
Let’s start with examining what is a sore throat: Mayoclinic.org defines sore throat as “pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow.” (Sounds familiar?) this, according to Webmd.com, may occur as a result of a “Cold, Strep Throat or Tonsillitis”, in any case, the feeling is always unpleasant. While some sore throats last a day or two, others last up to 2 weeks.
Jamaicans are famous for home remedies, and according to ‘old time people’, there’s nothing “a likkle bush cyah cure”. Here are some home remedies for treating a sore throat:
- Gargling (Salt + Warm Water or Warm Water+ Vinegar)
- Lime + Honey + Warm Water
- Honey + Peppermint + Warm Water
- Garlic + Honey + Warm Water
- Chicken Noodle Soup + Garlic
- Orange Juice/Cherry Juice (not from concentrate)
These may temporarily soothe that uncomfortable feeling in your throat and allow some therapeutic healing to one’s being.
To better aid on your rollercoaster ride when suffering from a sore throat, here is a list of Must Haves and To Do’s when you have a sore throat:
- Toothbrush + toothpaste – Brush your teeth and your tongue regularly. Some persons open their mouths less because it often makes them want to swallow; however, the longer your mouth stays closed, along with that mucus lingering around is sure to produce bad breath. You always want a fresh breath no matter how sick you are.
- Hot water + essence of peppermint – Steaming is a great way of clearing up those sinuses and allowing the mucus to drain down into the throat and nostrils, thus, allowing you to blow or spit out that nasty mucus you have building up. The less mucus, the better the chance of ending that sore throat.
- Comfort clothes – Some “sore throat patients” are cold the first day and a half and hot and restless the next night. It is advised to wear large t-shirts and loose-fitting pants, always keeping a sweater nearby just in case the chills sneak up on you. This may not work for you, if not, it is advised you wear whatever makes you comfortable, bearing in mind that your goal is to recover quickly.
- Tissue/wipes + Spit Bin – The Sore Throat Effect (sand paper against one’s throat) is a dreaded feeling. Many people hate the feeling of anything going against their throat when they have a sore throat but having a dry throat doesn’t make it any better. A spit bin is recommended (You can place tissue or unwanted cloth at the bottom of the bin) to spit into whenever you are scared to swallow or have mucus you want to get rid of. Try to pour alcohol on a new layer of tissue and wipes to reduce bacteria. (it is not a proven fact that this works but it is practiced)
- Check your mucus – you want to know if there is any blood in your mucus or note the colour of your mucus to better explain to your doctor when asked.
- Change your rags, pillowcases and face towels – to reduce lingering bacteria
- Always wash/sanitize your hands – to prevent spreading bacteria
- “Medication” – You will need all your treatment in one place. You may opt to create a mini clinic on your nightstand, these along with Vicks Vapor Rub, rubbing alcohol, vitamin C and white rum (pour a half cork in the mole of your head…paradise) will better aid in your “sore treatment”
Written by: Kaeonna Walters