Help awful sore throat.

[jessicution]

Hello, I've been a lurker here for a long time and finally have a question. I looked through all the memories and under "Cold and Flu" but couldn't find anything for a really really sore throat. I'm really nervous to go to the doctor and usually only go once an year due to my agoraphobia. But this time I'm scared I may be really sick

Comments

[xvsharrax]

Eat spoonfuls of manuka honey, and get sambucol

With the honey, bite the spoonful and just hold it in your mouth for awhile, let the warmth of your mouth melt it down your throat and it'll coat it nicely. Read up on all its benefits if you're curious, but it'll make you right as rain

[jessicution]

I don't really have a place to get this stuff right now, but thanks so much for the suggestions!

[lintilla]

Chicken soup (or veggie soup, if you prefer) is always my go-to.

[jessicution]

yes yes, I had this, this afternoon. perfect, thank you.

[rainbow]

3 things help for me:

gargle often with fresh, hot saline (1/4 tsp salt to a cup of boiling water; let cool until it's still hot but not scalding). the heat increases circulation to the tissues while the salt helps reduce swelling.

slippery elm, either as lozenges or mixed into hot tea or cocoa (it will make them sort of thick and viscous) and sipped. slippery elm is an herb that's traditionally used for soothing and healing irritated membranes in the mouth and throat and all the way thru the g.i. tract.

hot compresses, especially if your lymph nodes are swollen. i take a hand towel, dip in hot water, put it around my neck, then wrap a bigger towel around to hold the heat and moisture in. you could also use one of those heat bags (of grain or whatever is usually in them) that you heat int eh microwave. the heat is soothing and inceases circulation to help with healing.

many healing vibes your way!

[jessicution]

Thank you all so much this sounds perfect!

[gloraelin]

Apple juice, for whatever reason, is really good at soothing throats -- I drink it if I have to do a lot of talking on a sore throat. The more unprocessed the better.

Honey, as someone mentioned.

Lemon tea.

Hot toddies. >.>

It sounds like it's likely post-nasal drip, with the runny nose. I'd start, if you can, taking steps to prevent any sinus issues as well -- neti pot, humidifier, that sort of thing.

I hope you feel better!

[jessicution]

i've been having lots of honey, and I would love to have a neti pot, i think i'm going to get one, anyways. thanks!

[rubykins02]

If you don't have a neti pot you can use a plastic water bottle with a sport top. You can use this like a net pot. Open up the sport top , lean over the sink and squeeze the bottle gently and the salt water will be directed through your sinuses very similar to a net pot.

[jessicution]

I did this today twice, thank you so much for posting this, I would have never thought to do this and I can breathe through my nose again! You are my hero, seriously. Thanks a million!!!!

[electricdruid]

As others have said, raw honey, especially manuka honey (although it is the most expensive variety, it is the most powerful healer) is amazing for this kind of thing

[jessicution]

i had green tea with honey in it this morning and it worked like a charm, thank you!