When you find yourself with a tickle in the back of your throat…
gargling with a saline solution is the best and safest tool you have to ward off that cold . Gargle, gargle, gargle until it is gone. You don’t need much. A tea spoon of salt in a cup of warm water should do. I like to use kosher salt or sea salt instead of the saline packets (just my preference). Either way, make sure the salt dissolves completely or else it will sting a bit.
If that tickle develops into a more painful sore throat, this is another little remedy that you can try. It is the best way I have found to stop it in it’s track. you will need a few things.
- 100% cotton handkerchief
- A scrap piece of 100% wool (the sleeve from and old wool sweater should do)
- A bobby pin
Before going to bed, wet the handkerchief and wrap it around your neck. Then, take the piece of wool and wrap that around your neck covering the handkerchief. Use the bobby pin to secure it in place. Make sure it is snug but comfortable because you will have to go to sleep wearing this. Wear it till the handkerchief has dried. I found that by 4 AM it was dry and I could take it off. You could wear it till morning, but I always wake up. I’m a light sleeper. You should find by the next day that your sore throat is much more alleviated if not gone.
I grew up with lots of sore throats and this was how we got rid of many painful sore throats in our home. It worked about 99% of the times. If does not work after one or two nights, it might be a more serious problem and you should go see a doctor.
When you have a cold…
You can use a neti pot with saline solution to flush out the congestion. Three times a day will guaranty to give you relief from that sinus pressure and speed up your recovery. Again, a teaspoon of salt (fully dissolved!) in a cup of luke warm water (filtered if possible) should do. I must warn you, using the neti pot takes a little practice. The first time, most people freak out and give up. Push past the awkward feeling, it is a very helpful tool which can, in many cases, works better than over the counter medications.
I swear by this techniques. Until recently, I have been lived with chronic sinus problems and sore throats and I have used these methods to avoid the overuse of drugs and antibiotics on many occasions.
I wish you a speedy recovery.
Lots of love,
mommamonks
(Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. If you have a serious and persistent problem, for goodness sake, see a doctor!)