How to stop a sore throat in it's tracks

[WakeUp]

I have a sore throat that makes it difficult to swallow. I'd like to know what you all have tried to "knock-out" a sore throat before it turns into something worse. I don't generally like to take western over-the-counter stuff. But what usually works for me isn't working. And I can't afford to be sick right now.

[exitwound]

Hmmmmm.....tried Ricola? Not just the plain ol regular kind, but my preference is the Orange-Mint type with Menthol.

My wife makes some very powerful peppermint-oil & eucalyptus blends that will do wonders for that kind of stuff.....but beyond that, I'm not sure! My condition is caused by hyper-immunity so it's been a while since I've had much in the way of that kind of problem =/

[WakeUp]

Hmmmmm.....tried Ricola? Not just the plain ol regular kind, but my preference is the Orange-Mint type with Menthol.

My wife makes some very powerful peppermint-oil & eucalyptus blends that will do wonders for that kind of stuff.....but beyond that, I'm not sure! My condition is caused by hyper-immunity so it's been a while since I've had much in the way of that kind of problem =/


Ummmm Ricola sounds great. I do like Menthol myself. I'm sure this is immune/stress related. My work load was too much recently. I cut back considerably but not before signs of illness showed up. Thanks EW. I'll try the Ricola. I've had a fever with this for a week or more. I can't find my thermometer, but I doubt it's very high. Lots of rest should help too.

[short_circuit]

Try gurgling a glass of warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a small glass) than spit it out. After gurgling do not rinse out mouth, you will gradually swallow the leftover salt with saliva.
Do this about 5 times in a day, maybe more if you feel the need to.

Oh! Don’t do this if have a kidney disorder, low-salt diet.:moose:

[Daisy]

Same recipe SC gave, also use as a nasal (use non-chlorinated water) and ear rinse to get broader anti-bacterial coverage. If the saline solution is uncomfortable as a nasal rinse, reduce the salt. It shouldn't feel uncomfortable to use.

If that doesn't do it, gargle with Listerine. Don't use listerine for nasal or ear rinses though. It's not intended for that.

[Electric]

Now that you have the same remedies I would've recommended, and have been quite effective for me over the years, how about that weeklong TEMP? That's not good Lovey - it's good that your body is fighting it, and unless the temp is outrageously high, it's the body's first defense against infection... but that is too long a time to be spiking a temp. Ya know I hate going to doctors myself, but in this instance...

[WakeUp]

Now that you have the same remedies I would've recommended, and have been quite effective for me over the years, how about that weeklong TEMP? That's not good Lovey - it's good that your body is fighting it, and unless the temp is outrageously high, it's the body's first defense against infection... but that is too long a time to be spiking a temp. Ya know I hate going to doctors myself, but in this instance...


I was hoping you'd reply to this one. Yeah, I've had a week of low grade fever that's been slowing me down to a crawl. I have a new health care provider ~ a nurse practioner. They seem to take more time and interest, even though they get paid far less. Go figure. I'll try a few more things today, then get this throat/fever looked at if my effort doesn't work. My throat feels like my tonsils were cut out without anesthetics. But I'm exaggerating a bit. I promise Electric to get checked out within 24 hours. :mrgreen:

(The truth is I'm having minor eye surgery soon and I don't want to have to postpone it.)

[Cat]

yakkity, yakkity, yakkity, yak.
Shuteth thee uppeth, already! Geez, you're on here typing and blathering away, I don't know how you expect to get better. All this chatter isn't making your throat feel better. The docs tell you to stop talking when you ahve a sore throat, but nooo, not you ... yak, yak, yak, yak, like there's no tomorrow.
I'll bet you're in the process of collecting all the small print, like prescription inserts, the teeny tiny writing in contracts, etc, for when you get out of eye surgery.
You iz one clazy, lady.

[Nyar]

zinc

[Cat]

or zwim.





:slap:

[WakeUp]

zinc


Thanks Cat and Nyar,

Shut up and take zinc.

Got it. I'm on my way out the door, so thanks.

[Electric]

:lmfao:
... Yes, yes - that too... and Vitamin C. BUT PLEASE...YOU BETTER TELL THEM YOU'VE BEEN RUNNING A LOW-GRADE FEVER BEFORE YOU GET EYE-SURGERY! They may be able to minimize the chance of complications. Better delay than double-trouble!

PS - Be careful not to overdo the zinc - it nauseates some people, and sure did me - and I'd rather squeak than puke. Hope ya feel better quick!


:eek: Nobody mentioned a good old-fashioned hot toddy??? :mrgreen:

[WakeUp]

:lmfao:
... Yes, yes - that too... and Vitamin C. :eek: Nobody mentioned a good old-fashioned hot toddy??? :mrgreen:



Oh yeah the hot toddy. My pediatrician in the 50s not only made house calls but 'prescribed' the Hot Toddy for us youngsters. Now neither are happening for kids these days.

I forgot. What's in a hot toddy. I live a couple of blocks for the liquor store. I'll get those cute little bottles. Is it Vodka or Bourbon?

[Electric]

Oh yeah the hot toddy. My pediatrician in the 50s not only made house calls but 'prescribed' the Hot Toddy for us youngsters. Now neither are happening for kids these days.

I forgot. What's in a hot toddy. I live a couple of blocks for the liquor store. I'll get those cute little bottles. Is it Vodka or Bourbon?

:whoknows: Guess it depends on the source... RUM is listed in one recipe, but Bourbon or Rum give me a headache. For those difficult female trials, my mother used heated Mogen-David... (blackberry, cherry, I dunno.) ICHH! I remember that it knocked my socks off, as did my Brit granny's recipe with Rum, lemon-juice and honey.

You could always try a Black Russian - Kahlua with Vodka. It won't do jack squat for your cold, but after a few of those, you won't give a damn!

Hmmm... maybe a Bloody Mary? The tomato juice is high in vitamin C.

[short_circuit]

Yes the old lady we look after told me about the hot toddy of “Rum, lemon-juice and honey.”
I found it does work for flu kind of viruses, but I used Rum, juice squeezed out of a fresh lemon, a spoon of sugar, heated up. Also after drinking the hot toddy you have to cover oneself with a blanket, hot toddy and blanket will wipe-out the viruses by overheating the body.
Do not do this for children it can be bad for them to overheat, their body can not regulate that well as an adult can.:moose:

[WakeUp]

Thanks everyone. I'm starting to turn this around.

SC, I started with the salt gargles. Then applied the following:

EW the Ricola Honey Lemon with Echinacea really soothed the pain considerably. That was a great Blessing in itself. http://blackhole.xerces.com/images/smilies/6.gif I wish they'd had the Eucalypus though. Oh well.

I also took Ester-C 1000 every hour just for today. Plus 60 mg CoQ10.

It's amazing how my mind goes blank, or foggy thinking, when I don't feel well. I totally forgot a natural remedy that I use. One young worker at the Farmer's Market reminded me about using raw garlic. How could I have forgotten that easy one? I'll have some with my dinner.

Thanks again everyone.

[WakeUp]

:whoknows: Guess it depends on the source... RUM is listed in one recipe, but Bourbon or Rum give me a headache. For those difficult female trials, my mother used heated Mogen-David... (blackberry, cherry, I dunno.) ICHH! I remember that it knocked my socks off, as did my Brit granny's recipe with Rum, lemon-juice and honey.

You could always try a Black Russian - Kahlua with Vodka. It won't do jack squat for your cold, but after a few of those, you won't give a damn!

Hmmm... maybe a Bloody Mary? The tomato juice is high in vitamin C.


Well to cap off the night, I selected Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey, same as another guy in the liquor store. My talented accupunturist in Seattle says to avoid (among other things) fruit and sugar, including honey when recovering from cold symptoms (internal 'dampness'). So, I'll just drink it straight. I think if I warm it up, the alcohol would be destroyed. I chose Wild Turkey 'cause one of my friends likes it, and he can have the rest of the bottle after tonight.


I'll catch up with ya'll tomorrow.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d147/WakeUpAmerica/Smileys%20Icons/image0055.gif

[short_circuit]

Well to cap off the night, I selected Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey, same as another guy in the liquor store. My talented accupunturist in Seattle says to avoid (among other things) fruit and sugar, including honey when recovering from cold symptoms (internal 'dampness'). So, I'll just drink it straight. I think if I warm it up, the alcohol would be destroyed. I chose Wild Turkey 'cause one of my friends likes it, and he can have the rest of the bottle after tonight.


I'll catch up with ya'll tomorrow.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d147/WakeUpAmerica/Smileys%20Icons/image0055.gif

"Internal dampness" is a term used in Yin and Yang, sounds like your friend is wrong about “avoid (among other things) fruit and sugar, including honey when recovering from cold symptoms.” :moose:

Feed a cold starve a fever.:stir: :mrgreen:

[WakeUp]

"Internal dampness" is a term used in Yin and Yang, sounds like your friend is wrong about “avoid (among other things) fruit and sugar, including honey when recovering from cold symptoms.” :moose:

Feed a cold starve a fever.:stir: :mrgreen:


How about soup? That's food. Besides smart guy I have a cold and a fever. So what does your little cliche do about that? Huh?

My friend, Yoshiro, says that avoiding dairy, red meat, fruit, sugar and anything raw, will clear up mucus problems faster. For long term "dampness" a similar but maybe not so strict plan, ie some red meat, if you're not vegetarian.

[short_circuit]

How about soup? That's food. Besides smart guy I have a cold and a fever. So what does your little cliche do about that? Huh?
My little cliche was for this.
Thread Title
How to stop a sore throat in it's tracks
I have a sore throat that makes it difficult to swallow. I'd like to know what you all have tried to "knock-out" a sore throat before it turns into something worse. I don't generally like to take western over-the-counter stuff. But what usually works for me isn't working. And I can't afford to be sick right now.
Don’t change your horse midstream, you might drowned in the internal dampness. lol :mrgreen:
I think you may find with Yin and Yang you may need internal dampness as a cure for sore throat.
You will find fruit and sugar are not bad for you even with a fever, it is even used in modern medication.

If you tell us one thing and tell your friend another you will get two different answers, once said by a Chinese wise man. Heh, heh, and “once said by a Chinese wise man” was just to give it credence in what I said in your eyes. Why would I do a thing like that you might ask, than I say work it out Grasshopper.:p :bighug:
:moose:

My friend, Yoshiro, says that avoiding dairy, red meat, fruit, sugar and anything raw, will clear up mucus problems faster. For long term "dampness" a similar but maybe not so strict plan, ie some red meat, if you're not vegetarian.

[Cat]

um...she did say she had a fever.

[WakeUp]

Don’t change your horse midstream, you might drowned in the internal dampness. lol
I think you may find with Yin and Yang you may need internal dampness as a cure for sore throat.
You will find fruit and sugar are not bad for you even with a fever, it is even used in modern medication.

If you tell us one thing and tell your friend another you will get two different answers, once said by a Chinese wise man. Heh, heh, and “once said by a Chinese wise man” was just to give it credence in what I said in your eyes. Why would I do a thing like that you might ask, than I say work it out Grasshopper.




Yeah but those Japanese and Chinese remedies take time and are more long range. I needed something immediate. H*LL I couldn't even think of garlic as a remedy. My mind just goes blank when I'm sick. It would be wise to have a list of remedies that work best for me for varies minor health problems. Then I can just read what's worked for me in the past. Of course I've gargled with salt water and most everything people mentioned but like I said my mind goes blank when I'm sick. I am very grateful for everyone's suggestions. This morning my fever is gone and the throat is managable with less pain. There's no sign of it changing into bronchitis, like it used to so often when I lived in 'damp' Seattle.

So it took a village to help me remember what works best for me and my forgetful foggy-when-sick mind. I do appreciate everyone's contributions, even yours.

Signed: Grasshopper with a mind of her own ~ when not sick.

[short_circuit]

um...she did say she had a fever.

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/3984/hook11113fg.gif immune/stress related http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/4588/smile333442km.gif May not even be a fever, just needs a pick-me-up.

[short_circuit]

Yeah but those Japanese and Chinese remedies take time and are more long range. I needed something immediate. H*LL I couldn't even think of garlic as a remedy. My mind just goes blank when I'm sick. It would be wise to have a list of remedies that work best for me for varies minor health problems. Then I can just read what's worked for me in the past. Of course I've gargled with salt water and most everything people mentioned but like I said my mind goes blank when I'm sick. I am very grateful for everyone's suggestions. This morning my fever is gone and the throat is managable with less pain. There's no sign of it changing into bronchitis, like it used to so often when I lived in 'damp' Seattle.

So it took a village to help me remember what works best for me and my forgetful foggy-when-sick mind. I do appreciate everyone's contributions, even yours.

Signed: Grasshopper with a mind of her own ~ when not sick.
Onions are just as good as garlic.
What you should do is stay tuned with what your body is telling you. If get the feeling need to eat fruit, then eat some fruit. Feeling the need to have salt on your dinner, then put salt on your dinner. I have been doing this since I was a kid and not had much in the way of being ill.
I’m not talking about fancy eating something, I’m talking about feeling the need, just the same as you would feel the need to drink water. :moose:

http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/3522/whiteonion3fl.gif
I did not know why I loaded this first picture of the Onion In Imageshack, perhaps it was meant for this.lol :mrgreen:

A link for you Grasshopper. :mrgreen:
http://www.acupuncture.com/conditions/throat.htm

[WakeUp]

Thank you. I've not been very good at that. I "short circuit" my intuition when it comes to what's good for me to consume. There are a few things I know about myself in this way. I am not a vegetarian, not a raw food person (some people I know only eat raw foods and no animal products), cannot tolerate vinegar, function best if I eat very few grains and reduce or eliminate wheat and sugar. Must exercise regularly for optimum body/mind functioning.

Besides, I thought you attribute your smoking to you not getting sick, SC. :p :favorite:

[short_circuit]

I only had about five sigs a year from 13 up to when I was 15 1/2 years of age, then became a true smoker after that. I was hardly ever ill when I was a kid. When I became a true smoker only had about 3 colds in all these years. I do believe smoking does keep some viruses away, but for some smoking can be a killer quite early in life. I also believe eating what your body is telling you to eat helps as well.
I’m not worried if smoking does kill me in the end, I had all them years without being ill and doing what I wanted to do and one of them is smoking. I did not set out to be a smoker, but one of them people that enjoyed it too much and became truly hooked on it. I probably could stop if I really tried hard enough, what is life if not doing some of the things you like?
To just stop smoking is bad for someone that has been smoking a long time, must slowly stop and that is a hard thing to do. :mrgreen:

[WakeUp]

It's amazing that the smoking hasn't presented a problem for you. But maybe you're just a tough ol' bird. Oh, sorry. That's the British term for chick, right? Maybe codger is a better term.

codger
affectionately to refer to an eccentric but amusing old man


I broke down and got checked out today. My neck was noticeably enlarged and swallowing is still difficult. Both the nurse and doc looked to see if they should culture it. They both simultaneously said,

"Oh yes, it's a 10." :ohno:

It's not the fast acting strep, which they checked for, but they cultured it for other forms of strep. They won't have the results for a few days. He said it shouldn't matter about the surgery. See, Electric, I did ask. :mrgreen:

[short_circuit]

Tough ol’ bird is a British term for chick, is it not where you are? “A tough turkey” is ok. lol
Heh, heh, not that old to be a tough ol‘ codger, that is a double hit “ol’ ” means old. lol :mrgreen:

It is just as well that you got it checked. The things people have been telling you to do would give you some relief not long after doing, this would then give your own immune system time to catch-up and do its job. If things never change where it all keeps coming back then should get it checked, like you have done.
As people get older they have to act quicker on things and even living a preventive way of life in what one eats and does, except me because I don’t worry what happens to me.:moose:

[WakeUp]

Tough ol’ bird is a British term for chick, is it not where you are? “A tough turkey” is ok. lol
Heh, heh, not that old to be a tough ol‘ codger, that is a double hit “ol’ ” means old. lol :mrgreen:

It is just as well that you got it checked. The things people have been telling you to do would give you some relief not long after doing, this would then give your own immune system time to catch-up and do its job. If things never change where it all keeps coming back then should get it checked, like you have done.
As people get older they have to act quicker on things and even living a preventive way of life in what one eats and does, except me because I don’t worry what happens to me.:moose:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d147/WakeUpAmerica/Smileys%20Icons/m0lk30cq.gif


That's so weird. I made a post a while ago. Did you delete it SC?

Oh well. I understand.

[short_circuit]

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d147/WakeUpAmerica/Smileys%20Icons/m0lk30cq.gif


That's so weird. I made a post a while ago. Did you delete it SC?

Oh well. I understand.

No WakeUp I have not deleted nothing and nothing is showing a post has been deleted. Are you sure you did post it and not just preview it thinking you posted it?:moose:

I have checked the whole thread, nothing has been deleted in this thread.

[Electric]

One thing I've noticed lately is that the American docs are far more reluctant to advise people about specific diets, and have been recommending instead that their patients try "what works best" for them. They are only just becoming aware that everyone's metabolism is different, and people handle meds in different ways.

Alleve (naproxen) and Tylenol (acetominophen) doesn't do diddly for me, my brother or father, yet others swear by it. Orudis (ketoprophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) does work for us, but not for others.

HA! They can't believe a smoker like me doesn't have emphysema... I gave the SC excuse - that it kills off the inhaled fungus and other airborn invaders. One thing is certain. When I'm sitting outside, I keep a lit cigarette, even if not smoking it. The bugs do not like it. In fact, the nicotine coming off my skin keeps me from getting bit when my non-smoking pals are swatting furiously.

Now I'm curious about how that bourbon worked for you Wake-Up. All it ever did for me was give me a rotten hangover!

[short_circuit]

Nooooo! You did not give me the excuse that smoking kills off the inhaled fungus and other air born invaders, maybe confirmed I was right in what I was thinking.
It is something I have believed a very long time, lived it where others would get sick with viruses and things and I would not. I also know about not being bitten by bugs. I used to say to my friends when they were bitten, “the bugs do not like me, I’ve got Devils blood.” :hellfire: :mrgreen:

Then again! It could be that I’m such a holy person my awesome aura keeps the bugs away.:p :moose:

[WakeUp]

Well, I've NEVER smoked but had a long life medical history of ear, nose, throat stuff. This bout is like no other case I've ever had before. Hope they figure out what the hell it is SOON. :ohno: :headbash:


The swallowing and breathing have been my most serious concern. There are times that immediately after swallowing food or liquid, I cannot breathe for a few seconds. Fear and anxeity set in, but I doubt if a full blown panic attack set in. I started taking 600 mg of ibuprophen every four hours and it has cut down on the throat pain considerably. I'm very allergic to a lot of pain meds so I use what I can get. I just hope to God I don't have Mono. Strep is ok, but I really don't want to face such a long-term illness like Mono. But I'll have no choice, right? Whatever it is, I'll have to face.


Here's a recipe for Hot Toddy. I didn't have all the ingredients but now I do. I did try the Bourbon with a honey/lemon Ricola throat drop dissolved. It burned my throat but I did start feeling better, can't say how. Guess alcohol in moderation can just give an all over feeling better result. I'll try this recipe and let ya know.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d147/WakeUpAmerica/Smileys%20Icons/image0055.gif

Whiskey Hot Toddy

1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
1/4 oz lemon juice
3/4 oz sugar syrup
1 slice lemon
1 clove
4 oz hot water

Heat in a heat-resistant glass, and fill with hot water.
Add a lemon slice speared with a clove, and serve.

Serve in: Cup

http://www.drinksmixer.com/

[Cat]

Hope you feel better. Strep sucks, never had mono. Go have a few hot toddies and then come back and post. I think you might be a hoot to see post drunkish. heh.

E., How did she do with the hot toddies? I think post #29 that she made in the middle of the night is self explanatory. http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/10203040/smilies/drinking1.gif :mrgreen: We gots a closeted party girl on our hands. heh.

[WakeUp]

Hope you feel better. Strep sucks, never had mono. Go have a few hot toddies and then come back and post. I think you might be a hoot to see post drunkish. heh.

E., How did she do with the hot toddies? I think post #29 that she made in the middle of the night is self explanatory. http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/10203040/smilies/drinking1.gif :mrgreen: We gots a closeted party girl on our hands. heh.



Thanks Cat. (I promise not to tell anyone of your kind words. Don't want that getting out. Hehehe.) I have had strep several times as a kid, never as an adult. Just Pnemonia. I'll try some Toddies. I think I could be a "closet party girl" I drank a lot in my 20s but started having black outs and stopped drinking altogether for many years. Alcoholism runs in my family, like my grandmother was.


Anyway, I wasn't drinking last night at all. It was sleep deprivation and this crazy illness that created the post #29 confusing. I think SC is right. I clicked Preview and then left the board, thinking that I'd also clicked "Submit".

[WakeUp]

What you should do is stay tuned with what your body is telling you. If get the feeling need to eat fruit, then eat some fruit. Feeling the need to have salt on your dinner, then put salt on your dinner. I have been doing this since I was a kid and not had much in the way of being ill.
I’m not talking about fancy eating something, I’m talking about feeling the need, just the same as you would feel the need to drink water. :moose:




I must say SC, your reasoning is so similar to my late father's that I'd swear it was 'cut from the same cloth'. My Dad was very seldom sick until the last 6 years, when he battled prostate cancer. It took his life but was the most positive transformation of his life. Although I admit there is merit in what you have to say, one factor is left out. Even though a person will take very good care of themselves and know and give what their body is looking for, Karma is missing from your assessment. If a person's genes or is predestined to have chronic illness, all the diet and 'right life-style' will not prevent illness from happening. Just because something works out for you in a certain way, the associations/concept you have don't necessarily follow that it would work the same way for everyone.

On the other hand, predestination (karma), I believe, can be altered with enough meritorious activity for the benefit of others. (This is a tricky accomplishment, due to lingering self-centered desire that you're doing it to benefit yourself.) Also, ones karma may simply be too dominant. In essence, like Electric said on another thread, bad things can and do happen to good people. I try to skillfully play the hand I'm dealt, even if it is scary.

PS I know I can say this to the likes of you, but it would fall on completely deaf ears to either or both of my parents.

[short_circuit]

I must say SC, your reasoning is so similar to my late father's that I'd swear it was 'cut from the same cloth'. My Dad was very seldom sick until the last 6 years, when he battled prostate cancer. It took his life but was the most positive transformation of his life. Although I admit there is merit in what you have to say, one factor is left out. Even though a person will take very good care of themselves and know and give what their body is looking for, Karma is missing from your assessment. If a person's genes or is predestined to have chronic illness, all the diet and 'right life-style' will not prevent illness from happening. Just because something works out for you in a certain way, the associations/concept you have don't necessarily follow that it would work the same way for everyone.

On the other hand, predestination (karma), I believe, can be altered with enough meritorious activity for the benefit of others. (This is a tricky accomplishment, due to lingering self-centered desire that you're doing it to benefit yourself.) Also, ones karma may simply be too dominant. In essence, like Electric said on another thread, bad things can and do happen to good people. I try to skillfully play the hand I'm dealt, even if it is scary.

PS I know I can say this to the likes of you, but it would fall on completely deaf ears to either or both of my parents.

Well I don’t entirely believe in the way of the Karma, some of it is believed what you did in lives or a life before and effects you in this life. You are really born in the mixing bowl of time and circumstances, basically that is it in the nutshell. Yes things can effect you in this lifetime on what you do in this lifetime, that is not always the way when some get away with murder as the saying goes.
Nature is dog eat dog the winner takes all, or at least what can get away with without having any repercussions being brought upon themselves.
With ones own body it is still what you can get away with, we are seekers of pleasure but all born with different inherited traits. If you abuse inherited traits you may have to pay the price of that, either way age gets us all anyway. You are in the game of survival of how long you can stay alive and only two hopes of stopping eventual death, “Bob Hope and No Hope.”

Yes it is bad things can and do happen to good people, just the same bad things happen to bad people.

I do not believe it is predestination bad karma of punished for previous incarnations can be altered to benefit of others, there is no predestination bad karma of punished for previous incarnations. :ohno:
We are born in the World with inherited traits where good and bad things coincide with each other. We have created societies that still mimic in many ways the harsh realities of nature we are trying to protect ourselves from, out of one jungle into another.

So back to “predestined to have chronic illness,” that is the mixing bowl of time and circumstances. I feel like saying unlucky but their really is no such thing as luck, it is just time and circumstances. There are still many combinations that can affect if there will be a chronic illness, that is even if it is in the inherited traits. Basically, playing with the cards dealt and some hands can not even be played because it is a crap hand dealt. :moose:

[WakeUp]

Just one quick response for now. Punishment sounds like an old testament concept. Even when negative circumstances arise, which are inevitable, I do not view them as punishment, consequences of past previous actions but not punishment. "You don't get away with anything darling." All hardship can become a teaching of compassion, recognizing that countless other beings at that moment are encountering that kind of hardship as well.

My main intention was to point out that there is not always a one to one relationship between a good life-style and good health. For example Adele Davis wrote books on eating right through vegetarian cooking, yet she died of cancer. I don't know the details but examples like that indicate variables involved other than what you are saying. Don't misunderstand though. In many (not all) cases it does turn out the way you described.

There are as many concepts about life as there are people. Even though I have unshakeable confidence that karma is infallible, I recognize that most people do not really know about karma. In the short term, karma doesn't make sense, because good things happen to bad people and vise versa. Spread out over countless lifetimes it would begin to make more sense. But you along with most other people don't subscribe to concepts about karma. In pointing out those 'other variables' karma is precisely the term I would use. Otherwise, I would just vaguely say 'other intervening variables.'

[exitwound]

Here are some of my proven favorites:

*Turmeric - fights inflammation of all kinds. Good for the heart and cardiovascular systems.

*Ginger - battles nausea, fights inflammation, even has compounds that trigger opiate receptors & may help reduce pain!

*Holy Basil - fights inflammation, anti-oxidant, boosts immune function.

*Bromelain -- taken on an empty stomach, this digestive enzyme is absorbed into the bloodstream instead of dissolving one's food.....and there, it helps the body dissolve scar tissue, kill infectious/cancerous tissues, can help immune function, and may even battle allergic reactions while having a decongestant effect! Very good stuff, this.

*Pro-biotics. Get a supplement that isn't just Acidophilus....there are many more digestive flora that can help your digestive tract function properly. Especially if you've been subjected to a lot of doses of antibiotics in your life, you MUST take these supplements or you will never experience optimum health! Our clean, sterile lifestyles combined with antibiotics being vastly over-prescribed means that our digestive tracts are nothing like how they're supposed to be. Low counts of good bacteria & high counts of the bad ones are common. Find a good broad-spectrum pro-biotic supplement, store it in the fridge, and take it before every meal for at least a few months. You'll definitely notice the results!

[exitwound]

And of course there's always Garlic too! That has numerous benefits.

[WakeUp]

Great feedback EW. Thanks. I've seen lots of testimonials on pro-biotics. I have had success with cleanses but I've never tried the pro-biotics. For a few monts I tried Moducare with very little results. But the pro biotic does sound like the right step to take. I'll review the other suggestions as well.

Thanks again. :mrgreen:

[WakeUp]

Here are some of my proven favorites:

*Turmeric - fights inflammation of all kinds. Good for the heart and cardiovascular systems.

*Ginger - battles nausea, fights inflammation, even has compounds that trigger opiate receptors & may help reduce pain!

*Holy Basil - fights inflammation, anti-oxidant, boosts immune function.

*Bromelain -- taken on an empty stomach, this digestive enzyme is absorbed into the bloodstream instead of dissolving one's food.....and there, it helps the body dissolve scar tissue, kill infectious/cancerous tissues, can help immune function, and may even battle allergic reactions while having a decongestant effect! Very good stuff, this.

*Pro-biotics. Get a supplement that isn't just Acidophilus....there are many more digestive flora that can help your digestive tract function properly. Especially if you've been subjected to a lot of doses of antibiotics in your life, you MUST take these supplements or you will never experience optimum health! Our clean, sterile lifestyles combined with antibiotics being vastly over-prescribed means that our digestive tracts are nothing like how they're supposed to be. Low counts of good bacteria & high counts of the bad ones are common. Find a good broad-spectrum pro-biotic supplement, store it in the fridge, and take it before every meal for at least a few months. You'll definitely notice the results!


Along with all of the above from all of you, especially Electric, Short_circuit, EW, Cat ~ well everyone, I guess I'll never know for sure what I had. Both cultures were for strep only, and both came back negative. Therefore it must have been some sort of viral infection.

As for the swallowing and breathing problem, my Nurse Practitioner recommended that I keep Benedril around in case it was a histamine reaction that was contributing to the closing off of the throat. I have had histamine reactions elsewhere and thought that was sound advise.

Electric, you asked about the Hot Toddy. Well, I must say I do think they helped. I bought a pint thinking I'd give most of it to my friend who enjoys Wild Turkey Bourdon, but over a 7-10 day period I drank it all, 3 oz at a time in Hot Toddy drinks.

Overall what helped the most ~ I think all of the above. The fact that it didn't turn into an upper respiratory infection, bronchitis, is a major victory. I know the support from all of you played a major role.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d147/WakeUpAmerica/Smileys%20Icons/c114.gif ~ http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d147/WakeUpAmerica/Smileys%20Icons/cid_1EABB0CA-907F-447B-B177-3FBD031.gif

[Electric]

Thank you for the recommendation Wakeup, I'm glad we could all offer help. Re the toddy - methinks it has little medicinal value, except to relax the vessels and increase blood flow - mostly it makes it where one is inebriated enough to ignore the misery for a bit, and fall asleep to get some rest. Ha! Many of the OTC cough-meds contain alcohol, and in the not-so-distant past, codeine was common.

The problem with herbals is that most are way to weak to be significant. When OTC meds prove helpful, the greedy Pharmas tweak the legislators into putting it back in the prescription class. Case in point is QUININE. It worked perfectly well for "nervous legs" syndrome, where they twitch in the night. Next thing you know, the old folks suddenly couldn't buy it OTC, so had to first pay a doctor to prescribe it, and then it cost ten times more than it had!

[exitwound]

Yeah, Quinine and Quinidine are very useful compounds that should be in the public domain -- not requiring a prescription.

There are so many supplements and other compounds that exist on the borders between prescription medications and "health-store supplements," herbs, et cetera.

I'm not a big believer in Homeopathy. Allow me to say that giving you a small amount of the same kind of thing that is making you sick, to make you better is just stupid. Especially when you apply it to EVERYTHING. That approach *may* work for a few isolated conditions/symptoms but to apply it to the whole range of health issues is just plain ridiculous.

But beyond that, the Health Food Store has a lot to offer us. The Orange-Mint Ricola are just the beginning :-)

[WakeUp]

Neti Pots and Colds (http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-and-flu/neti-pots.aspx?xid=nl_EverydayHealthHealthyLiving_20090 904)

These nasal irrigation devices from ancient India can help you battle your nagging cold and sinus symptoms.



By Sara Calabro (http://www.everydayhealth.com/contributing-writers-and-editors.aspx)
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Haines, MD (http://www.everydayhealth.com/medical-reviewers.aspx)

http://images.waterfrontmedia.com/EverydayHealth/article/photos/image/hc_cold_flu_treatment_neti_pot_article.jpg

In springtime it's allergies; in winter, colds and flu (http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-flu/index.aspx). No matter the time of year, there always seems to be something clogging up our nasal passages.

As evidenced by the constant rotation of television commercials touting the latest in allergy and sinus relief, there is no shortage of medication for addressing these problems. But more and more, people who prefer to manage their symptoms naturally, or who want a more economical way to maintain nasal health, are looking back in time to an ancient healing tradition called neti.

Neti Pots and Colds: The Basics

Neti, developed hundreds (or perhaps even thousands) of years ago by yoga and Ayurveda practitioners (http://www.everydayhealth.com/alternative-health/healing-therapies/ayurvedic-practitioners.aspx) in India, is a nasal purification technique that involves the use of neti pots. Neti pots can be made of ceramic, glass, plastic, or metal and are sold in most health food stores.

The pot is filled with a saline solution (specially packaged salt mixtures can be purchased, but grocery store sea salt and water will do just fine). Once the neti pot is filled, its spout is inserted into one nostril while the user tilts the head to the side to allow the saline solution to flow up the nasal passage and then out the other nostril. Then the technique is repeated on the opposite side. To ensure a smooth flow of saline solution, the user should breathe through the mouth while tilting the head. Neti pots can be used as needed to alleviate nasal stuffiness or daily as a preventive method of keeping nasal passages free and clear.

Neti Pots and Colds: The Benefits

Neti pots can do the following:
Clear the nostrils to allow free breathing
Remove excess mucous
Reduce pollen (http://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/specialists/can-face-masks-help-pollen-allergies.aspx) or allergens in nasal passages
Relieve nasal dryness
Reduce cold and flu symptoms
Alleviate sinus headaches (http://www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management/headache/sinus-headache.aspx)
Improve sense of smell and taste
Reduce snoring (http://www.everydayhealth.com/sleep/sleep-apnea/treatments-for-snoring.aspx)A recent study performed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin's School of Medicine and Public Health found evidence that patients with daily sinus symptoms, allergies, and asthma may experience improvements with nasal irrigation. The study also offered strong evidence that nasal irrigation works well along with other, more traditional treatments for symptoms. Other devices such as bulb syringes and squirt bottles can also be used for nasal irrigation.

New York resident Jodie Tassello, who started using neti pots for a chronic sinus infection, says: "I was experimenting with so many different medications, but my symptoms kept coming back. When my friend recommended I try a neti pot, I figured I had nothing to lose. Within a few days, my sinus problems cleared up and haven't come back since. I now use my neti pot every day."

Neti Pots: Are They Safe?

Most research on nasal irrigation indicates there are no significant side effects from neti pots and concludes that the benefits outweigh any potential risks. Proper use of a neti pot is key to safe and effective use, however. If you have any questions on using neti pots, ask your doctor or other health care provider.

Last Updated: 02/20/2009
This section created and produced exclusively by the editorial staff of EverydayHealth.com. © 2009 EverydayHealth.com; all rights reserved.


Aricles in Cold and Flu Management

Calming Children's Cold and Flu Symptoms (http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-and-flu/calming-childrens-cold-flu-symptoms.aspx)
Is Exercise Good for the Common Cold? (http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-flu/exercise-for-common-cold.aspx)
The Common Cold and Chronic Medical Conditions (http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-flu/common-cold-and-chronic-medical-conditions.aspx)
Beauty S.O.S. for Cold Symptoms (http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-flu/beauty-sos-for-cold-symptoms.aspx)
Do You Feed a Cold and Starve a Fever? (http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-and-flu/colds-and-fevers.aspx)
Foods to Fight Your Cold (http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-and-flu/foods-that-fight-colds.aspx)
Neti Pots and Colds (http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-and-flu/neti-pots.aspx)
6 Ways to Save Money on Cold Medicine (http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-flu/save-money-on-cold-medicine.aspx)