Pain in the Neck: Throat Remedies
Alongside colds and coughs, illnesses affecting the throat remain one of the most obtrusive. Throat inflammation, painful swallowing, and an irritated mouth can affect our appetite, ability to speak or comfortably breathe — and thereby our fundamental well-being.
Our ancestors routinely turned to drastic measures involving blood-letting and leeches to resolve these issues. Yet among them there are a series of remedies that are a bit more palatable and accessible today.
The following insight and remedies are sourced from Տանու Բճիշկ (Home Doctor) written by Garabed Kochariants (1863).
I have organized the recommendations according to the target symptom below .
In the case of inappetence and a mucus coated tongue…
⌯ Remedies:
▸ 1 tbsp of olive oil, 1/2 tbsp of salt mixed with 1/3 cup hot water, drink in the morning
▸ 2 tsp of wheatgrass powder with 1 cup of water, drink over a period of thirty minutes (note this may induce vomiting)
In the case of irritation and inflammation in the mouth and throat and pain when swallowing…
⌯ Remedies:
▸ Mix 3 tbsp of your choice of herb (Chamomile, Elderberry, Alfalfa, Sage or Wound-Wort) with 1/2 cup of hot water, leave to infuse and strain, mix with 1 tbsp of honey-vinegar ✷ and gargle with this.
▸ Mix 2 tsbp of honey with 1 cup of hot water and use to coat your mouth and throat.
In the case of ulcer like irritations in the mouth…
⌯ Remedy:
▸ Mix 3 tbsp of your choice of herb (Chamomile, Elderberry, Alfalfa, Sage or Wound-Wort) with 1/2 cup of hot water, leave to infuse and strain, mix with 1 cup of milk and gargle with this.
In the case of swollen lymph nodes, trouble breathing and difficulty speaking …
⌯ Remedies:
▸ Mix 1 teaspoon of mint, chamomile or elderberry with 4 cups of hot water and allow to infuse. Once cooled mix 2 tbsp of honey and drink every 2 hours.
✷ Honey - vinegar instructions:
Mix 2 parts high quality honey with 1 part wine vinegar
