Being sick forces me to reflect on what I can do to make
myself better.
This past Friday, I was feeling like absolute crap. After a week of windy weather, I had been
exposed to enough allergens to knock me off my feet for a few days. There was so much pollen, tree, and grass
allergens floating around that my daily use of Claritin was outnumbered. Three
against one is not a fair fight. I needed something more.
After being told by my regular doctor that Claritin was the
strongest medication for me, I took it into my own hands to figure out how to treat
my severe allergy reactions. Armed with the information the doctor provided, I
also read about other remedies and figured out what combination of treatments was
best for me. I was the one being kept up at night because I
was so congested, head-achy, and the sinus pressure was building back to my
ears. I was feverish and could not find
a comfortable position to rest. It was
ultimately up to me to figure out a solution.
I took a clove of fresh garlic, peeled it, and stuck the
smaller end of the clove into my ear. The
size of the glove was big enough to fit in the outer external area right before
the meatus. Garlic has natural antibiotic
properties. I have used garlic in the
past and noticed how quickly it healed scrapes and wounds. Bear in mind I am not saying that I used
garlic instead of using an antibiotic. I
am saying that after consulting with a physician, I was cleared of needing a
prescription for antibiotics so I used garlic for the allergy symptoms that I
experienced in my ear.
My ear was clogged, hot, and tender. The days leading up to the clog, it itched
like crazy. Upon reflection, I had to
admit that it is true that nothing smaller than your elbow should be placed in
your ear. I had used Q-tips and hairpins
to scratch the outer ear canal when I could no longer stand the intense itching. The scratching had caused inflammation and
fluid drainage. I had to leave the ear
alone and not disturb its healing process.
Distraction helped me not mess with the ear. I would read about treatments for itching
rather than satisfy the need one minute (Q-tips feel soo good) then have it
throbbing with pain from scratching the next.
I then stopped taking Claritin and tried over the counter
Zyrtec for the congestion/allergy symptoms.
Zyrtec seemed to clear up the congestion within the first twenty four
hour period after taking it. Using a
nasal spray and warm compresses sped the decongestant process up. For the pain, I took Motrin.
The congestion in my sinuses began to clear and drain down
into my throat. I felt the colorless and
odorless fluid in my ear drain while I was laying down on the affected
side. The feverish feeling was relieved
with the Motrin and lots of water/fluids.
For a good sick day drink, I take a lemon, squeeze it into a mug, fill
with warm water, and stir in a few teaspoons of honey. Tea and honey feels good going down a
scratchy throat also.
 |
| Hot water, lemon, honey, and sometimes a pinch of cayenne pepper can help clear up congestion! |
If my symptoms worsened I had a plan to get to the emergency
room. I was relieved that I began to
feel better after twenty four hours.
Although I value the input from a doctor, I also recognize
the need to be proactive in my daily maintenance and care. Using common sense, my knowledge of natural
remedies, and the information from trusted health websites, I was able to get
myself on the road to feeling better. And
no more Q-tips!
