She was what they call a “badjohn” here in the Caribbean. A Chuck Norris of a woman feared by men, women, children and all other living organisms. There were tales about her…. She didn’t have to pick her mangoes like everyone else.  Trees would select their best and present them to her in the swaddling cloths as a tribute during mango season.  

Once, on her way to the city, she cleared her throat and her newly adopted puppy knew straightaway to sit in that spot until she returned. Jumbies (ghosts) tiptoed past her house at nights on their way to scare other villagers. Once, after sustaining an injury that would have taken down an elephant, she walked to and fro the hospital which was some 2 hours away- either way- with not a sigh or moan escaping her.  She was invincible…or at least, so we thought, until that day she had a toothache.

And, really, that will have to do as an introduction this week for the various mix-ups which are used (in most desperate times) to bring relief from a toothache.

 Nutmeg and Petroleum Jelly:

 For this mix-up, the sufferer would source a bit of cotton ball. Then, petroleum jelly would be rubbed, liberally, all over the bit of cotton ball. Then some generous amount of ground nutmeg would be sprinkled onto the cotton ball- I suppose the petroleum jelly worked as an adhesive?  And then, cotton ball with petroleum jelly and nutmeg would either be stuffed into a cavity or held along the gum/jaw line of the offending tooth/area.

Nutmeg and Whisky/Rum

I can only recall these two being mixed together in a few instances when a villager was beyond desperate and would have perhaps tried dislocating his/her head if that promised relief.  But the usual practice in times of desperation was to start with the whisky/rum.  I remember how children suffering pains from a cavity would immediately get sober or a bit happy after hearing some parent calling for rum.  It never failed to intrigue them that in their time of pain and need, the one thing in the cabinet that parents admonished them never to harass was now the very thing about to be administered to them.

Usually, the rum was tried first.  A tiny bit of rum/whisky would be poured into the cavity or the affected person would just swish the rum gently around in his or her mouth (The accompanying burn was accepted as part of the treatment).  When this failed to do the trick (or to ensure that the tooth gets the idea), then it was time to add a tiny bit of grounded nutmeg directly into the hole or rub a bit of it along the affected area. For the not so bad toothaches, either of these remedies were used on their own.

Vanilla extract and ground gloves:

 Here again, the sufferer just combines a bit of the two ingredients: ground cloves and pure vanilla extract, dips a cotton ball in the mixture and then applies it to the affected area.

Garlic and/ Saltwater

Here the sufferer alternates between a garlic compress on the affected area and warm water (with salt added) rinses.  Most times, the warm salt water is used on its own…with the victim (yes, victim) either swishing around the warm solution in his or mouth or just holding it in his or her mouth for a period of time before spitting and repeating the treatment.  Some substitute mouth wash for the saltwater solution.

Of course, these mix-ups above just graze the things people will resort to when confronted with toothaches. They certainly don't include the many remedies (such as crushed aspirins) which do not feature a combination of sorts.  Feel free to share your own mix-ups or tales of successful/failed mix-ups with us!

Disclaimer:

The contents of this page are meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Statements published here ought not to be taken as expert medical advice designed to treat/cure any diseases or health related conditions. Please talk to your doctor or any qualified healthcare professional if you need medical advice (Believe me, WE at RE:BELE would!)