Quiet Healing

The tiny white patches on my tongue were more noticeable this morning, and the soreness made even swallowing uncomfortable. Oral thrush, caused by Candida albicans, often appears when immunity is slightly weakened or after antibiotic use (Mayo Clinic). I poured a warm cup of chamomile tea, letting the steam rise gently, and stirred in a small spoonful of honey. The warmth and sweetness soothed the raw patches temporarily (Mandal & Mandal).

Love was present in the quiet gestures around me. My sister sat nearby, reading aloud softly from a book, glancing at me occasionally to make sure I was comfortable. Emotional support in close relationships reduces stress and can help the body recover more efficiently (Carter).

I focused on small routines, motivated to care for myself. I rinsed gently with a warm saltwater solution, a method known to help reduce fungal growth in the mouth (Mayo Clinic), and drank water frequently to keep my mouth hydrated (Popkin et al.). These small, consistent steps helped me feel in control despite the irritation.

Relaxation became part of recovery. I leaned back in my chair, feeling the warmth of the tea and the quiet presence of my sister, letting my body and mind slow down. Accepting that healing takes time reduced my frustration and made the discomfort easier to bear (Hayes et al.).

By evening, the soreness had eased just enough for me to eat a soft snack comfortably. Thrush would not disappear instantly, but with gentle care, love, and relaxation, the day had felt manageable. Recovery was quiet, steady, and accompanied by small moments of comfort.

Works Cited (MLA)

Carter, C. Sue. “Oxytocin and Social Bonding.” Hormones and Behavior, vol. 61, no. 3, 2012, pp. 380–391.

Hayes, Steven C., et al. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Guilford Press, 2012.

Mandal, Jyoti, and Soumyadev Mandal. “Honey: Its Medicinal Property and Antibacterial Activity.” Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, vol. 1, no. 2, 2011, pp. 154–160.

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Oral Thrush.” Mayo Clinic, 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-thrush.

Popkin, Barry M., et al. “Water, Hydration, and Health.” Nutrition Reviews, vol. 68, no. 8, 2010, pp. 439–458.