So, as I walk around campus, I’ve noticed that there are certain things all college students have in common — and no, it is not studying. Rather, it is sickness, sweaty and sleepless nights (for those of us who live in ancient dorm buildings during the months leading up to fall), and getting out stains with the subpar school washing machines. Therefore, I have come up with a list of Jamaican life hacks that can aid any student along their college journey. Some of these are things my mom taught me that she learned after coming to America, but there will be quite a few things on this list that are from my home country Jamaica.
1. Vicks — it solves EVERYTHING
You must have it, it is the greatest medication of all time. Jamaican parents are particularly fond of this. As far as they are concerned, it helps sneezing, coughing, headaches, knee pains, broken bones, internal bleeding — you name it. (Some older Jamaicans will swear that mint candy will do just as good).
2. “Smelling Salt”
Now, Jamaicans also use “smelling salt” or Epsom salt (the more widely used name) when you are nauseous. (Mint candy is also sufficient here as well.)
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
I’m pretty sure my mom learned this one after coming to America, but if you have stomach problems, such as your food not settling well, a bit of apple cider vinegar in some water will get the job done. This is also useful for relief if you have scalp problems, especially relating to dandruff that causes your scalp to itch.
4. Ginger tea/Peppermint Tea
This is good for gas, stomach ache, cramps. My mother always told me that even if it doesn’t “stay down,” at least the heat has started something (keep in mind that my mother is no doctor). Ginger and peppermint tea truly are the standard; no other tea compares to these two.
5. Fevergrass Tea
This is exactly how we do it in Jamaica: from its natural habitat straight to the pot.
Or you can take the easy way out…
The name (fevergrass) is pretty self-explanatory…I hope. However, the true name is Lemongrass tea. We use it usually when you have a fever, and you can drink it just for pleasure of course. Jamaicans are infamous for just getting some plant-like structure from the side of the road and boiling it to make tea.
6. Eucalyptus oil with honeyThis brand and this brand only; we use no other (because it’s a Jamaican company… #shamelesspromotion)
This cures all coughs/colds. Don’t ever drink Eucalyptus oil with sugar — it is the worst thing you will ever taste. “Just a spoonful of sugar make the medicine go down” is a lie. Yes, Mary Poppins lied to you. But honey makes it go down (and is healthier than sugar anyways). Also, keep in mind that if you want to try this, most places will tell you that Eucalyptus oil is for external use only. But I am simply here to relate what the people in my country do, and that is to drink it (just a tip) with honey.
7. Baby Powder: The cure for summer heat
Feeling hot and sticky in the summer/months leading up to fall? This is a misery, especially when your dorm isn’t air-conditioned. But, using powder — yes, like the white stuff they put on babies — cools you down (says Jamaican people).
8. Stains? Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is your best friend when it comes to stains. It is in a brown bottle (it really shouldn’t be in a light colored bottle. From what I learned in Biology in 12th grade, this is due to its properties and the dark color bottle preserves it). It takes out any stain, especially if you use it immediately after any little accident you have. It is also good to clean cuts (at least my mother did this, and I liked it better than the alcohol route which burned the life out of me).
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