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I noticed that chewing gum while hiking seems to relieve thirst a bit...

Anyone else try this?

Only bad thing is sucking the gum down your gullet during a steep section.....
or chewing with mouth open while a bug pops in for a visit....

We used to suck on Jolly Ranchers in the Army. However, it does not relieve thirst though, it only gives the illusion, as it stimulates the salivary gland (treating the symptom) while doing nothing to actually replace fluids (treating the "disease" which causes thirst).

Supposedly sucking on a small pebble will do the same thing ... read that somewhere, maybe a native american trick or something.

@cactuscat
Interesting about the Pebble, but I think I'll stick with a Jolly Rancher.... And I hate swallowing Gum so that's totally out!!!

during harvest we'd reach into the catch and chew the wheat
it turns gum like then dissolves
o' natural and surely everyone carries a peck or bushel of wheat out hiking

cactuscat wrote:Supposedly sucking on a small pebble will do the same thing ... read that somewhere, maybe a native american trick or something.

My father always told me that when we were out hiking and I was complaining about being thirsty.

I have heard of the pebble, I was told it was an Native American trick. A flat stone a little smaller than a dime.
I chew on beef jerky, maybe the salt intake is bad, but it works.

kevinweitzel75 wrote:I chew on beef jerky, maybe the salt intake is bad, but it works.

If salt is so bad for you, why do our tongues want it so much. My theory is that we are missing something in our modern diet that would have helped process the salt better back in the day. MMMMM, jerky!

I also have heard of the pebble trick to but what do you do if you accidently swallow it?

SuperstitionGuy wrote:I also have heard of the pebble trick to but what do you do if you accidently swallow it?

Just wait a while and you can get it back, wouldn't use it again though. ;)

I quit smoking at the end of June 2012 :GB: and pop sugar free RICOLAs or Halls menthol-eucalyptus on the trail. Keeps my mouth moist, nose clear and never popped a pebble but I can see where that might be useful. I like Fisherman's friend also although it is pretty strong.


Trish <an ex-smoker>

@Trishness
You're doing awesome Trish!!! Good for you!!!

Trish, I envy you. Wish I could stop.
I've been a pebble sucker for 40 years.
In my case they are known as gastroliths.

Where can you buy Fisherman's Friend ?

desertgirl wrote:Where can you buy Fisherman's Friend ?

Walgreens should have them. If I have trouble finding them locally I order them from drugstore.com.

Trish