Thanks so much for the tips, ladies I have to pop down to Woolies before they shut to grab some things for dinner so I'll pick up the ingredients for that tea and give it a go... would I sound strange if I admitted it actually sounds pretty yummy?

If it doesn't help, I will definitely be going back to the doctor about it, it's just so frustrating not being able to get any relief, kwim? Panadol doesn't seem to affect me the way it's meant to so I don't bother with taking it, meaning I just have constant pain for weeks until it subsides by itself, whereas if I had a week's worth of ABs it would be cleared up quick-smart and I could go months before seeing it again, you know?
I think the mucous is especially bad because I can't stand having blocked sinuses so I spend all day and half the night sitting there snorting it up and trying to get it out, any wonder I've scraped the membranes raw lol... but the colour is definitely screaming 'infection!!!' at me so if ginger, lemon and garlic don't help then yes, I will begin doctor-shopping until i find someone willing to help me out lol

Thanks again ladies, much appreciated