Sore Throats: Natural Remedies That Work

 

Winter is fast approaching, so I thought now would be the perfect time to recommend some of my favourite natural remedies for sore throats!

A sore throat is often a symptom or condition of another illness – usually a cold, flu or glandular fever – all of which are incredibly common and easy to spread. If a sore throat is particularly severe it could be the sign of a bacterial infection (often arcanobacterium haemolyticum or streptococcus), in which case you might like to visit a doctor for some antibiotics. A sore throat can also be caused by smoking, polluted air, consumption of alcohol or any allergies you may have.

Most sore throats will go away with a time and bit of Tender Love and Care. But until then, you can alleviate the symptoms and help the healing process along, with some of these natural remedies.

My Favourite Natural Remedies for Sore Throats:

• Drink lemon, apple cider, cayenne and honey tea. Each ingredient has a specific job from soothing the throat, reducing inflammation to relieving irritation. It is made by adding one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, a pinch of cayenne pepper, the juice of ¼ of a lemon and one teaspoon of honey to a cup of hot (not boiling) water. Stir and drink.

• Drink a glass of warm water with 1 teaspoon of lemon and some honey.

• Chinese medicine practitioners recommend honeysuckle tea. Bring ¼ cup of water to the boil. Add one cup honeysuckle flower (not the leaves), steep for 10 minutes and then strain. Use up to four times a day.

• Gargle warm salt water (¼  teaspoon  of salt to ½ cup water) several times a day.

• Boil one clove of garlic in 1 cup of water. Allow to cool and drink.

My colleague from Ireland  naturally insists the Irish remedy known as ‘Hot toddy’ is the most successful of them all!

It involves ½ teaspoon honey, ¼ to ½ lemon including a little pulp, 1-1 ½ shots of whiskey (preferable Irish), four cloves, a cinnamon stick (if you have one) and a teaspoon brown sugar (optional). Add the ingredients to very hot water and allow it brew for 3-5 minutes. For best results, leave the cloves and cinnamon stuck in the mug while drinking.

Other Tips

• A hot Epson salt bath taken daily during sickness is highly beneficial. Dry friction deep breathing should also be exercised during this regime.

• It is extremely important to consume enough fluids during this period. Water is essential to lubricate all the membranes, which will reduce irritation.

• If you are pregnant for extra benefit warm up a glass of milk and add a teaspoon of turmeric to it and drink on a regular basis. Add honey if required. The extra milk will improve the mother’s calcium levels

Do you have any home remedies for sore throats? Please share them by adding a comment below!