Home remedies for sore throat
It is flu season, and no one can deny that we are feeling its effects.
Everyone knows someone who has had the flu lately, some far worse than others. One of the initial warning signs of an oncoming cold or flu is a sore throat.
In simple terms, this means that your throat hurts, where pain may become worse upon swallowing.
Along with this pain may be a fever, headache, swollen glands in the neck or jaw and red tonsils.
Before we go any further, it’s important that you know the possible cause of your sore throat, as not all ailments are the same.
For example, a sore throat may be caused by a virus, such as the cold or flu; by a bacterial infection that may have spread to the throat from a sinus or ear infection; tonsillitis; and apart from cold/flu-like symptoms, a sore throat can come about due to acid reflux, strained vocals (from talking loudly or shouting for a long time), or certain allergies. Whatever the cause, these remedies will help you to ease the pain and speed up the healing process for your throat.
Licorice root Licorice root is an excellent aid to healing a sore throat or cough, as research has proven its powerful antiviral, antimicrobial, and soothing effects. As an expectorant, it soothes irritation in the throat and helps to loosen and expel its excess mucus. This is a great aid for singers or orators.
Licorice root also reduces inflammation of the tonsils, among its many other uses. This herb can be found in some pharmacies in the form of licorice sticks (not the candy), that can be sucked in small amounts if you can bear its awful taste. Some companies have created licorice lozenges, however, the un-candied form is more potent. Persons who are pregnant, nursing or suffer with high blood pressure should not use licorice, as well as those using blood thinning medications.
Echinacea This lovely herb has been used for many years for its ability to support a healthy immune system.
Echinacea contains both antiviral and antimicrobial components which can help your body to fight off infections that can lead to a sore throat. In other words, it boosts your immunity and can keep you from getting the cold, flu or a sore throat in the first place, but if you do develop a cold or sore throat, it can help to hasten recovery time by up to 1 day, according to research. Echinacea can be easily located at most pharmacies in its powdered capsule form, and can be taken regularly without harmful side effects.
Herbal Tea: Turmeric, Thyme, Cinnamon & Cayenne Here’s a power-packed concoction that is bound to bring relief at the first hint of a sore throat or common cold. Turmeric is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties through its active ingredient curcumin.
Thyme may also be used for its broad spectrum antibiotic properties.
Cinnamon, amongst its many uses, also contains antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
And lastly, cayenne pepper, may be used for its pain relieving and tissue healing properties, due to its active ingredient, capsaicin.
Together, they make a lethal combination against any flu-induced sore throat. To make this tea, add half teaspoon of turmeric powder, a pinch of black pepper, half teaspoon of dried thyme leaves, half teaspoon of cinnamon and half teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder, to a cup of freshly boiled water. Let steep for 15 minutes, stir and drink on an empty stomach at bed-time. You will feel much better by the next morning.
Slippery Elm Slipper elm is an absolute gem.
Known for its soothing properties, slippery elm bark when added to water, takes on a thick, gel-like form that coats the mucosal lining of the digestive and urinary tract, beginning in the throat. It the case of a sore throat, it can bring great relief from painful coughs and swallowing. To use slippery elm, you may purchase its capsules at your nearest pharmacy. Empty two to three capsules into a cup of warm water, stir and drink two to three times daily on an empty stomach.
There we have it for today. Whatever you do, be sure to properly hydrate your body to help to keep the throat moist and to also flush away any harmful substances produced by the infection, as necessary.
Rest up well, and allow your body do its natural duty of healing itself. Remember, if your sore throat symptoms last for more than a few days without relief, you may need to visit your doctor for an effective diagnosis and related treatment.
Best wishes on your journey to better health.
Everyone knows someone who has had the flu lately, some far worse than others. One of the initial warning signs of an oncoming cold or flu is a sore throat.
In simple terms, this means that your throat hurts, where pain may become worse upon swallowing.
Along with this pain may be a fever, headache, swollen glands in the neck or jaw and red tonsils.
Before we go any further, it’s important that you know the possible cause of your sore throat, as not all ailments are the same.
For example, a sore throat may be caused by a virus, such as the cold or flu; by a bacterial infection that may have spread to the throat from a sinus or ear infection; tonsillitis; and apart from cold/flu-like symptoms, a sore throat can come about due to acid reflux, strained vocals (from talking loudly or shouting for a long time), or certain allergies. Whatever the cause, these remedies will help you to ease the pain and speed up the healing process for your throat.
Licorice root Licorice root is an excellent aid to healing a sore throat or cough, as research has proven its powerful antiviral, antimicrobial, and soothing effects. As an expectorant, it soothes irritation in the throat and helps to loosen and expel its excess mucus. This is a great aid for singers or orators.
Licorice root also reduces inflammation of the tonsils, among its many other uses. This herb can be found in some pharmacies in the form of licorice sticks (not the candy), that can be sucked in small amounts if you can bear its awful taste. Some companies have created licorice lozenges, however, the un-candied form is more potent. Persons who are pregnant, nursing or suffer with high blood pressure should not use licorice, as well as those using blood thinning medications.
Echinacea This lovely herb has been used for many years for its ability to support a healthy immune system.
Echinacea contains both antiviral and antimicrobial components which can help your body to fight off infections that can lead to a sore throat. In other words, it boosts your immunity and can keep you from getting the cold, flu or a sore throat in the first place, but if you do develop a cold or sore throat, it can help to hasten recovery time by up to 1 day, according to research. Echinacea can be easily located at most pharmacies in its powdered capsule form, and can be taken regularly without harmful side effects.
Herbal Tea: Turmeric, Thyme, Cinnamon & Cayenne Here’s a power-packed concoction that is bound to bring relief at the first hint of a sore throat or common cold. Turmeric is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties through its active ingredient curcumin.
Thyme may also be used for its broad spectrum antibiotic properties.
Cinnamon, amongst its many uses, also contains antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
And lastly, cayenne pepper, may be used for its pain relieving and tissue healing properties, due to its active ingredient, capsaicin.
Together, they make a lethal combination against any flu-induced sore throat. To make this tea, add half teaspoon of turmeric powder, a pinch of black pepper, half teaspoon of dried thyme leaves, half teaspoon of cinnamon and half teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder, to a cup of freshly boiled water. Let steep for 15 minutes, stir and drink on an empty stomach at bed-time. You will feel much better by the next morning.
Slippery Elm Slipper elm is an absolute gem.
Known for its soothing properties, slippery elm bark when added to water, takes on a thick, gel-like form that coats the mucosal lining of the digestive and urinary tract, beginning in the throat. It the case of a sore throat, it can bring great relief from painful coughs and swallowing. To use slippery elm, you may purchase its capsules at your nearest pharmacy. Empty two to three capsules into a cup of warm water, stir and drink two to three times daily on an empty stomach.
There we have it for today. Whatever you do, be sure to properly hydrate your body to help to keep the throat moist and to also flush away any harmful substances produced by the infection, as necessary.
Rest up well, and allow your body do its natural duty of healing itself. Remember, if your sore throat symptoms last for more than a few days without relief, you may need to visit your doctor for an effective diagnosis and related treatment.
Best wishes on your journey to better health.