My nephews spent the weekend with me and along with their toy cars and coloring books they also brought the flu. Needless to say I ended up getting sick and had a runny nose and sore throat. One thing I hate more than a runny nose is a sore throat so I decided to look for easy homemade remedies to treat my sore throat and this is what I found.
Tea – Drinking a cup of tea can be very beneficial for someone suffering from sore throat. As it is basically a fluid, it works similarly with water, soothing the throat and keeping the tissues hydrated. Teas also boast a good amount of antioxidants, which will strengthen one’s immunity to combat the infection.
Water – It goes without saying that an adequate consumption of water works wonders during infection. Drink plenty of water. Water in general will keep one’s mucous membranes moist and hydrated. Furthermore, water helps thin the secretions in the throat and can soothe the irritation.
Vitamins – If the cause of your sore throat appears to be a viral or bacterial infection, there’s nothing better to do than helping your body fight off what is causing the infection. Bolster and strengthen your immune system by consuming a diet packed with vitamins C and E and minerals such as zinc and magnesium. Lemon – Lemons contain a wide range of beneficial phenolic compounds and vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, essential oils, and carotenoids – just what you need to boost your immune system to combat any infection. According to the USDA Nutrient Database, an average-sized raw lemon (100 g) boasts 53 mg of vitamin C, 2.8 g of dietary fiber, 8 mg of magnesium, and 0.06 mg of zinc. Add some lemon juice to a glass of hot water, plus two teaspoons of honey. Alternatively, consume the fruit directly, with some salt on the lemon if desired. Honey – Honey has long been appreciated for its antibacterial properties. Such feat can be used in the treatment of sore throat. It can eliminate the bacteria responsible for sore throat and hasten the healing process. Honey can also draw water out of inflamed tissue; this ability helps in reducing the swelling. Mix two or three teaspoons of honey in a cup of warm water or even tea. Baking soda solution – Baking soda possesses antibacterial activity, specifically against Streptococcus mutans. A baking soda gargle can help reduce the number of bacteria causing sore throat. Mix half teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water and use the solution as a gargle. Tabasco gargle – A spicy alternative to saltwater gargle is a solution of 10-20 drops of Tabasco sauce in a glass of water. Tabasco sauce comprises mainly peppers, vinegar, and salt, and Tabasco gargle hence uses the antiviral and antibacterial properties of the three to eliminate the pathogen causing the sore throat. Similar with saltwater gargle, do not swallow Tabasco gargle since it can irritate the stomach. Saltwater gargles – One of the most recommended means to help get rid of sore throat is saltwater gargling. Not only is a gargle with saltwater convenient and simple to make, but also it is effective and produces a rather quick effect. A warm cup of water with half a teaspoon of salt eases the swelling associated with sore throat. It does this by drawing the water out of mucous membranes in the throat. This in turn loosens and washes away the mucus that might accompany it. Since pain is related to the swelling, relieving the inflammation in sore throat also lessens the discomfort. Note that the water for gargling is intended for “gargling only” and should not be swallowed. Also, too much salt is a no-no since this would only lead to the dehydration of mucous membranes. Humidifier – Run a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in your bedroom. Adding moisture to the air will help keep the air from drying out and prevent the lining of your throat from becoming too dry. If you don’t have a humidifier, place a bowl of water on your radiator or heating vent each night. It will work as well as a store-bought device. New Toothbrush – If you’re plagued with a sore throat that seems to come back time and time again, buy a new toothbrush. Bacteria collect on the bristles, and if you injure your gums as you brush, they can enter your system and re-infect you. Apple Cider Vinegar – This brown liquid is thought to have antibacterial properties that can help fight the infection causing sore throats. The acidity of the vinegar decreases the pH of tissue, which helps prevent bacteria from growing on its surface. Raw apple cider vinegar also has the prebiotic inulin, which may increase your number of white blood cells and T cells, and boosts your immune system.Chicken Soup – Chicken soup is a staple food when it comes to being sick, but it turns out it is good for more than its comforting taste. Research suggests the chicken and vegetable combo helps reduce upper respiratory cold symptoms, including soothing sore throats.
Here's a recipe for making a soothing, aromatic Cinnamon Ginger Honey Tea which immensely helps in the recovery process.
Cinnamon Ginger Honey Tea
1 tbsp honey (can change to how sweet you like it)1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Mix all ingredients together in a cup and mix with hot water. Sip on this delicious drink as you experience renewed energy and a soothing of your throat and mouth. It is especially beneficial right before bedtime.
Cayenne can help reduce the severity of sore throat pain so if you like you can add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the tea otherwise you can leave it out.What other sore throat remedies have you tried?
