Sore Throats
Sore throats are upper respiratory tract infections that are usually caused by viruses but occasionally by bacteria. A sore throat often accompanies a cold or flu, lasts for about three days, and may cause a mild fever. Natural remedies treat the infection and soothe the inflammation.
Gargle with cayenne
Cayenne will temporarily relieve the pain of a sore throat Make a gargle of
125ml (4fl oz) of warm water, one tablespoon of lemon juice, one teaspoon
of salt, and a dash of powdered cayenne. Gargle several times a day.
Fight viruses with garlic
Garlic is a powerful ally for your immune system and is excellent for fighting
the viruses that cause most sore throats. Eat two cloves of raw garlic daily
at the first inkling of a sore throat. Chop finely and add to hot miso or
chicken soup just before serving. The heat of the soup will also temporarily
soothe your throat
Boost immunity
Echinacea stimulates your immune system and so helps your body to overcome
the infection. Elderberry prevents the virus from replicating. Take half a
teaspoon of echinacea extract and one teaspoon of elderberry extract three
times a day in 60ml (2fl oz) of warm water
Soothe pain with marshmallow tea
Marshmallow contains a water-soluble fibre that soothes irritated tissues.
Ginger and peppermint both help relieve inflammation.
250m1(811 oz) water
I teaspoon marshmallow root
I teaspoon chopped fresh ginger root I teaspoon dried peppermint
Simmer the marshmallow root and ginger root for five minutesin water in
a covered pot Remove from the heat add peppermint, cover, and steep for an
additional ten minutes. Strain, sweeten if desired, and drink as often as
needed.
Gargle to encourage healing
A warm gargle made from sage tea and sea salt eases sore throat pain and promotes
healing. Sage contains astringent compounds that relieve pain temporarily,
and sea salt has mildly antiseptic properties.
250m1(8fl oz) boiling water 2 teaspoons dried sage 4i teaspoon sea salt
Pour the water over the sage, cover, and steep for ten minutes. Strain, add
sea salt. and gargle with the warm solution several times a day.
