Ugh, we’ve all experienced that awful feeling when your throat is burning, and it’s so tough to get relief. Let’s check out some old and new symptom relievers to make the pain go away.
Go Away, Sore Throat!
Unfortunately, a sore throat is usually a symptomatic preview to an oncoming cold. Or the flu. Boosting your immune system may dull the onset of a viral germ attack. It may also quicken your healing time. In the meanwhile, here are some treatments you can try that should help relieve some discomfort.
Tried and True with a Twist
Warm water and honey are soothing and help coat your throat. There are several other ingredients you can separately or mix and match.
ADD INS:
- turmeric– add a teaspoon as an anti-inflammatory
- apple cider vinegar- add a teaspoon as an anti-bacterial
- fresh lemon juice- add just a couple of drops for a boost of vitamin C. Too much acidity may burn, so keep the content minimal
- ginger- grate a little from a ginger root to steep in the liquid. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
All Natural Alternative
ESSENTIAL OILS:
There are several essential oils that can help relieve your sore throat. The key is to use them properly and safely. Do not ingest them without the guidance of a naturopath and utilizing quality products. The best way to use them effectively, in this case, is:
- a) add drops to hot water and gargle. Do not swallow.
- b) add drops to boiling water and inhale the steam. Never put your face close to the water and always remove the pot from the stove before inhaling.
ADD INS:
- peppermint oil- contains menthol, which helps soothe
- eucalyptus oil- stimulates the immune system
- juniper berry oil- contains powerful anti-oxidants
- oregano oil- great for treating many types of infections
Traditional Treatments and Thoughts
- Get a ton of rest.
- Eat soup. It’s soothing, and you can add all types of healing spices to your broth. Cloves and garlic are excellent suggestions and will add yummy flavor. Fresh veggies can help improve your immune responses too.
- Drink tea. Stay away from caffeinated tea, actually all caffeinated beverages. You don’t need to rev up your system right now. Also, they dehydrate. The key is to stay as hydrated as possible. Chamomile is calming. Any teas with Echinacea and lemon will be perfect.
- Use natural throat sprays and lozenges. It may be a slight challenge to find, but it will be worth it. Get a spray or drops you can suck on that have cooling effects. Anything with menthol will be nice. Try to avoid any product with sugar or even artificial sweeteners. Gelatin drops with lemon or honey are great.
- Salt water is always a worthy go-to.
Good luck getting rid of your bug and your pain quickly! If it lasts for several days, you may want to check with your physician in case it’s bacterial (like strep.) Make sure to stay rested, eat well, and wash your hands with soap often. Hopefully, this will help prevent you from coming down with something you’d rather avoid in the future.
