(NaturalNews) It is almost inevitable that as soon as the weather turns cold, noses start running and people start coughing. Both bacterial infections such as strep throat and viral infections like the flu can cause sore throats. Thankfully, viral infections do not respond to antibiotics so people have to turn to natural remedies. There are many ways to speed healing of a sore throat without putting harmful substances into your body.
Gargle away a sore throat
Gargling with salt water is an age old, folk remedy for sore throats that works. The simplest mix is just salt and water. One teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water is sufficient. Best to stir and let the salt dissolve before gargling though.
Tea time
Several teas are known to soothe sore throats. A helpful recipe includes:
1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
Juice from 1/4 lemon
1 teaspoon of honey
Cayenne pepper to taste
Mix the ingredients into a cup of warm water and drink slowly. One cup is rarely enough for all day relief, but four may do the trick. This drink may also help reduce coughing.
Another tea option is to combine ginger tea with cinnamon and lemon. Ingredients include:
1 teaspoon of grated ginger
1 cinnamon stick
2 teaspoons of grated lemon peel
1/2 cup of water
Combine ingredients in a pan and simmer for 15 minutes. Pour three tablespoons of mixture into a cup of warm warm and drink. Save the rest for additional cups of tea later in the day.
A third tea option is ginger
tea with lemon and pepper. Seep one bag of ginger tea in a cup of hot water. Add lemon juice and black pepper powder to taste. This remedy not only helps relieve throat pain, but it can also clear blockages.
Herbs for sore throats
Research indicates that herbs can be effective for sore throats. A lesser known herb in the U.S. is andrographis. This herb is sometimes called Indian echinacea because of its use for colds and flus and because it grows in Asia, including India. A study at Tufts Medical Center found that andrographis relieved the sore throats and other cold symptoms of adult participants. Andrographis is available in the U.S.
Slipper elm is a common Native American remedy taken for many health problems, including skin conditions and sore throats. When water is added to slippery elm, a substance in the herb called mucilage becomes gel-like. The gel coats and soothes sore throats.
Sage leaves of liquid extracts added to hot water can also help sore throats. Add two teaspoons of sage leaves, dried or fresh, to a cup of boiling water, let steep and then drain the leaves to make a soothing herbal drink. It may also help to add a pinch of salt. Extra liquid can be kept in a refrigerator for two days.
Add moisture
Increasing the moisture in the throat is a basic way to relieve pain. A humidifier can do wonders for throat pain by adding moisture to dry air. Drinking plenty of water and tea also keeps the throat moist.
Some people find that warm liquids like soup are comforting. Other people have better luck with popsicles. Sucking on natural lozenges may help too, though young children should not be given lozenges because of the choking risk.
Sources for this article include:http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/sore_throat.htmlhttp://altmedicine.about.comhttp://www.fatfreekitchen.com/home-remedy/sinus-remedies.htmlhttp://greenliving.nationalgeographic.comAbout the author:Sarka-Jonae Miller is a personal trainer, massage therapist, novelist, and blogger. Get more health and wellness tips on Sarka's
Natural Healing Tips blog,
Facebook page, or
Twitter.
Sarka's debut novel, "Between Boyfriends," recently appeared on three Amazon best seller lists, including Comic Fiction, Humorous Fiction, and Women's Fiction. It peaked at #3 on the first two lists. The novel is available on
Amazon worldwide. This is the second time in two months "Between Boyfriends" appeared in the top 10.
East County Magazine calls it the "ultimate chick-lit read." The Rancho Santa Fe Review newspaper says, "Over the course of the book, Jan, who is in her early 20s, begins to grow as a person and even strikes up a true friendship with a man, a first for her." Read a free sample on Amazon.
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