Waking up in the morning with the raw, burning sensation of a sore throat is an extremely common symptom during the fall and winter months. The scratchy irritation in the back of your throat can be caused by dry indoor air, allergies, smoke, pollution or infection. Sore throats generally will subside on their own in a few days.
In the meantime, here are a few holistic remedies help strengthen the immune system, soothe a sore throat and speed recovery.
Healing Begins from the Inside
Eating the right foods at the onset of a cold or the flu will help strengthen your immune system, lessen symptoms and speed healing.
- Garlic - Garlic contains a compound called Allicin (what makes garlic smell like garlic). It has natural antibiotic and anti-fungal properties that can heal many types of infections including a sore throat. Take two - three cloves, crushed or whole at the first sign of a sore throat and continue eating two cloves per day until your sore throat symptoms are relieved.
- Vitamins C and D - Vitamin C and its benefits at the onset of a cold or flu are well known. But upping the intake of vitamin D will support and encourage a healthy immune system.
Gargles and Teas to Soothe a Sore Throat
Topical applications such as gargles and teas provide immediate relief for irritated, scratchy throats.
- Honey and Vinegar Gargle - Dissolve one teaspoon of honey and one tablespoon of cider vinegar in a glass of warm water. Gargle with this mixture five - six times per day.
- Honey and Lemon - This is the traditional remedy for soothing a sore throat. Honey and lemon contains antibacterial, anti-fungal and disinfectant properties.
- Goldenseal Herbal Tea - Gargle with goldenseal tea two-three times per day. Pour boiling water over two - three teaspoons of dried goldenseal; steep for 10 minutes and strain. Allow to cool. Use as a mouthwash two-three times per day.
- Sage Herbal Tea - Gargle with sage tea two - three times per day. Pour boiling water over two-three teaspoons of fresh sage leaves; steep for 10 minutes and strain. Allow to cool. Use as a mouthwash two - three times per day.
- Drink fresh ginger and pineapple juice. Juice three pineapple rings together with one quarter of an inch thick slice of fresh ginger. Both ginger and pineapple both contain natural anti-inflammatory agents that can speed up the healing of a sore throat.
- Turmeric Gargle - Stir one half of a teaspoon of turmeric into a cup of hot water. According to Ayurveda, gargling with turmeric mixture before bed will soothe your sore throat.
Soothing Vapors
Chamomile, oregano and thyme have antimicrobial, antispasmodic and expectorant properties. The essential oils from these plants have a direct effect on the mucous membranes when inhaled.
Mix equal parts chamomile, oregano, and thyme and pour one quart of hot water over one half of a cup of the mixture. Lean over the mixture and cover your head with a towel. Inhale vapors for 15 minutes, first through the nose then through the mouth. This will clear not only your sinuses but also ease the throat, tonsils and lungs.
Note: You can use one-two drops of essential oils instead of dried herbs if you prefer.
Cold Throat Wraps
Wrapping your throat loosely with a cold compress will cause the body to respond by warming up that part of the body. This process is accomplished by sending more blood to that area, delivering more oxygen, more white blood cells and more antibodies to fight the infection. As more blood travels through this area toxins and mucus will be removed, allowing for healing to take place.
A Word of Warning
* If you suffer from gastrointestinal upset or just don’t like the taste of raw garlic, you can cook bake or stir-fry the garlic or take garlic supplements from your health food store to get the benefits you need.
* See your medical doctor if the pain persists for more than three days, if you have a fever of 101ºF or higher; if you have a reddish rash on your torso; have a history of rheumatic fever; been exposed to strep or mononucleosis; or get sore throats frequently.
Sources:
- Judith H. Morrison, The Book of Ayurveda: A Holistic Approach to Health and Longevity; London, Gaia Books Limited (1995)
- Reader’s Digest, The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs, NY, The Readers Digest Association, Inc. (2009)
- The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, (various contributors), MM International Masters Publishers AB
- Mark Evans B. Phil. FNIMH, Natural Healing: Remedies & Therapies, NY, Hermes House (2002)
- Laurel Sherer, Herbs a Spiritual Approach, University of Metaphysical Sciences (2005)
Katrina Rief-Derrico - Katrina has over 19 years experience in the housing industry and is forever the student. Holistic health and wellness is her passion.
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