Natural sore throat cures
By Catalogs Editorial Staff
Soothe a painful sore throat with these favorite home remedies.
A sore throat is usually caused by an infection, either viral or bacterial. Bacterial infections respond to antibiotics while viral ones do not. The good news is that for viral infections there are many natural sore throat cures to help provide relief.
Cayenne Pepper
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Many people swear by the power of cayenne pepper to help soothe and heal a sore throat. Gargling with cayenne pepper and hot water periodically through the day will help cure a sore throat. However the remedy takes a few days to begin working so be patient. The cayenne helps to draw out the infection so the remedy not only soothes the throat but works to heal it as well.
Licorice
Licorice is a common ingredient found in many herbal teas and works to help loosen mucous, providing relief for those suffering from a sore throat. Take caution however, extended use can cause side effects such as high blood pressure and headaches. Consult an expert for further details.
Water and Salt
This old-fashioned favorite is one of the best sore throat cures and works by washing away mucous and opening capillaries which allows for better circulation of bacteria-battling antibodies. Simply mix a teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of warm water and gargle three to four times a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon and Orange Juice
Gargling with a mixture of apple cider vinegar, lemon and orange juice provides relief from the pain and scratchiness associated with a sore throat. The acid in the apple cider vinegar helps to heal the throat by killing bacteria while the lemon and orange juice work to soothe irritation. Note: After using this remedy be sure to brush your teeth so the acid does not erode your tooth enamel.
Carrier Oil
Carrier oil, rubbed over the outside of the throat provides relief for sore throat sufferers. Canola, sunflower and grape seed are popular choices and experts suggest applying three or four drops of sandalwood oil over the carrier oil for added effectiveness.
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Slippery Elm
This herb found in many healthy store throat lozenges was once a popular remedy for sore throats. Made from mucilage (a jelly found on the inner bark of the tree) this remedy coats the throat providing relief to those suffering from a sore throat.
Honeysuckle Flower
Usually found in Chinese herb shops, this natural sore throat cure is used in a tea. Using the honeysuckle flower and hot water, simply make a strong tea and drink it two or three times a day to provide relief.
Ginger
Ginger also has healing properties beneficial for a sore throat. Peel the skin from a ginger root and slice the root into thin slices. Put the slices into a pot of water and boil to make tea. Add honey to sweeten and gently clear your throat between sips.
Garlic
Eating cloves of garlic helps soothe a sore throat. Garlic contains a powerful compound called allicin which has antibiotic and antifungal characteristics; eating two crushed cloves a day can help cure what ails you.
Re-position Your Pillow
The people at the Farmer’s Almanac suggest changing your sleep position to help avoid sore throats. A cause of sore throats is the backup of stomach acid during the night which burns and irritates your throat. They suggest tilting the bed frame so the head is four to six inches higher than the foot and not eating two hours prior to going to bed to avoid the accumulation of painful stomach acid.
Although these natural sore throat cures will soothe most infections, be sure to see your doctor if your sore throat continues for more than three or four days or if you have a fever, swollen glands or white spots in the back of your throat. Sore throats can also be caused by more serious infections that require the attention of a physician.
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