Natural Remedies for a Sore Throat

Sore throats can be very painful and uncomfortable. The inflammation and swelling of the membranes in the throat make it hurt, especially when you swallow. Normally, a sore throat occurs in response to a viral or on the odd occasion, a bacterial infection. The good news is that there are several natural remedies that may help provide relief for you.

Sore throats are commonly caused by the common cold, which means that most likely a runny nose, cough, possibly sore ears, a fever, and tiredness or aches and pains are also happening. There are a few things to look for to know when to visit the doctor:

When the person has trouble breathing or swallowing
When they have a fever and no other symptoms
When they are complaining of a stiff or swollen neck
When they are drooling more than usual
If you think your child has a throat infection

Some great natural remedies for a sore throat are:

Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar, with its main active ingredient, acetic acid, helps to fight bacteria. It has been used in folk medicine for centuries. You can gargle with ACV or drink 1 cup of warm water mixed with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of honey.

Salt Water
Gargling with salt water is a well-known natural remedy. The salt helps reduce the swelling and may help in the killing off of unwanted microbes in your throat. Mix I cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of salt and stir to dissolve. Gargle with a mouthful of mixture for about 30 seconds.

Lemon Water
Lemons contain vitamin C as well as antioxidants. Creating a refreshing drink with warm water, lemon juice and a bit of honey is a great way to soothe and help assist in healing a dry, sore throat.

Honey
Honey not only tastes nice, but it can help in fighting infection and providing relief from coughs and sore, scratchy throats. It is especially effective when combined with apple cider vinegar (see above) and lemon water. However, it has been recommended not to give children under the age of one honey.

Steam Inhalation
Breathing in steam is a great way to treat sore throats that are accompanied by dryness. Some essential oils can irritate the eyes, such as Thyme and Clove, so do your research before using essential oils in steam inhalation. Use a towel over your head and make sure you only breath in steam for 15 minutes once or twice a day. Use 4 cups of hot water with 2 drops of either Lavender, Lemon or Tea Tree Essential Oils.

Essential Oils ~ Diffuser
If you have a diffuser, there are many different essential oils that can be diffused to help lessen the effects of a sore throat. These include:

Peppermint Essential Oil ~ has antioxidant and decongestant properties that can help alleviate a sore throat. It also contains method that can help sooth and calm a sore throat and break up coughs.
Lemon Essential Oil ~ is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and is known for helping cleanse toxins from the body.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil ~ has the ability to stimulate immunity, provide antioxidant protection and improve respiratory circulation. Avoid using in children under 10 years of age.
Wintergreen Essential Oil ~ a powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-reliever. It helps sooth away discomfort. It is a really strong essential oil, so definitely use a very small amount in a blend.
Myrrh Essential Oil ~ has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and is also a great pain reliever.
Clove Essential Oil ~ has antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Historically it has been used for soothing toothaches. It is super potent, so make sure it is highly diluted. Apply topically or in a throat spray. Do not use in a face steam as it may irritate the eyes.
Juniper Berry Essential Oil ~ has antifungal and antibacterial properties and is great for respiratory infections, fatigue and muscles aches as well as sore throats.

Essential Oil ~ Roll-On Blends

5 drops Lemon Essential Oil
2 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
1 drop Wintergreen Essential Oil

Add the essential oils to a 10ml roller bottle and fill up a carrier oil. Apply topically on your neck.

NOTE: Avoid using Eucalyptus in children under 10 years of age.

10 drops Protective Blend ~ Germ Fighter Essential Oil

Place the essential oils to a 10ml roller bottle and fill up a carrier oil. Apply topically on your neck or on the bottoms of feet.

2 drops Cinnamon Essential Oil
3 drops Orange Essential Oil
2 drops Clove Essential Oil
2 drops Lemon Essential Oil

Add the essential oils to a 10ml roller bottle and fill up a carrier oil. Apply topically on your neck or on the bottoms of feet.

1 drop Lemon Essential Oil
2 drops Ginger Essential Oil
2 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
5 drops Orange Essential Oil

Put the essential oils to a 10ml roller bottle and fill up a carrier oil. Apply topically on your neck or on the bottoms of feet.

Essential Oil ~ DIY Vapour Rub
Vicks Vapour Rub contains a variety of nasty chemicals, so I choose to make my own. With only four ingredients, it doesn’t take long to make. I store my natural vapour rub in lip gloss containers which makes it so much easier to apply to chests and the bottoms of feet.

Lastly, make sure you stay hydrated. Drinking water and staying hydrated helps fend off illnesses and helps you recover more quickly.

Other Homemade Products

Don’t forget to join our Facebook Group where you will find lots more essential oil recipes and information!

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Natural Remedies for a Sore Throat

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