Tis the season for a suppressed immune system, and as we work our way through the holidays, we find ourselves falling prey to germs everywhere. And, even though I was triumphant through each round of the ick that went through my house for several weeks, I awoke this morning with a terrible sore throat. So, as I sip my tea, I thought I would give you all a few holistic treatments to try.
Grandma’s Go-To Sore Throat Recipe
- Salt Water – A tried and true holistic remedy for clearing congestion, easing mucus membranes and fighting bacteria is a saline solution. We use saline to wash out congestion from our eyes, nose and throat. The solution helps neutralize acids, ease inflammation, and wash away congestion. Try a 1/4 teaspoon salt per cup of warm water, then gargle and spit. You can do this several times a day to help keep your throat clear.
Nika’s Kicked Up Ginger Tea
- Make an herbal tea by boiling a 1″ slice of gingerroot in about 10 oz. water. Allow to steep about 3-5 minutes. Meanwhile, add the juice of half a lemon, a teaspoon of honey and a dash of cayenne pepper to a mug. Once steeped pour ginger “tea” over lemon mixture and enjoy. All the ingredients in this recipe are highly anti-inflammatory and helps break up congestion while comforting a sore throat and mild achiness.
Essential Oil Treatments
- I have been using doTERRA’s Breathe in a diffuser by the bed to help keep me congestion free at night. Other oils you can try to break up congestion are Eucalyptus, Peppermint (may keep you awake at night), Wintergreen, and Ravensara. Place oils in a diffuser or add 6-8 drops to a hot bath.
- doTERRA’s EO Gargle Treatment – Add a drop of each doTERRA’s On Guard, Melaleuca, and Lemon to a cup of water. Gargle and swallow/spit. If ingesting the oils, do not use more than a drop of each and only do this up to three times a day. (side note: I tried this on myself with good results plus it gave me really fresh breath.)
