What To Do For A Sore Throat!

                                                                               

This is the time of year when either one of my kids, or someone I know will ask what to do for a sore throat. Let's face it, most people don't keep pharmaceuticals on hand for emergencies like this and most people don't know how to quickly relieve a sore throat with things you may have in your spice rack.

  As an herbal practitioner I generally have things like slippery elm or marshmallow root on hand for such occasions but most people don't keep these things readily available. I make a lozenge out of these herbs which help soothe a sore throat. If I didn't have a lozenge available I would just suck on some of the powder of licorice root, marshmallow root, or slippery elm.

   Most people keep honey on hand but they don't really keep natural honey, I mean unprocessed honey, and something is lost in the processing. Processed honey will still work but not as well. Honey is a great thing to keep around because of its antiseptic and antibiotic qualities. Raw honey contains vitamins and minerals necessary for healing so it's a great application for wounds and burns. It's also helpful for sore throats. In fact a mixture of equal parts of Turmeric (yes, that stuff you use for cooking) and honey can be very helpful for a sore throat. If I didn't have Turmeric I would probably use Ginger in the mixture.

    Let me say that sore throats can be viral or bacterial so long term treatment will vary depending on the type of sore throat. Your sore throat may be a common sore throat or it may be caused by toxins or irritation from smoking or breathing in toxic materials. Sore throats MAY be from a more serious illness or from medical treatment. So, keep in mind that I am talking about a normal sore throat that may accompany a cold or flu or some bacterial infection.

    Also, let me say that various teas can be made that may prove helpful using some of those things I have previously mentioned or with lemon, or Apple Cider Vinegar, salt water, or even onion juice. You can find lots of herbal remedies online, some more helpful than others.

BUT WHAT DO DO WHEN YOU NEED IMMEDIATE RELIEF?

     Now, suppose you have a very sore throat. I mean the kind of sore throat that really hurts and makes it hard to even swallow. You will NOT WANT to do what I am about to tell you, but if you do it, you will most probably find almost immediate relief. It's only a temporary relief so you'll need to do it again before the pain returns, followed by the treatment afore mentioned. What is it? CAYENNE!

     Yes, you read that correctly! I know what you're thinking. You're thinking "That stuff is hot!" EXACTLY! Try putting about 1/4 tsp. of Cayenne in a couple ounces of warm water and gargle it. It MAY burn for a few seconds but relief will come suddenly. You will notice this quick relief. It may not take the sore throat totally away but it will make it a lot better! On, the other hand, depending on how bad the sore throat is it may be totally relieved.                            

    I got a call a few days ago from one of my church members who had heard me talk about this treatment and she asked about it. Her daughter had come home from work with a very sore throat which made it difficult to swallow. I told her what to do and she did it, bringing relief to her daughter. I had her repeat the process in the next hour and that was the end of it. I have done the same thing with a couple of my kids so I know it works. I must confess that, since I just don't get sore throats that I have never tried it on myself but I can guarantee that if I had to do it I would.

   I'm not really sure of exactly WHY this works but I know that it draws blood to the sore area and probably lymph which moves waste material from the area which in turn means that inflammation is being reduced.

    I hope this is found to be helpful as I personally have found so many of these very simple remedies to be, not only safe and  healing, but easy on the pocket book as well!

NOTE: This information is for information purposes only and does not claim to diagnose or cure any disease. It is a testimonial of my personal experiences and information I have gathered.