3 Best Home Remedies for Sore Throat
The top 3 home remedies for sore throat relief are here!
Having a sore throat can make you downright miserable! Pain, burning, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing… no one likes suffering from sore throat symptoms. If you’re reading this article, you are likely searching for immediate relief. Have no fear – I have the top three home remedies for sore throat here so you can start feeling better fast.
Causes of Sore Throat
About 90% of sore throats are caused by a virus like the cold or flu or are caused by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. The home remedies described below are targeted to fight the source of the infection as well as eliminate symptoms such as redness and swollen glands.
Home Remedies for Sore Throat
#1 – Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is made from the seeds and pulp of grapefruit. It is rich in essential oils that naturally fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In the case of sore throat caused by bacteria, GSE has been shows to have antimicrobial properties against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Within 15 minutes after contacting the bacteria, the GSE disrupts the cell membrane, essentially causing the cell to burst open.
As a home remedy for sore throat, grapefruit seed extract can be gargled in liquid form as well as taken internally via capsules. The liquid GSE must be diluted. Adults can mix 4 to 8 drops of GSE in about 5 ounces of warm water, gargle the liquid, and then swallow. Do this two to three times per day. Beware, the liquid does have a very bitter taste, but it is effective none-the-less.
You can also add a little honey or apple cider vinegar to the water to drown out the bitter taste. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) will provide added antimicrobial properties, but it can also cause irritation. If you do plan to add ACV to your water, use is sparingly (1 tablespoon or less).
GSE capsules can be taken at a dose of 250 mg, one to two times per day, with or without meals.
Some GSE products have been found to contain synthetic chemicals that are not listed on the label. Therefore, when purchasing GSE, I buy the NutriBiotic brand (buy NutriBiotic GSE liquid here or capsules here).
Cautions on Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract capsules should not be given to children without a doctor’s supervision. Children can take GSE liquid, but you should follow the manufacturer’s dosing instructions. Remember, GSE liquid should always be diluted before consuming.
Grapefruit and grapefruit products including GSE can potentiate the effects of certain medications (cholesterol-lowering statins, blood pressure drugs, and others), creating a risk of overdose and leading to adverse reactions. If you take any medications, consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking GSE or eating grapefruit.
Since GSE is antibacterial, it can deplete the normal flora “healthy” bacteria in the gut. Be sure to take a good probiotic like Natren Healthy Trinity while taking GSE. You should take the probiotic at least two hours after taking the GSE.
#2 – Warm Water, Salt, Ginger, and Honey
The second of the sore throat home remedies is combining 8 ounces of warm water with 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of powdered ginger, and ½ to 1 tablespoon of honey. Gargle the beverage, and then swallow. The salt reduces inflammation and swelling in the throat, the ginger has antibacterial properties, and the honey helps to heal irritation.
#3 – Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is a popular herb that has been used as an analgesic for centuries. It’s no surprise then that drinking peppermint tea naturally numbs the throat to help alleviate pain. Specifically, the active ingredient of menthol in peppermint cools burning throat pain. And, peppermint has been shown to have significant antibacterial and antiviral properties.
You can buy peppermint tea or make your own homemade tea. To make homemade peppermint tea, add 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves to a cup of boiling water and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes.
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