A sore throat, whether from a cold or allergies, can really put a damper on your day. Fortunately, there are several herbs that can help soothe it, many of which you can find at your local grocery store or even grow at home.
Sage has astringent, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties and has been used for centuries to treat sore throats, coughs, and mouth inflammations.
Thyme also boasts antiseptic and antibiotic properties, making it effective for relieving coughs and symptoms of bronchitis.
Ginger and honey form a powerful combination against sore throats. They have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help combat the growth of fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can contribute to the discomfort.
If you’re experiencing throat pain, try this quick and natural remedy:
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons fresh sage
– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (regular or lemon thyme)
– 1 slice of fresh or dried citrus
– 1 inch fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon raw honey
– Vodka or neutral-flavored alcohol (to extend the life of the spray)
– Amber or blue glass spray bottle
Method:
1. Add two tablespoons of fresh sage to a cup or French press.
2. Add two tablespoons of fresh thyme.
3. Peel and slice an inch of fresh ginger.
4. Add a slice of fresh or dried citrus.
5. Pour in enough hot water to cover the herbs.
6. Let it steep until it cools.
7. Add a tablespoon of raw honey and mix well.
8. Add an equal amount of vodka to the mixture and mix well.
9. Strain out the herbs and pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
To use the herbal sore throat spray, spritz one or two times into your mouth, aiming at your throat. You can use this spray multiple times a day.
Benefits of Each Ingredient:
Fresh Sage: Sage has been revered for its culinary and medicinal uses, thanks to its flavonoids, volatile oils, and phenolic acids. It reduces inflammation and swelling, killing viruses and bacteria. Native Americans used sage for mouth cleansing and sore throat treatment. Making sage tea by steeping two tablespoons of fresh sage in near-boiling water for 10-15 minutes can help soothe a sore throat.
Fresh Thyme: Known for its medicinal properties since ancient times, thyme is a powerful antioxidant with antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, and expectorant qualities. To make thyme tea, steep two tablespoons of fresh thyme in near-boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
Citrus: Lemons are particularly good for sore throats due to their citric acid content, which breaks up mucus and reduces inflammation. Rich in vitamin C and other nutrients, lemon juice can be diluted in water for a soothing mouth rinse.
Fresh Ginger: Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Grate an inch of fresh ginger into boiling water to make ginger tea, steep for 5-10 minutes, and add honey for extra benefits.
Raw Honey: Honey has been used since ancient times to soothe sore throats. It coats and protects while its antibacterial and antiseptic properties fight infection. Mix a tablespoon of raw honey in warm water for a soothing drink.
Additional Remedies:
Saltwater Rinse: Gargling with saltwater can reduce swelling and kill microbes. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds, repeating hourly if needed.
Garlic: Garlic contains allicin, which has antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Crush a garlic clove, let it sit for 10 minutes to release allicin, then swallow it. Alternatively, add garlic to your meals or take supplements.
Onion Tea: Onion also contains allicin. Make an onion tea by boiling the skin of half an onion in a cup of water until it changes color. Strain, cool, and sip the tea for relief.
Peppermint Leaves: Peppermint leaves contain menthol, which cools a sore throat and breaks up mucus. Make a tea by steeping a teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drink up to five times a day.
For more home remedies, take a look at our ultimate guide: 21 Home Remedies For A Sore Throat To Provide Instant Relief.
