Oh, February! Short and sweet, but riddled with so many germs due to weather-mandated indoor mingling. And all that interpersonal mixing can often result in sore throats!
What to do? Here are a collection of simple natural remedies.
Turmeric + Salt Gargle - Mix equal parts turmeric and salt in a glass ( ½ tsp each into 8 oz water), add warm water, dissolve, gargle. This mixture can be used both morning and night. Turmeric helps ease inflammation or swelling, while salt works to sweep away any bacteria you may have encountered during the day. Salt is one of the best expectorants, meaning it helps get the phlegm up and out.
Eating Frozen Berries - Cherries, blueberries, and raspberries are bursting with antioxidant and blood- building nutrients that work to strengthen the immune system. The ice cold orbs also help to soothe an irritated throat.
Lime Water - Drink warm lime water upon waking. The action of the lime is similar to that of soap, which helps wash down the digestive system, while the water works to give the system a rinse. Like salt, lime is also an expectorant.
Hydrate - Drink up to half your body weight in ounces, per day, to send those bugs south.
Raw Honey - Honey is incredibly medicinal. Honey is a demulcent (supports a healthy inflammatory response), expectorant (aids in the clearing of mucus), and nutritive (nourishing). A scoop of raw honey is phenomenal for a tender throat.
Increase honey's superpowers by adding turmeric and fresh cracked black pepper. The turmeric will bring down inflammation and the black pepper helps with the efficacy of the turmeric. Make a paste by combining roughly ¼ cup raw honey to 1 tablespoon ground turmeric and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Keep a jar nearby and consume a teaspoon whenever the throat begins to bark.
Peppermint Tea - Clears the head and sinuses, eases discomforts, and is thought to bolster emotional harmony.
Foods to Avoid - Refrain from consuming dairy, namely ice cream, yogurt and cheese. These chilled dairy products are mucus manufacturers, which will only serve to intensify the postnasal drip, thereby increasing symptoms.
Eucalyptus/Epsom Salt Baths - Immerse yourself in an Epsom soak. The minerals will help draw out any impurities while the eucalyptus inevitably works to boost the spirits. Sweat it out. Eucalyptus not only opens the mind and senses, but it also helps clear the lungs and remove phlegm. It's become common knowledge that eucalyptus helps remove negative thoughts, and great in times of sickness.
Try Kick-Ass Throat Spray - Reach for this formula when your voice is hoarse, speaking may be difficult or your throat feels irritated, tired and dry.
Try one, try them all. Hope this helps you and your loved ones navigate a healthy February.
Writer Lauren Sauer is a graduate from the Kripalu School of Ayurveda and a certified 500 hour Kripalu Ayurvedic Yoga Teacher. As an Ayurvedic Health Counselor, she is passionate about educating others to become their own health advocate, to live with the rhythms of nature and to simply slow down and breathe. She currently resides in the beautiful Berkshires as the intern with the Kripalu School of Ayurveda.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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