As soon as i feel even a slight tingle in my throat i immediately reach for the hot tea. Not just any old tea though... green tea with an additional kick of immune boosting, germ fighting goodies.
I like to use a glass travel mug with a mesh top so i don't get any chunks in my mouth, the one i use was from Teavana many moons ago but they have lots of similar ones on their site.
There are lots of variations on this magical drink but here are some of my favorite ingredients!
Cinnamon has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. Not to mention its full of manganese, iron and calcium.
Its also used traditionally in Chinese herbal medicine for phlegmy coughs and other throat problems not only due to the aforementioned properties but also because it increases blood flow and thereby improves blood oxygen levels, making it easier to fight the sickness!
(discover more about cinnamon here- http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/7-amazing-benefits-cinnamon-you-may-not-know-about.html)
Green tea is not only awesome to drink because the warmth will soothe a sore throat but it boasts many other health benefits.
Its known to be packed with polyphenols which are powerful antioxidants but it also has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties due to the tea catechins that are effective in treating anything from flu to cancer.
Try and find green tea with echinacea for an added immune boost!
(discover more about green tea here- http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-of-green-tea-that-you-didnt-know-about.html)
Ginger's warming properties aren't the only things to help a sore throat, it also helps maintain normal blood flow, again improving blood oxygen levels.
It promotes the absorption of essential nutrients in the body so whichever other sore throat-fighting goodies you choose to eat will be more effective.
Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties which really helps with those "hurts-to-swallow" type of sore throats.
As a natural expectorant, it relieves a cough by expanding the lungs and breaking down phlegm and mucous.
(discover more about ginger here- http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-of-ginger-that-you-didnt-know-about.html)
Lemons, or more specifically lemon-water is amazing at combatting a sore throat, not only because of their high levels of Vitamins C & B, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron, but because of its cleansing, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.
(discover more about lemon water here- http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-lemon-water-you-didnt-know-about.html)
Honey is clearly not vegan but if you do eat honey, sore throat time is the best time to consume it. Its anti-viral, anti-fingal and antibacterial and very soothing to a sore throat.
(discover more about honey here- http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/the-many-health-benefits-honey.html)
Water might seem like an obvious one but its especially important to stay really hydrated when your body is battling any kind of nasties. It helps flush out toxins and regulate your body temperature!
(discover more about water here- http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifehack/10-reasons-to-drink-more-water.html)
Brandy is obviously not suitable for tee-totalers or those underage but Mother Harrington (hi!) swears by the healing properties of brandy... after all, her precious Bach flower remedies are mostly brandy.
When i first moved to the US i had reoccurring throat infections, partly from the new germs and partly from flying so much. The worst was when i was in England visiting family and my sore throat turned into such a bad cough that it would make me throw up. My good friend Zoe insisted that i take a shot of brandy with her and the next day it was almost gone, i didn't throw up again and my cough diminished greatly. Now maybe this is a coincidence but i like to think brandy is a little magical so i'm gonna go with it.
High quality brandies have great antioxidant effects and if you're having trouble sleeping, a little brandy can help you snooze soundly. Obviously only use it in small quantities and don't start boozing if you're taking other medications.
Other things you can try-
For me, the worst thing about having a sore throat is that it makes it hard to swallow and really takes the joy out of food. For that reason its important to eat really filling, healthy foods when you are able to. Oats are a great, filling food that are gentle on the stomach. Toss a little honey and cinnamon in and it will pack all the benefits of those, too.
Chlorella helps boost immune function and has great antioxidant properties.
Zinc not only helps regulate your immune system but also shortens the length of colds if you are unlucky enough to catch one.
Steam is a great way to open up your sinuses and lungs. You can buy those fancy things specifically made for it but pouring boiling water into a bowl, adding a few drops of olbas or thieves oil and inhaling it with a towel over your head works just as well... just be careful with the hot water and don't get too close.
Sleep, sleep, sleep and sleep!
What are your favorite home cold/flu remedies?
thank you! my daughter woke up with a sore throat this morning! #perfecttiming
ReplyDeleteOh no! Hope she feels better, poor thing!
DeleteSuch great remedies for sore threat. Green tea is really helpful in treating sore threat.
ReplyDelete