We’ve all experienced it the raw, scratchy, painful throat that can come with seasonal illnesses.
Viral infections that cause sore throat are more than irritating for the sufferer, they also contribute notably to our public health problem of overprescribed antibiotics. Research suggests that up to 75% of patients receive an antibiotic when presenting with sore throat, when most are caused by viruses.
Whether or not you see a physician, you can often get some natural sore throat relief from a comforting drink herbal tea.
Tea for Natural Sore Throat Relief
The next time you have a sore throat, try a warm cup of herbal tea! Certain types of herbal tea contain nutrients and analgesic properties that can bring you relief. Some herbs are known for promoting a healthy internal response to swelling and irritation, supporting the immune system, providing pain relief and soothing throat tissues.
These are a few of the herbs to look for:
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- Licorice root: A traditional treatment for sore throat, licorice acts as a soothing agent and expectorant, which can reduce upper-respiratory symptoms. It has virus-fighting, healthy internal response, numbing and demulcent properties. Licorice has the ability to lubricate irritated throat tissue.
- Slippery elm: This herb contains chemicals that are known to coat and soothe the throat and ease discomfort. “It has a smooth, slippery texture when harvested that becomes thick and gooey when mixed with water to support throat health,” according to Traditional Medicinals. This substance is known for calming irritation in the throat.
- Peppermint: In addition to being a microbicide, peppermint can cool irritated throat tissue thanks to its menthol content. It soothes, calms and numbs the throat.
- Eucalyptus: Known as a natural bacteria- and microbe-killing agent, eucalyptus may fight infection in the throat. It is also used to relieve pain and swelling related to sore throat. An active ingredient, eucalyptol, relaxes the airways and soothes throat tissue.
- Sage: This herb also has bacteria- and virus-killing properties. Sage also relieves the discomfort of a sore throat. It is an astringent herb that “can tighten the pores of the mucous membranes, helping to close out further infection and reduce irritation and swelling,” according to HerbalRemediesAdvice.org.
- Marshmallow: Used medicinally for hundreds of years, marshmallow contains a gummy substance, mucilage, which forms a gel when mixed with water. This then coats the throat to lessen irritation and possibly stave off infection. Marshmallow also fights microbes and supports an important immune system function.
In addition to seeking out these beneficial herbal teas individually, Natural Healthy Concepts offers herbal teas that have already been formulated with herbs that soothe sore throats.
So, the next time you feel that initial twinge in your throat, and you know what’s coming, make some herbal tea. Order some to have on hand!
Add Some Honey!
For a little pop, add a teaspoon or two of honey to your cup of tea. In fact, honey is often used for sore throat relief on its own since it coats the throat, has bactericidal properties and may help you recover sooner.
New Research on Sore Throat Prevention
LifeExtension magazine recently announced that “scientists have identified a novel probiotic, known as S. salivarius K12, and studies suggest that this targeted probiotic lozenge may reduce the risk of strep throat.” It may also reduce the incidence of non-strep, viral sore throats. The promise of this discovery is exciting not only for individuals, but also for the public as a whole, due to a reduced number of physician visits for sore throat overall and those that involve unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
Natural Healthy Concepts offers this S. salivarius product from LifeExtension:
Do you have a favorite herbal tea for getting rid of a sore throat? Please tell us about it in the comments section below!
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