Natural Remedies for a Sore Throat
Almost every autumn or winter, you might find yourself suffering from a horribly sore throat. Whether it actually makes you ill or not, it's incredibly annoying. Tea and honey are well-known remedies that you're probably familiar with.
But did you know there are other food-related remedies that can help with a sore throat? We've made a list for you to try some yourself.
Foods That Can Ease the Pain of a Sore Throat
Broth
Just like a steaming hot cup of tea, a warm bowl of broth can work wonders for a sore throat. The steam from the broth can help clear a clogged nose. Additionally, broth makes an excellent base for an antibacterial soup. Add some fresh vegetables, garlic, turmeric, and ginger to create an anti-inflammatory soup.
Fruit Popsicles
An ice-cold popsicle can immediately soothe your throat and ease the pain. However, avoid store-bought popsicles that contain a lot of sugar, as sugar can irritate your throat even more.
Instead, use a blender to mix various types of fruit, fresh spinach, and grated ginger. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for a few hours. Your throat will thank you.
Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, a substance with anti-inflammatory properties that kills the bacteria causing your sore throat. It can also help you get rid of a cold. Finely chop a garlic clove and add it to your broth for maximum benefits.
Smoothies
Similar to popsicles, cold smoothies can be very soothing for your throat. If you're battling a nasty flu, you might not feel like eating much, but it's crucial to get enough vitamins and minerals to recover quickly.
Essential ingredients for a throat-soothing smoothie include a large quantity of frozen or fresh fruit, oatmeal, fresh ginger, a pinch of turmeric, water or plant-based milk, and ice cubes. Blend them all together for a nutritious smoothie that will help you feel better.
Tea
This is a well-known remedy, but it's worth repeating: staying hydrated is crucial when combating a sore throat. Tea is great because you can add soothing or anti-inflammatory ingredients to it. Try ginger, cinnamon, mint, chamomile, sage, licorice, or rosemary for added benefits.
Oatmeal
A warm bowl of oatmeal is easy to consume and is rich in antioxidants, zinc, and magnesium. Oatmeal is also versatile and can be mixed with many healthy additions. Try adding mashed banana for extra vitamin C, and top your bowl with honey, cinnamon, and a bit of ginger for a super healthy meal.
Spices
Turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon work wonders for your throat. These spices have soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. Stock up on these spices and add them to your oatmeal, tea, smoothie, or popsicles. You'll notice a significant improvement!
Honey
Honey is known for its soothing properties, but it also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Fortunately, honey tastes great, making it a pleasant addition to your tea or smoothie. You can also eat a spoonful of honey directly. It will work wonders for your throat.