Tag Archives: sore throat

Hey Doc, What Can I Do For My Sore Throat?

Recently I had a mild sore throat that persisted for 21 straight days with no change in intensity. So I tried an herbal throat spray by St. Francis Herb Farm called “Stop it Cold.” I was going to buy another brand that was cheaper until I read the ingredients. I chose the St. Francis brand, as it included a different species of Echinacea – Echinacea angustifolia, which is the powerhouse of Echinaceas. My sore throat was about 60% better in one day, and gone in 48 hours. A noteworthy product.

Nature’s Sore Throat Lozenge?

It ain’t tasty, and it ain’t fun. It’s garlic (Allium sativum)!

Take one small garlic clove. Peel it, cut off the ends, and then pop it in your mouth. Gently crush it with your teeth from time to time. The volatile oils released are very powerful bug killers that will search and destroy the enemies of your oral pharynx (and other places).

May also be used to keep people away when you need some alone time.

Feel a Cold or Sore Throat Coming On?

I am a big fan of using tinctures to conquer colds and sore throats, especially at their immediate onset. I tend to use Astragalus tinctures the most, which often include a combination of additional immune botanicals. Aside from that, you can easily find Ban Lan Gen tea at any store that sells Chinese herbs (more powerful if you can get it in tincture). I take these at the slightest sign of a cold or sore throat, or when surrounded by ill schoolmates, and nine times out of ten kicks the bug within a day. If you are already knee-deep into a cold, these will help get over it faster; however, do not expect the same miraculous result . Check out my other posts on warming socks and contrast showers for additional cold tips.

Luis Guzman Has Pretty Feet.

Warming Socks are a historic home remedy for colds, tired feet, and insomnia:

  1. Take a pair of cotton socks and soak them in water of room temperature.
  2. Wring out so they do not drip, but remain saturated.
  3. Put socks on.
  4. Put on dry wool socks over top of wet socks.
  5. Go to sleep.
  6. Wake up with toasty feet and feeling better.

To get the joke in the title you would have had to watch a lot of television in 1994.

Take a Contrast Shower To Kick a Cold In the Butt!

Whether you feel a sore throat or cold coming on, or have been fighting one for weeks, try taking contrast showers to boost your immune system. Here’s what to do: shower hot for 3-5 minutes and then switch to 30 seconds cold. Then repeat 5-7 times. The heat will dilate all vessels, sending your immune fighters out closer to the surface. The cold water will then contract vessels and bring the fighters in. This acts as a natural pump causing lots of fighters to be circulated around the body quickly, thus increasing the chance of more specific fighters hitting the target areas. Always finish with cold, but never allow yourself to get a chill. Contrast showers also boost metabolism if you are looking to lose weight,  can help clear the skin, and dump toxins.

Quick tip: cold water is less of a shock to the body if it hits your head first. Each cold repetition will become easier as you go along.

Honey: One of nature’s antimicrobials?

Worried about infection? To kill microscopic bugs, try spreading organic, unpasteurized honey on a wound or eating it to treat a sore throat. It will also help reduce inflammation and will speed up healing.

Do not give honey to a child under 2 years of age.