Sore Throat & Cold Herbal Remedies

Coming down with a cold or sore throat can really put a damper on daily activities. You may choose to go to the doctor, but if it's just a common cold or sore throat, there's not much they can do, except to let the illness run its course. There are, however, supportive measures you can take that might help you to experience less severe symptoms and a shorter duration of illness. Of course, these remedies should be discussed with your doctor.

Sore Throat Remedies

• Many herbal remedies are available for help in dealing with a sore throat. You can actually take basil leaves and boil them in water, and then you can either drink that solution, or you can gargle it.
  There are several teas that you can make to help in relieving your sore throat, and they include chamomile tea and teas made with licorice root, eucalyptus, barberry, or another tea you mix up out of apple cider vinegar, lemon, honey and cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper is highly regarded as a natural remedy for sore throats. You will most likely use up to 1/8 tsp., but you shouldn't use more than that. If you don't want to drink this mixture as a tea, you can mix up another solution that employs garlic, honey and cayenne pepper; use a spoon to take occasional sips of it (Natural Home Remedies in References below). Cinnamon can also be used to help a sore throat.

Cold Remedies

• One easy herbal remedy that you can find at any health food store is Echinacea. Echinacea is taken by many people to try to prevent colds, but in fact, it's actually better to take while you have a cold because it can lessen the severity of your symptoms.
  Garlic is very helpful in opening up your airways, helping you to breathe better. It can also help to bring down your fever if you drink it in a soup. Ginger tea or lemon-honey tea are also helpful.
  For many patients, a stuffy nose is the most annoying thing about a cold. There are several remedies that can help with this, and they include turmeric mixed with milk and tamarind boiled in water with black pepper. You can also inhale the turmeric to help get rid of any stuffiness you may be experiencing.

Conclusion

• There are so many books and websites that can be researched for at home herbal remedies, but these remedies must be taken with care and much research. There are many possible interactions, and it is wise to consult with your physician before treating yourself.