2024-01-03 17:40:10
Winter brings up to date well-kept secrets in the corners of our cupboards, revealing the treasures inherited from our grandmothers in terms of well-being. At the top of the list of seasonal concerns is sore throat, a dreaded scourge for which our elders have almost magical solutions.
At the start of the year, viral infections are making their show, but to muzzle these ailments, natural remedies are your essential allies. Through this heritage of yesteryear, each beverage becomes a precious key to your health in this cold season.
Blends that put plants in the spotlight
Plants are full of benefits and some are particularly effective in relieving sore throats. To benefit from it? Time for herbal teas. You can notably opt for a sage infusion. For this anti-inflammatory potion, immerse a tablespoon of leaves in a cup of boiling water for ten minutes. Thyme, with its anti-infectious properties, also lends itself to a revitalizing infusion: a tablespoon in a cup of boiling water, garnished with a teaspoon of honey.
To boost your immune system? Put honey-lemon herbal tea on the menu. Mix the juice of half a lemon in a cup of hot water and a tablespoon of honey. For a 100% relaxation program after a busy period, reserve yourself a cup of chamomile, with soothing properties. Blackcurrant leaves cause a sensation with their anti-inflammatory action: place a pinch of leaves in a cup of boiling water and let it infuse for ten minutes.
Bee products with multiple benefits
Honey, a natural superhero, calms inflammation and soothes irritated throats. A tablespoon in a hot infusion is a particularly delicious solution. Better yet, it softens gargles: a teaspoon in lukewarm water and that’s it. Propolis, this resinous armor of bees, is not to be outdone with its antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory powers. A few drops of propolis tincture in water for gargling or sprayed directly into the throat, and the magic happens.
Royal jelly, a nutritious elixir of bees, is full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is to be consumed as a food supplement. As for bee pollen, this nutritious treasure, sprinkle it on your food, mix it with honey or add it to your smoothies for a dose of benefits. Be careful, if bee stings do not work for you, consult a health professional before exploring this beekeeping world.
Essential oils, your best friends?
At the first signs of a sore throat, concoct this magic potion of essential oils:
30 drops of thujanol thyme EO 30 drops of noble laurel EO 15 drops of clove EO 15 drops of peppermint EO
For express use, dilute a few drops of this synergy in 40 ml of apricot kernel vegetable oil (or another vegetable oil) for a comforting massage on the throat. Repeat five times a day, but not more than five days.
Another ally, tea tree essential oil arrives with its antibacterial and antiviral superpowers. Dilute a few drops in warm water for a gargle or add to a steam inhaler for a decongestant burst.
As for lemon essential oil, rich in vitamin C and antiseptic superhero, dilute a few drops in a cup of hot water for a gargle, or add to a vegetable oil for a relaxing massage on the neck and throat.
However, pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise caution when using essential oils. The advice of a healthcare professional is strongly recommended.
Gargles to reduce inflammation
To relieve a sore throat, opt for gargling. Choose the ingredient that suits you or alternate between:
Salt water: mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of hot water and gargle three to four times a day. This solution eliminates secretions, rehydrates the mucous membranes and fights bacteria. Baking soda: pour a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water and gargle. This solution softens irritations and eliminates, again, bacteria. Apple cider vinegar: pour a good teaspoon of organic cider vinegar into a cup of lukewarm water and gargle to eliminate secretions, bacteria and stimulate your defenses immune.Lemon: squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a large glass of water and gargle regularly during the day to soothe the inflammation.
Inhalations to decongest
How does inhalation work? The water vapor hydrates the mucous membranes, soothes irritations, decongests and thins secretions. In your boiling water, add a few drops of essential oil or dry plants. Close your eyes and breathe in the vapors. Repeat twice a day, placing a towel over your head and the bowl to intensify the effect. Add five drops of eucalyptus, peppermint, thyme or lavender essential oil or opt for dried thyme.
Star ingredients to put on the menu
Endowed with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic and antioxidant powers, onion strengthens immunity and soothes irritated mucous membranes of the throat. The ways to use it are simple:
Raw, in juice with a fruity companion like apple. Infused for five to ten minutes in a cup of hot water, to be enjoyed between one and three times a day. Cooked, in onion soup for example.
Garlic is also a natural ally against sore throats. Antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal, it fights infections and soothes inflammation. Three quick tips:
Garlic gargles: crush cloves and mix with warm water. Garlic infusion: infuse crushed cloves, strain, then drink. Garlic honey: mix garlic with your jar of honey and take a teaspoon several times a day.
What food supplements to boost your natural defenses?
Don’t just relieve symptoms, give your immunity a boost with compounds that effectively prevent. Opt for:
Vitamin C, which not only relieves pain, but also contributes to the healing of inflamed tissues. Acerola, a fruit with exceptional vitamin C potential. Turmeric, rich in antioxidants, which you can integrate into your salads, soups, smoothies, or to enjoy in the form of a golden latte. Malted yeast, for a dose of vitamins and trace elements that will energize your immune system.
Before opting for natural remedies or food supplements, remember to consult your pharmacist or doctor. Their expertise will guide you towards the best solutions, taking into account your symptoms, your state of health and the medications you are already taking. Your well-being deserves personalized attention.
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