A sore throat can be relieved by using natural remedies, even in children. But be careful to choose and use them carefully because they are never trivial.
Every winter, the sore throat returns. It’s a classic but it hurts so we try to relieve it as much as possible with home remedies while waiting to see the doctor if it persists. Here are the natural remedies recognized to relieve sore throat, according to our naturopath, and how use them without risk.
Gargle with salt water at the first tingling
If there is a simple remedy to favor for prevention infections and from the start tingling in the throat is saline water gargle. Use saline water at the rate of 1/2 teaspoon of salt or baking soda in a glass of lukewarm water, stir and gargle, do not swallow. “Gargling has a rapid action to relieve painsince the mixture is in direct contact with the mucous membrane” indicates the naturopath.
Lemon juice with honey, a must
Lemon juice and honey are the simplest and handy remedies to soothe a sore throat. Just add the juice of a lemon with a little thyme or lavender honeyin a cup of hot water and drink 2 to 3 cups per day. In case of pain: squeeze the juice of ½ lemon, add a small teaspoon of honey to lukewarm water and gargle with the preparation. Once the gargle is made, you can swallow it.
A black radish syrup, antibacterial
“You can make a syrup with antibacterial properties with approximately 100 g of black radish and the same quantity of brown sugar (especially not white). Cut strips of black radish (leave the skin unless the radish is not organic). Alternate a layer of radishes then brown sugar in a dish or deep plate, repeat. Leave to rest covered for 12 hours. Collect the juice and take 2 to 3 teaspoons per day. To keep cool for a few days” recommends the naturopath. “Black radish syrup provides relief very quickly“, she explains.
Thyme has antiseptic properties and thus helps soothe irritated respiratory tract. It also boosts the immune system. A choice :
Thyme honey + propolis: Let a teaspoon of thyme honey melt in your mouth, and let it go down your throat slowly. Suck honey and propolis lozenges to stimulate saliva secretion. “The propolis-based spray is effective in quickly reducing pain“, underlines our interlocutor.
“Limit cow’s milk products, they are pro-inflammatory”
Thyme essential oil: Massage thujanol thyme essential oil, 1 drop diluted in a tablespoon of sweet almond oil, onto the neck and throat. Repeat twice daily until symptoms disappear. Keep your throat warm with a scarf and drink hot as often as possible.
Attention : thyme essential oil is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children. Bee products: honey and propolis are likely to cause allergic reactions. It is advisable to test your reaction by taking small doses over a few days.
Eucalyptus essential oil
“Essential oils act more quickly because they are more concentrated in active ingredients than a bulk plant. Hence the need to use them with caution, reminds the naturopath. Radiated eucalyptus essential oil can be used for specific congestion in the upper ENT spheres only in adults and children. over 12 years old. The dosage is then 1 to 2 drops in a little honey, swallowed 3 times a day, and not for more than 5 days. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Anti-inflammatory herbal teas to drink hot all day long
In case of sore throat, it is advisable to drink hot throughout the day, favoring gentle and anti-inflammatory herbal teas, with a tablespoon of melted honey. “By taking herbal tea 2-3 times a day, it is possible to feel the benefits in a few days” confirms Amélie Mounier, naturopath. You can use them as an infusion. bramble leaves, walnut leaves and mallow flowers, mixed in equal parts, three times a day for the duration of the symptom. And/or prepare herbal teas from:
- white broth “for its expectorant and softening properties on the mucous membranes.
- of poppy and of marshmallow, also very softening.
- thyme “with antiseptic properties of the respiratory tract and immunostimulating properties”
- echinacea as a stimulant of the immune system.
Likewise, it is recommended to put on a scarf to keep your throat warm.
What remedies for children?
“For children it is preferable to consult first“, recommends Amélie Mounier. Then follow the simplest tips : “Keep your throat warm, drink a small herbal tea with a little honey and lemon. If the child does not like it, offer him or her ae hot preparation with vegetable milk and a little honey (limit cow’s milk products, they are pro-inflammatory)”. In essential oil to support the immune system, Amélie Mounier recommends using Ravintsara for its anti-viral and bacterial and immunostimulating properties. HAS apply as a massage for 5 days maximumand as follows:
- After 12 years: 2 drops pure or diluted in a little vegetable oil, 3 times a day, applied to the inner hollow of the wrist.
- From 6 to 12 years : 2 drops diluted in a little vegetable oil, 2 times a day, applied under the arch of the foot.
- From 3 years : 1 drop diluted in at least 50% vegetable oil, once a day, under the arch of the foot.
- Not recommended before 3 years.
When sore throat is accompanied by high fever, difficulty breathing, severe pain, possibly associated with ear pain or swelling of the neck, or if white dots appear on the tonsils, it is of a more serious infection, it is then necessary to consult your doctor.
Thanks to Amélie Mounier, certified FENA naturopath, in Vincennes.