We are thrilled to welcome Kathy Hope, Ph.D. who is sharing information about some tried and true home remedies. In honor of Health Week here at :simple:balance:, she focuses on sore throats, often the first sign that something isn't right with our health.Photo by Alejandrooo!
About a week ago, I noticed that I was getting a sore throat. I immediately panicked as I observed the chorus of thoughts that seems so commonplace during the cold and flu season: “Oh no, am I sick?” “Am I getting the flu?” and “I can’t afford to be sick – I have too much to do!” You know the drill…
So at once I began planning my attack: mentally running through the list of home remedies I’d received from friends, family and other sources over the years. I’ve shared my top picks with you below.
Note: These methods are best implemented at the very first sign of discomfort. The remedies can 1) lessen the pain and 2) potentially shorten the length of time you experience a sore throat. As with all wellness techniques, listen to your body and do only what feels right to you!
1. Mix together 8 ounces warm water and 2-3 teaspoons salt. Gargle. Can do multiple times a day. (Source: My mom, from South Carolina)
2. Mince a 1x3 inch piece of fresh ginger, skinned. Boil in 2 cups water until liquid is reduced to 1 cup. Add tablespoon of honey and the juice of one lemon. Enjoy a soothing tea. Can do multiple times a day. (Source: Colleague from Hong Kong)
3. Sanitize hands thoroughly with warm soap and water and/or rubbing alcohol. Carefully reach a finger behind the uvula and flip it towards the front of your mouth. Do this once at the first sign of sore throat. (Source: Friend from Pakistan)
4. Boil together 2 cups water, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and tablespoon of salt. Allow to cool just enough to comfortably gargle. Can be done several times a day. (Source: Internet)
5. Crush 25-30 black peppercorns. Boil in 2 cups water until liquid is reduced to 1 cup. Take as a tea. Do this once at the first sign of sore throat. (Source: Friend from India)
6. Mix 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder with 1 tablespoon honey. Swallow slowly, allowing the mixture to dissolve as it soothes your throat. Can do this once a day while symptoms persist. (Source: Friend from India)
7. If your sore throat is associated with post nasal drip or sinus congestion, try nasal irrigation with the neti pot. It’s best to use this method in the morning to allow for any residual water/mucus to drain. Can be done daily. (Source: Yoga teacher from Salt Lake City, UT)
If you have additional tried and true remedies that you would like to share, please leave a comment here and spread the wealth of knowledge!
Kathy Hope, Ph.D. is a certified yoga instructor currently practicing most of her yoga *between the ears,* with some time on the mat. She a psychologist, management consultant, and the single mother of an active 5-1/2 year-old son.
So at once I began planning my attack: mentally running through the list of home remedies I’d received from friends, family and other sources over the years. I’ve shared my top picks with you below.
Note: These methods are best implemented at the very first sign of discomfort. The remedies can 1) lessen the pain and 2) potentially shorten the length of time you experience a sore throat. As with all wellness techniques, listen to your body and do only what feels right to you!
1. Mix together 8 ounces warm water and 2-3 teaspoons salt. Gargle. Can do multiple times a day. (Source: My mom, from South Carolina)
2. Mince a 1x3 inch piece of fresh ginger, skinned. Boil in 2 cups water until liquid is reduced to 1 cup. Add tablespoon of honey and the juice of one lemon. Enjoy a soothing tea. Can do multiple times a day. (Source: Colleague from Hong Kong)
3. Sanitize hands thoroughly with warm soap and water and/or rubbing alcohol. Carefully reach a finger behind the uvula and flip it towards the front of your mouth. Do this once at the first sign of sore throat. (Source: Friend from Pakistan)
4. Boil together 2 cups water, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and tablespoon of salt. Allow to cool just enough to comfortably gargle. Can be done several times a day. (Source: Internet)
5. Crush 25-30 black peppercorns. Boil in 2 cups water until liquid is reduced to 1 cup. Take as a tea. Do this once at the first sign of sore throat. (Source: Friend from India)
6. Mix 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder with 1 tablespoon honey. Swallow slowly, allowing the mixture to dissolve as it soothes your throat. Can do this once a day while symptoms persist. (Source: Friend from India)
7. If your sore throat is associated with post nasal drip or sinus congestion, try nasal irrigation with the neti pot. It’s best to use this method in the morning to allow for any residual water/mucus to drain. Can be done daily. (Source: Yoga teacher from Salt Lake City, UT)
If you have additional tried and true remedies that you would like to share, please leave a comment here and spread the wealth of knowledge!
Kathy Hope, Ph.D. is a certified yoga instructor currently practicing most of her yoga *between the ears,* with some time on the mat. She a psychologist, management consultant, and the single mother of an active 5-1/2 year-old son.
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This works like a charm, I've done it many times! "Boil together 2 cups water, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and tablespoon of salt. Allow to cool just enough to comfortably gargle. Can be done several times a day. (Source: Internet)"
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