Cough and Sore Throat Remedy: Garlic

Photo Credit: Liz West

Ingredients:

1 clove of garlic

Method:

1. You can suck on the garlic clove or chop it up and consume it as is
2. Take 2-3 times a day

Caution: Garlic will cause unpleasant breath. Also garlic taken in excess can cause stomach problems. Do not use garlic if you are on blood thinning medication

Why it works:

Garlic has sulfur-containing volatile oil which gives it its aroma and medical properties. It is an anti-infective agent so it is able to kill the germs in the throat and soothes it.

Cough and Sore Throat Remedy: Turmeric and Honey

Ingredients:

Photo Credit: Steven Jackson Photography

• 1 tsp of Honey
• Turmeric

Method: 

1. Spoon 1 tsp of honey 
2. Sprinkle turmeric to cover the honey
3. Consume mixture every 2 hours

Why it works

Honey has anti-bacterial properties to kill the bad bacteria and prevent infection. It is also a humectant, it gives moisture and soothes a dry throat and cough. It is also a hypertonic osmotic (it draws fluid from inflamed tissue). This reduces the swelling in the throat. Turmeric is also an anti-bacterial substance. It's able to prevent the condition from worsening.

Caution: Turmeric can leave a yellow stain. Do not use turmeric if you have gallstones or are taking blood thinners.

Cough and Sore Throat Remedy: Saltwater Gargle

Photo Credit: Chris Blakeley

Ingredients:

• ½ tsp salt
• 1 glass of warm water

Method:

1. Dissolve the salt in the warm water
2. Gargle the mixture and spit out 
3. Repeat 4-5 times a day until soreness recedes

Why it works:

Salt is mild antiseptic so it kills the germs that could cause your cough and sore throat to worsen. The salt also draws fluid from the mucus membranes and clear the phlegm. The warm water helps soothe the throat and provide moisture. 

Nasal Congestion Remedy: Eucalyptus Steam

Photo Credit: yewenyi 

Ingredients:

• 1 pot of water
• a drop of eucalyptus oil
• 1 bath towel

Method:

1. Boil 1 pot of water and add eucalyptus oil as needed
2. Take the pot and use the towel to create a tent over you and the pot. The towel concentrates the steam 
3. If it is too strong then wait for it to cool down a bit 
4. Inhale the steam from the pot for 5-10 until your sinuses feel clear
5. Repeat as necessary

  

Why it works:

The hot steam helps break down the mucus blocking the airways. The airways open up allowing you to breathe easily. The pungent fragrance from the eucalyptus reduces the swelling of the mucus membranes freeing your airways and decongesting your nose.

Caution: Be careful not to burn yourself. Eucalyptus oil in excess can cause headaches. Patients with epilepsy and high blood pressure should avoid this oil.