Winter season comes with illness, that much we know. You may get a runny nose, sore throat, cough or cold. Left untreated, these can cause infections such as swollen tonsils or ear pain. Weather may not be the sole cause; poor health can also be caused by poor habits such as bad sleep habits or too little sleep, smoking, a poor diet, lack of exercise and more. Many people with a sore throat are quick to gargle warm salt water in order to boost the production of saliva and soothe the throat. It’s always best to consult with your doctor if you’re experiencing particularly painful symptoms, but there are some precautions you can take at home for relief. Gargle solutions can be made with essential oils easily found at the market.
Sage
Make a mixture of tea by combing fresh sage with 500 ml of water and 1/3 tablespoon of cayenne. Let the solution cool and strain through a sieve before gargling.
Red Sage
Mix dried red sage in a cup of boiling water. Cover the solution and leave it to cool. For optimal results, gargle this 2-4 times per day, or you can just drink the tea straight.
Glycerine and Ginger Oil
Glycerine and ginger oil are the most commonly used essential oils for sore throats.
Blackberries and Blackcurrants
You can throw some blackberry and blackcurrant jam in a cup of boiling water and strain it to make an emergency gargle. You can add cinnamon to it for an extra boost.
Honey and Lemon
Honey and lemon juice, heated up and taken before bed, has been proven time and time again as one of the best remedies for a sore throat. Some people even spray lemon juice directly on the back of their throats. Orange juice can also be used, as long as it is fresh.
