Nature’s larder is full of potent plants, herbs and spices that pack a powerful punch against sore throats. Ginger, garlic, lemon and honey have been part of home remedies recommended by grandmothers for centuries.
But, there are a few other natural extracts that you should know about. These five natural wonders are some of Mother Nature’s best treatments for sore throats and have been used safely for years.
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Liquorice root boosts the immune system, helps to relieve stress, fights the viruses that cause respiratory illnesses, and reduces pain. People use it to ease indigestion. Liquorice has also been used as an expectorant in cough and cold preparations for years, and it is especially effective for soothing sore throats. You can chew on a twig of liquorice, boil the powder with water to drink as a tea, or you can suck lozenges containing liquorice to ease your symptoms.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is well known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, which is why it’s been infused in teas and chewed neat to treat sore throats for centuries. It’s also revered for boosting the immune system to fight infections that cause sore throats. Packed with antioxidants, ginger can promote healing as well as protect against illness. Boil fresh or dried ginger with water to make a tea to sip-on throughout the day, or look for lozenges containing ginger to suck.
Beleric (Terminalia belerica)
The fruit of the Terminalia belerica tree is used to treat respiratory conditions, including respiratory tract infections and sore throats. It is also effective in suppressing nagging coughs. Abundant in India and Thailand, you might struggle to find it fresh elsewhere, but it is used as an ingredient in natural cough syrups and lozenges. Look out for it on product labels.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric’s powerful antioxidant and antiseptic properties make it effective for treating wounds, infections and inflammation. The antioxidants in turmeric help your body to fight off viruses that cause colds, flu and sore throats. To treat a sore throat, mix a half teaspoon of turmeric with some salt in water and use it as a gargle. You can also drink milk with turmeric before bed, take it in a capsule form, or suck lozenges containing turmeric.
Menthol (Mentha piperita)
Extract of Mentha piperita, or as it is commonly known, menthol, is useful for easing symptoms of the common cold, coughs, inflammation of the mouth and throat, and sinus infections. It has a welcoming cooling action that relieves the irritation caused by coughing. That’s why menthol is widely used as a base ingredient of many sore throat medications and lozenges.
How to combine these natural extracts for sore throats
You can find the special combination of these top five natural ingredients in Shaltoux natural lozenges. Get quick relief from your sore throat and cough by sucking them throughout the day. They are safe for everyone, including children over the age of six.
