Sore throat, wheezing, difficulty while swallowing, these are all signs of pharyngitis that occurs in colds or flu and are most often caused by a viral infection. A slight fever may occur where the lymph nodes may be slightly enlarged. Throat inflammation can also be caused by bacteria (streptococcus) but the symptoms are more pronounced.
The medicinal properties of aromatic plants can be of great help in relieving the symptoms of sore throat. Instead of pharmaceutical drugs that contain synthetic chemical compounds and just a trace of essential oils, choose 100% natural remedy for the benefit of the whole organism.
Best essential oils to help you with sore throat
1. Sage Oil
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is the first traditional remedy recommended for the treatment of infectious diseases of the throat. In most cases, a cure for a sore throat that does not originate from streptococcal infection is sufficient. Sage essential oil containing thujone, an antibacterial, fungicidal, antiviral agent. It acts as a natural antiseptic by acting on pathogenic microorganisms in pharyngitis, laryngitis and tonsillitis. Interestingly, it also acts on viruses.
In excessive amounts, it could cause epileptic cramps, tachycardia, a feeling of heat and dizziness. Therefore, it is not good to drink it because it could also cause the thistle to get into the body but rather rinse (sip) the throat after which you spit it out.
2. Echinacea Oil
The strongest immunostimulant among the plants effectively fights germs by preventing viruses and bacteria from penetrating healthy cells. It is used for sore throat and tonsils because it relieves pain and soothes inflammation. Studies have shown that taking echinacea even at first symptoms of a cold or flu reduces the severity and duration of the disease.
It can be taken in the form of tea but fresh herb preparations (SIPF and EPS extracts) contain three times more alkylamide (immunomodulatory action) and thus have higher healing potential. For colds, echinacea is taken in higher doses during the first week. If severe fever occurs, caution should be exercised as echinacea may exacerbate symptoms.
3. Ginger Oil
It has been used by Indian, Chinese and Arabic folk medicine for hundreds of years as a cure. Ginger relieves sore throat, has antiseptic, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Fresh ginger tea: Pour 1 teaspoon of peeled and grated root with 2 dl of boiling water. Leave covered for 10 minutes then strain, add honey and lemon. Drink up to two cups a day.
Ginger Powder Tea: Pour 1/2 teaspoon of powder over 2 dl of hot water, cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Strain, add honey and lemon. Drink up to two cups a day.
* It is not recommended to use more than 5 g of ginger daily, in pregnancy up to 1 g daily. Caution is required when treating medications, especially with anticoagulants.
4. Thyme Oil
This herb has strong anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral properties thanks to a range of medicinal substances that are hidden in leaves and flowers. A strong antiseptic effect is evidenced by the fact that after 40 seconds it stops the development of many germs and even destroys some. The thyme has a powerful effect, but at the same time, it is so mild that it is especially recommended for children with frequent respiratory infections.
TEA: Pour 2 teaspoons of dried herbs with 250 ml of boiling water. Cover and allow to stand for 5-10 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey if desired.
It is difficult for children, especially younger ones, to get a cup of tea. It’s much easier with a syrup. 🙂
SYRUP: 4 tablespoons of thyme topped with 200 ml of boiling water. Cover and leave for about 10 minutes. The tea is quite thick so it should be filtered through a strainer and through a filter bag. Allow to cool to about 40 ° C and add 250 g of honey. Stir until the honey has dissolved and added the juice of half a lemon. Pour the syrup into a clean glass bottle and store in the refrigerator after opening. Shelf life is 3 months.
Adults take 1 large spoonful of syrup 3 times a day and children take 1 small spoonful 3 times a day.
5. Oregano Oil
The benefit of oregano oil is that it is useful for sore throat irrespective of the origin of the microbes, which makes it invaluable especially for families with children and/or adolescents because they develop a wide range of respiratory infections. Children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of antibiotics and may develop a sore throat as a result of persistent antibiotic therapy.
All these oils are multi-beneficial and you won’t be wrong if you use them on various occasions. However, as with all other essential oils, you have to be careful and inform yourself about possible side effects.
