A sore throat is often the precursor to a full blown cold. And given that the germs that cause it concentrate in the mucous membranes of the throat and nasal passage, addressing a sore throat as soon as it comes up is often a great way to head off the flu. There are a lot of remedies available, such as herbs like echinacea, which is very effective at the start of a cold or sore throat. You can even get high quality sprays, that are more targeted. They don’t taste that bad either!
There are as many sore throat home remedies as cultures. Each region, each tradition, and even different modalities within them, all have different approaches to this age-old concern. Add to that mix is the folklore handed down in many families.
Here is an idea using aromatherapy. It has the added benefits that essential oils bring - namely, a remedy for the emotions, and the mind.
* 5 drops of thyme essential oil
* 10 drops of lemon essential oil
* 10 drops of sandalwood essential oil
* 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
Mix the oils together and rub onto the neck and chest. If you have sensitive skin, it’s probably a good idea to use a carrier oil, such as good quality almond oil, avocado oil, or similar. Eucalyptus may be too strong applied directly to your skin otherwise. It could cause irritation, or a brief burning sensation.
References: Australian Natural Health vol 6 no.3
