Sore, scratchy throats often accompany winters in Wisconsin. In my former years, I would have taken some time of OTC pain reliever. With having gotten so interested in natural remedies, and being amazed at how well they work, I now turn to some of my natural remedies when a sore throat appears.
Oregano Essential Oil
The remedy that works the best for me, although I don’t love doing it, is gargling a drop of doTERRA’s Oregano Essential Oil in a shot glass of water with a dash of salt. Oregano is a powerhouse oil, and is known as a “hot” oil. It requires dilution when applied to the skin. It has the same heat effect in the throat, so while this remedy works well – it is not the most pleasant. I know people who have swallowed a drop of oregano in water, and I think they’re crazy. Oregano feels hot, and I think it would burn going down. I have swallowed it in a veggie capsule when I am feeling unwell to boost my immune system.
Oregano Oil Gargle
A Warm Cup Of Tea
A cup of warm tea is always nice in the winter, and especially when you have a sore throat. I like to add a tablespoon of raw honey, and a drop of Lemon and Ginger Essential Oils. I typically drink a Chai Rooibos Tea, which is high in anti-oxidants, although I also like green tea. In the evening drinking a shot of brandy, or a mug of warm brandy and water with a drop each of Lemon and Ginger Essential oils is also soothing. This was a remedy of my Grandmas, and she would also recommend this for a cough.
Immune Support Rollerball Blend
Boosting your immune system at the first hint of throat discomfort is also wise. I make a rollerball blend with 15 drops of doTERRA’s OnGuard Essential Oil, 15 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil and 10 Drops of Oregano Essential Oil. I add this to a 10 ml glass rollerball and then fill to the top with Fractionated Coconut Oil. Shake before the first use and then apply to the bottoms of your feet, your hands or roll along your spine. You can do this every couple of hours when feeling unwell, or once a day to prevent illness. We put this blend out at the breakfast table each morning and roll on our feet while we eat.
Immune Support Recipes
In the morning we also drink a 16 oz glass of water with 2 Drops Lemon and 1 Drop Frankincense Essential Oil to boost our immune system and promote healthy cells. During the winter months, we often add a teaspoon of sodium ascorbate vitamin C powder.
Supplementation is also key to feeling well in the winter. We take doTERRA’s LifeLong Vitality Pack twice daily (two of each tablet in the morning and two of each at night). If we are feeling unwell, we also take an OnGuard softgel to boost our immune systems. We also take these before we travel.
Homemade chicken noodle soup is another of my favorites in the winter, whether I have a sore throat or not. I make bone broth in a crock-pot. I combine an organic whole fryer, apple cider vinegar, salt and vegetables and simmer on low overnight. I discard the veggies, and shred the chicken off the bones. I then make soup with the bone broth, for an even healthier chicken soup.
Throat Drops
doTERRA makes two throat drops that I absolutely love. They are my husband’s favorite doTERRA products. OnGuard Throat Drops are spicy, and are great for a dry, scratchy throat. The OnGuard Oil in the drops also helps support a healthy immune system. They are great when traveling, on flights and for teacher gifts, too.
doTERRA Breathe Respiratory Drops help to maintain clear airways for breathing. I like to suck on when I run outside in cold weather. I also find them soothing when I have a dry throat, and like to suck on one when I’m in bed and not feeling the best.
What are some of your favorite natural remedies for a sore throat?
Hugs & Health – Michelle