When you have a sore throat, keeping it moist and lubricated eases swallowing and dehydration. Try these foods to help heal a sore throat now.
Winter is here, bringing with it a host of ailments, including running noses, congestion and painful sore throats.
A sore throat is one of the first signs that a cold is on the way
While our first instinct is to reach for lozenges and throat sprays, you may get more relief by heading to your kitchen. Many fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices are perfect for helping to heal a sore throat. Learn how now!
Add some cloves to the mix
Clove can help you beat a respiratory infection as it works as an expectorant to loosen mucus in the throat and esophagus. Clove also works as an anti-inflammatory and provides the body with manganese, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and magnesium.
- Boil a tablespoon of cloves with hot water to create a cup of clove tea.
Go for ginger to heal a sore throat
This spicy little root has been used for centuries in China and India to treat colds and sore throats.
- Add two tablespoons of freshly grated ginger to a mug of hot water and allow it to steep for a few minutes, then drink up.
This should be done three times a day for best results. To enhance the brew you could add a teaspoon of honey and a few mint leaves to the water.
Eat some eggs
Soft foods like eggs soothe your throat. Eggs are rich in protein to help your body heal, and also contain a significant amount of omega fatty acids. Try soft-boiled eggs to maximise the protein intake and soothe your throat.
Anyone for some cabbage?
Packed with vitamin C and K as well as sulphur and a host of antioxidants, cabbage is great for helping to soothe and heal a sore throat. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to fight off infection.
Try garlic
Add some garlic to your meals. The allicin in garlic (which is responsible for that garlicky smell) is not only a potent immune booster, it also has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Perfect for easing a sore throat!
Reach for the lemon
Add a few slices of lemon to your tea or glass of hot water and drink regularly through the day to help your sore throat. Lemon is a bacteria-fighting, vitamin C-rich fruit that can be used to heal your sore throat and improve your immune system.