6 Combating a Sore Throat

 

This year has been particularly bad for colds and the flu. It seems like every germ possible has made its way through the school system and into our home. We wash our hands frequently, cough into our arms and not our hands and eat a healthy diet. But this year there just seems no way to avoid getting sick. When we do start to feel ill we don't normally take medication but instead opt for a natural remedy. Common medications for a sore throat, like Halls, are full of toxins and ingredients that are not good for your health. Have you ever looked to see what exactly is in products for a sore throat?

What is in Halls?

Acesulfame potassium - the sugar free variety of halls will contain this chemical as it is a common sugar substitute. It is actually 200 times sweeter than sugar and is in Halls to make the other ingredients taste better. There have been mixed test results on the safety of acesulfame potassium, even though it is approved by the FDA. Further tests have been recommended to determine if it is a carcinogen. From an environmental perspective, studies have shown that it evades water treatment processes, making it present in water sources. 

Aspartame - yet another artificial sweetener. While studies say that aspartame is safe at current average consumption levels, it is making its way into a lot of products which is increasing the average daily consumption. 

Dyes - the colour of dye will vary depending on the flavour of halls selected. The most common are blue and red dye. Both are synthetic dyes that come from petroleum. In Europe, red dye is not recommended to be consumed by children as several studies have linked its consumption to hyperactivity. 

Isomalt - Oh look! A 3rd sugar substitute. This one is synthesized using a nickel based alloy. 

Phenylalanine - while it is naturally occurring in the milk of mammals, it is knowing for its antidepressant and analgesic effects. So much so that there is a warning on the package. 

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose - a thickening agent that is commonly used in gluten free or low fat foods as well as laundry detergent, paints, toothpaste, diet pills, paper products and is found in drilling mud in the oil industry. 

Soy lecithin - an emulsifier that comes from crude soy oil which because it is not organic and GMO free, would be full of pesticides and solvents from processing. 

Natural Remedy

For natural remedies, I have tried everything in the past, including gargling with salt water, hot tea with ginger and turmeric, hot tea with honey, and drinking lots of fluids. The results were always mixed. When I started to get a sore throat early this week I decided to try something different. There is nothing worse than having a cold when the weather is nice, so here is how to combat it naturally so you can get back to enjoying sunny days.

What you need - water and lemon essential oil. Yes, it is that simple. In fact, simpler than going to the store to grab medicine. At the first sign of a sore throat, grab a reusable water bottle and fill it with water and add 4 drops of lemon essential oil. I drank 3 of these in a 24 hour period and my sore throat was completely gone. Unlike other natural methods I have tried, it didn't come back a day or so later. 

What natural methods do you use to combat a sore throat?

Related Posts - Check them Out
Kicking Toxic Air Freshener to the Curb
Eliminate Toxins Hiding as Fragrance
Replacing GMO Foods

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photo credit: Samuel K via photopin cc