Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.
We’re heading to that time of year when the daylight
hours are waning and the temperatures are heading down. All the medical
institutions will be warning of the flu and winter colds. If you’ve read these
articles over the years, you’ll know that the flu season is nothing more than
“lack of vitamin D” season. To try to prevent the flu and these colds you
simply need to increase your vitamin D intake to about 10,000 i.u. per day.
But let’s say you try all the preventive techniques to
stay healthy and you still get the unwanted sore throat. How should you treat
it? Are there home remedies that usually suffice, instead of trudging to the
doctor’s office for a pill or to be told “there’s nothing we can do.” Even over
the counter medications can leave you with little help and unwanted side
effects.
Sore throats are a common occurrence for most people.
There are numerous natural and easy to find remedies for a sore throat.
One of the best and easiest remedies I’ve found is a
simple saltwater gargle. Just dissolve a half teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm
water. Gargle several times every day, at least every 3 hours. One variation I
like to do is to add some hydrogen peroxide to this salt solution to make it
even more potent.
Several teas can be made from ginger, chamomile, sage
or turmeric. Add some honey and fresh lemon juice for taste, and for additional
antibacterial potency.
Using essential oils such as lavender, oregano, thyme
and peppermint help with breathing, inflammation and spasm.
One of the best throat sprays I’ve ever used on a sore
throat is called “thieves oil.” It is a mix of clove, cinnamon,
eucalyptus, rosemary and lemon oils. This combination of oils has been shown to
kill bacteria and fungi. They prevent neural cell death and brain inflammation
and can actually kill cancer cells. There are many recipes online for mixing
your own, or it can be purchased ready to use.
I like to make an elderberry tea to help with
coughing. Using honey for a sweetener and added antibacterial properties.
One of the remedies we used for our children’s colds
and respiratory issues was to use a vaporizer in their bedroom with a cup of
hydrogen peroxide added per gallon of water. Just let it mist in the room
overnight. Essential oils can also be used with a diffuser.
Whatever you do, don’t run to the doctor for an
antibiotic with a simple sore throat. Try some of the inexpensive, reliable
home care options to deal with this ailment. As always, make sure you are well
hydrated during times of illness. The best way to deal with any health ailment
is to try to prevent it in the first place with proper diet and
supplementation. Taking unnecessary
antibiotics only adds to the bacterial resistance we are seeing today. Take control of your health by thinking for
yourself and acting in your own best interests.