You can get a sore throat anytime of the year. Like it or not, it hinders your eating and speaking habits as well. Sore throat oftentimes begins with pain, irritation, or itchiness in the throat. Swallowing food might be difficult, and the pain may worsen when you try to speak. A sore throat starts with throat pain, and if left unattended will even lead to the flu.
What causes a sore throat?
Your throat is nothing but a pathway to carry food to your stomach and air to your windpipe. Allergies, pollution, and dry air can give you a sore throat. Common illnesses, like the flu, common cold, chickenpox, measles, and croup can cause sore throat. These common viral infections don’t respond to common antibiotics too well.
Some bacterial infections can also cause sore throat. Whooping cough, strep throat, diphtheria, and other such bacterial infections also give rise to sore throat. Unfortunately, this condition is often contagious and can be passed from one person to another. It’s recommended that you call your physician only when the soreness is severe or accompanied by a fever.
A sore throat is irritable and might interfere with a good night’s sleep. However, there are a lot of home remedies to help soothe the pain. A few essential oils for sore throat are listed here.
- Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is a rich source of menthol, which provides a calming effect and cooling sensation to your body. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant properties has the ability to soothe the soreness. If your sore throat was triggered by a cold or flu, using peppermint oil will help thin the mucous and break the cough overnight.Mix 5-7 drops of peppermint oil with a tablespoon of honey and consume it before going to bed. You can also consume it by adding a few pepper flakes to the mixture. This will clear your throat and soothe the pain overnight. Peppermint oil can also be used for digestive problems, like vomiting, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, gas, and much more.
- Eucalyptus oil
Many cold and cough products, like syrups and chews, are made using eucalyptus oil. The health benefits of this oil are innumerable; they stimulate immunity, improve respiration, and ease the cough.Eucalyptus oil contains a chemical called cineole. This organic compound shows widespread medical effects, like reducing inflammation, lessening cold and flu, easing respiration, and much more. This oil can be used for internal and external applications.
Massage a few drops of eucalyptus oil on your neck and throat. You can even add 2-3 drops of oil on a cotton ball and inhale its scent if you have a blocked nose. This will clear the mucous in your throat and nose, and regulate your breathing.
- Lemon essential oil
It’s well known for its ability to cleanse your body of toxins. Lemon oil is extracted from the skin of lemon. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and rich in vitamin C. You can swallow 2-3 drops of lemon oil for a sore throat. This will increase salivation and make your throat moist. Lemon essential oil is known to soothe throat pain, rejuvenates energy, and removes toxins from the body.
- Clove bud and clove oil
Clove essential oil is a good antimicrobial aid capable of increasing your resistance to a large number of diseases, including sore throat. It gives instant relief from sore throat and boosts your immune system. Its benefits can be attributed to the presence of antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Just by chewing on a clove bud, you get instant relief from sore throat.
Mix a teaspoon of clove oil in half a glass of warm water. Drink this water whenever you feel discomfort in your throat. It will quickly ease out the soreness and give instant relief.
- Lemongrass essential oil
Lemongrass derives its medical properties from two important components called citral and geraniol. It eases inflammation by interacting with the immune system of your body; also performs better than many other antiseptics available today. Lemongrass can also be used for treating allergies; its extremely potent antimicrobial property has made it a great remedy for throat pain caused by microbes.
Essential oils for sore throat can be handy. But if your condition worsens, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.