We've all had that, "I just know I'm getting sick" feeling when we feel our throat starting to get sore and scratchy. There's no shortage of possible causes - a cold, the flu, or simple overuse - but finding an effective natural remedy can be difficult. In the Table of Contents for Sore Throat we literally have an A to Z listing of natural sore throat remedies, from "Acid Reflux Connection" to "Zinc." We have identified a few of our favorites. One of the most effective home cures for treating a common sore throat is lemon.
Tips on Treating a Sore Throat with Lemon from Earth Clinic Readers
Kyle told us how his Grampa cures a sore throat!
[YEA]Sore Throat: well you get a lemon and cut it off at the top and you put a pepper mint in the center of the lemon then in a bout a hour of sucking on the lemon bammm baby its gone i got this from my 73 year old grampa.
Fabio likes the traditional lemon and honeyl
[YEA] So I wake up in the morning almost every day with a sore throat. I got sick and tired of it and started looking for cures on the internet and came across this page. I tried lemon water and honey and a few minutes later BAMM no more sore throat lol. this works great.
Rob tells us how an old woman from Oregon taught him how to use a fresh, whole lemon for a sore throat - and it works!.
[YEA]A very old woman from Oregon told me about this about 20 years ago, and it's got a 100% success rate so far, at least for me and the friends I've suggested it to.
To permanently cure most kinds of sore throats, you merely need to suck on a lemon. Use either one small lemon or a little more than one-half of a big lemon. Cut it into sections as you would an orange, and suck the juice out of each section. Try one more time an hour later if the sore throat still hasn't passed. If it's still sore after an hour after your second dose, you should strongly consider seeking medical assistance.
Lemon juice is very acidic, and can erode the enamel on your teeth, so I would recommend brushing your teeth soon afterwards. You can just drink lemon juice instead if you don't have an actual lemon handy. On one occasion I mixed about three-fourths of a cup of lemon juice with about 2 cups of water and gulping that down seemed to work just as well. After reading some of the other cures posted here, it occurred to me that gargling with a lemon juice / water mixture might have been a good idea. Merely having a glass of lemonade or two doesn't seem to work very well--I suppose because it doesn't have enough lemon juice in it. I feel that the idea is to assault your throat with the acidity of the lemon juice, and if you get enough down there at one time, the soreness just stops. I am no doctor, but I have not yet had a sore throat for the last 20 years or so that a lemon didn't permanently cure.
What Causes a Sore Throat?
First, identify the type and cause of the pain. Most sore throats are caused by viral infections or colds, which causes the nasal and sinus passages to drain into the throat, irritating the throat tissues. Allergies also make it hard to breathe, turning you into a "mouth-breather." As you breathe in this way, your throat becomes irritated and sore. Antibiotics don't usually work very well to treat these issues, but natural cures are often able to effecively treat a painful sore throat.
Why Lemon Relieves Sore Throat Pain
Lemon is an effective remedy for treating a sore throat and functions in two unique ways to restore health. Lemon is a natural astringent, so it helps to reduce mucus in the throat. In turn, this property helps relieve a sore throat. Lemon is also full of vitamin C, an important antioxidant and support to the immune system. As the immune system becomes stronger, it works to heal the sore throat.
There are Many Ways to Treat a Sore Throat with Lemon
In addition to the suggestions at the top of the page, scroll down and read more suggestions from our readers. You can use lemon juice in a couple of different ways. You will find further suggestions for treating your sore throat with Lemon and Garlic and Lemon Juice and Sea Salt.
One of the most potent forms of treatment is taking a straight teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Otherwise, you may prefer making a tea with added lemon juice. To do so, heat 1 cup of hot water. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon and 2 tablespoons of honey for added flavor and health benefit. Stir and enjoy.
You may have to drink several cups of this tea throughout the day, but you probably won't mind. It tastes great in addition to being good for you. Give it a try and let us know what you think or tell us about your favorite natural sore throat treatment.
Related Links:
10 Best Natural Remedies for Soothing a Sore Throat
10 Cold and Flu Home Remedies
Natural Allergy Relief: Top 13 Home Remedies
Top 10 Natural Remedies for Flu
