Gargles are an age-old method of bringing soothing substances to raw, inflamed throats. This may be a bit uncomfortable for an adult but quite challenging to a child. To see if your child is capable of gargling liquids:
- Have her hold a small mouthful of plain water towards the back of the throat.
- If this is easily done, gargling can become a fun activity by vocalizing, causing the liquid to vibrate.
- If vocalizing makes your child uncomfortable, simply have him retain the liquid in the throat while you count, encouraging him to hold it a moment longer. Or, consider an herbal spray, described below.
- Be sure the liquid is expectorated (spat out) so the toxins drawn out from the swollen tissue are not swallowed.
SALTY LEMON GARGLE
The astringent properties of lemon juice and common table salt (or, for a healthier version, sea salt or Himalayan salt, found in all health food stores), when combined with warm water and used as a gargle, shrink swollen tissue. As a result, this classic blend reduces the inflammation and pain of sore throats.
- Combine the juice of half a lemon with one tablespoon salt in one-half cup warm water.
- Gargle with this mixture at least four times a day.
- To further enhance the astringency and anti-microbial action of this gargle, mix the lemon and salt into one half cup sage (Salvia officinalis) tea instead of plain water. To prepare a medicinal infusion of sage tea (or for any other leaf or flower tea), steep one heaping teaspoon of the herb in one cup boiled water. Cover the cup to retain aromatic oils, and steep (let sit) for 20 minutes. Strain out the herb, using the clear liquid as the base for the lemon and salt gargle.
GRAPEFRUIT SEED GARGLE
The extract of the grapefruit seed contains potent anti-microbial as well as astringent constituents that help relieve an inflamed, sore throat.
- Add 4-6 drops grapefruit seed extract (purchased in health food stores) to one half glass of water (or mix the contents of one capsule with the water).
- Gargle with the diluted extract, spitting it out after each gargle.
- This is a very bitter preparation so you might want to put mix in some juice.
THROAT HEALING HERBS
A sore throat may be comforted with:
- Slippery elm lozenges (available at health food stores). Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) is an herb with soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.
- A diluted spray of equal parts extracts of echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), sprayed on the back of the throat. To make this anti-microbial spray, dilute 10 drops liquid extract of each herb in 4 ounces of water.
- A spoonful of raw, enzyme-rich honey (found in health food stores or from your local bee keeper) which is anti-inflammatory as well as anti-microbial is a traditional remedy for soothing the throats of opera singers before performances. Your child can lick the honey right off the spoon to experience its soothing properties as it slides down an irritated throat.
- A room vaporizer containing eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus). The vaporizer’s hydrating mist soothes a dry, irritated throat while the eucalyptus emits its anti-microbial properties into the surrounding air.
- A tea/gargle of the soothing, anti-inflammatory herbs licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and slippery elm bark. Roots, barks and seeds are prepared differently from the flowers and leaves of a plant. To make a decoction (versus an infusion) bring 1½ cups water to a boil. Reduce the heat so it just simmers and add one tablespoon of the root, bark or seed; cover partially for 15-20 minutes as it simmers down to one cup. Allow to cool to a comfortable temperature for gargling.
- A gargle with raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) tea, an effective astringent, can help reduce the swollen tissue of a sore throat. Prepare an infusion as for sage tea, above.
While using the herbs as a gargle, echinacea, goldenseal and vitamin C may be used several times a day to address the cold symptoms that may accompany the sore throat. If the sore throat is persistent it may be a sign of strep bacteria or something else needing medical treatment. Consider Andrea’s Rule of Three: if the situation is not improving within 3 days, get professional help.
Nature really does provide an abundant pharmacy if you know how to use it!
© Andrea Candee,
All rights reserved.
Andrea Candee, MH, MSC, is a master herbalist with a practice in Westchester County. She lectures throughout the country and at corporate wellness centers about taking charge of your health naturally. Media expert and author, her award-winning book, Gentle Healing for Baby and Child (Simon & Schuster), received The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval. Andrea is noted nationally for her unique and successful approach to Lyme Disease. She may be contacted through her website, AndreaCandee.com (to receive her free e-letter, click on Did You Know?), or at 877 856 7680.