Causes of Sore Throat

There are many different factors that can play a role in the development of a sore throat. Sinus drainage called post nasal drip can contribute to throat issues. Common viruses, such as the viruses associated with mononucleosis (mono) and the flu can bring blisters and soreness in the mouth and throat [1]. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, cause soreness.

Throat dryness and soreness can develop when you breathe through your mouth or smoke tobacco. Some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and taking certain antibiotics, can create a throat to become sore. A sore throat that lasts for more than two weeks can be a sign of a serious illness, including throat cancer and AIDS.

Sore Throat Natural Cures

Having a sore throat is bound to happen at some point in your life. Depending on the cause of your soreness, you may also experience scratchiness, difficulty swallowing, trouble talking, dryness, swollen red tonsils, and sometimes, white patches or pus on the tonsils. To treat these symptoms, the following natural cures for sore throat may help:

a) Echinacea:

Taking echinacea offers antiviral and antibacterial properties for someone battling a sore throat, which speeds the healing process.

b) Horseradish:

While horseradish is a popular herb in the kitchen, it can come in pretty handy when you need to treat a sore throat.

c) Kava Kava:

When gargling with kava kava, you can provide soothing pain relief for a sore throat. The natural remedy also helps address issues of insomnia that often accompany sore throats and coughing.

d) Myrrh:

With antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, myrrh is a powerful natural treatment that can calm the symptoms of a chronic sore throat.

e) Barberry:

The tincture of barberry can prevent strep from compromising the lining of the throat. It is suggested to add 15 to 20 drops into 1/4 cup of water for three times daily. Repeat this remedy for 10 days to see the best results.

f) Garlic Oil:

When a sore throat is making it difficult for you to swallow, take three to four drops of garlic oil that has been added to ¼ cup of water. Use this remedy as a gargle.

g) Echinacea, Oregon Grape and Myrrh:

Combine 30 to 60 drops of each tincture (echinacea, Oregon grape and myrrh) in a small amount of water. Take the remedy every two hours for the first day of doing. You can then take it every four hours.

h) Salt Water:

Add one teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water to create a gargle that treats a sore throat. Use the solution three times per day.

i) Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey:

When you first feel the effects of a sore throat, mix three tablespoons of honey with one cup of unfiltered apple cider vinegar as a gargle. Follow up by gargling with lukewarm water, which helps remove the germs associated with a throat infection and irritation.

j) Slippery Elm:

Not only does slippery elm help treat a sore throat, but it also works towards preventing the wheezing and coughing that worsens your condition. In some cultures, slippery elm was made into a tea that is gargled [2]. A thick decoction of the plant is best. Others have chewed the bark of the plant to ease sore throats.

k) Sage:

Add two teaspoons of sage leaves to one cup of boiling water to make a gargle for your sore throat. After pouring the boiling water over the sage leaves, leave the blend for about 20 minutes. Strain the contents and add a bit of salt before gargling. Store the remaining liquid in the refrigerator, which will keep for a few days.

l) Hyssop:

The ancient plant called hyssop is a member of the mint family, and can help treat a sore throat with its antiviral properties – especially when your throat issues are linked to the common cold and excessive coughing [3].

m) Licorice:

The sweet root of licorice has a reputation for soothing sore throats. However, don’t overdo this natural cure because of the dangers of regular use. Some people have experienced serious side effects.

n) Marshmallow:

With the ability to fight inflammation and treat discomfort, marshmallow (the plant) can prove beneficial for treating a sore throat. It is suggested to drink three to five cups of marshmallow tea to see results.

Resources

[1] http://www.medicinenet.com/sore_throat/article.htm#1whatcauses
[2] Herbs for Health and Healing by Kathi Keville; pg. 136.
[3] The People’s Pharmacy Healing Herbs and Home Remedies by Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon; pg. 236.

What is Sunburn?

The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage the skin, causing mild pain and redness to affect the outer layer of the skin. Usually, the skin is painful to the touch, but the condition is easily treatable at home. Some people experience more severe sunburn that causes the skin to redden, swell up, and form blisters. This is an indication that deeper layers of skin have been affected. Sometimes, the nerve endings are compromised. The damage is considered a second-degree burn and will take longer to heal [1].

The type of skin that you have will determine your vulnerability to suffering sunburn. People that tend to sunburn the most have fair skin, freckles, red or blond hear, and blue eyes. Age also plays a role – children younger than six and adults older than 60 are more sensitive to sunlight.

Causes of Sunburn

Staying in the sun too long will cause sunburn to develop. There are factors that contribute to the severity of your damaged skin. For instance, you are more likely to get sunburn between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon – this is when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Reflective surfaces (like white sand, water, concrete, snow and ice) can direct the sun’s rays onto your skin. Other factors of sunburn include:

• Season of the year – the summertime creates more sunburns
• Altitude – It’s easier to get sunburned at higher altitudes since there is less of the atmosphere to block the sunlight
• Closeness to the equator – More direct sunlight passes through the atmosphere when you are closer to the equator
• UV index – Checking the UV index of the day can tell you the risk of going out in the sun for the day

Sunburn Natural Cures

Preventing and quickly treating sunburn helps the skin heal quicker, lower your risk for skin cancer, and soothe any accompanying symptoms, such as blisters. If you’re looking for natural cures for sunburn instead of relying on over-the-counter products, you may want to consider some of the following suggestions:

a) Sandalwood:

The cooling properties of sandalwood can help treat a bad case of sunburn. Apply as a paste on the skin before going back out in the sun.

b) St. John’s Wort:

When St. John’s wort oil is mixed with a couple tablespoons of olive or almond oil, you can apply the mixture directly to sunburned parts of the skin for a soothing treatment. St. John’s wort provides anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antibacterial relief to your skin.



c) Sea Buckthorn:

After diluting a couple drops of sea buckthorn oil with olive oil or almond oil, you can rub the remedy into your damaged skin. Follow up with a repeat application 2, 8 and 24 hours later. The extract of sea buckthorn oil extract will assist the healing process and lessen the overall damage to your skin.

d) Tea Tree Oil:

After the second or third day following sunburn, you can use tea tree oil to heal and moisturize the skin and prevent scarring of severely damaged skin.

e) Honey:

Treat the pain of sunburn with an application of honey, which possesses antibacterial properties that help heal wounds. It is thought that the honey encourages the growth of new skin cells. Manuka honey is especially beneficial because of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory power that it packs.

f) Oats:

An old natural remedy for sunburn is to apply oats to the skin. Oat extract possesses properties that fight inflammation. You can whip up a bowl of oatmeal, let it cool in the refrigerator, and then apply to burned skin.

g) Onion:

The juice of onions can help reduce the inflammation of sunburn by cooling the skin.

h) Peppermint Oil:

Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a bath to create a soothing soak for sunburned skin.

i) Lavender:

Add 40 drops of lavender oil to two ounce of carrier oil placed in a clean container. Blend the ingredients well, and then apply the oil to your sunburned skin.

j) Lavender and Chamomile Mix:

To soothe the burning sensation of damaged skin, create a healing bath by adding 8 drops lavender oil, 2 drops chamomile oil, 2 drops helichrysum oil, and 1 drop peppermint oil to a bathtub filled with cool water. Some people have enhanced their treatment by adding ice cubes to the water. Soak in the bath for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this luxuriating treatment every few hours until the pain subsides.

k) Aloe Vera:

The healing properties of aloe vera make an effective treatment for burned skin. Break off an aloe leaf from a plant, and apply the sap directly to affected skin.

l) Black Nightshade:

Crushing black nightshade leaves and stirring in heavy cream will create a healing mixture that treats sunburn.

m) Calendula:

To speed the healing process of sunburned skin, a cream made with crushed calendula flowers helps treat blisters, reduce inflammation, and promote the growth of new skin cells.

n) Comfrey:

Add one ounce of dried comfrey root to a saucepan with one pint of water. Bring the contents to a boil, and then simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the remedy from the heat and let cool in the refrigerator before straining. Use a cotton ball to apply the natural cure to small patches of sunburned skin. If you’ve burned a great deal of skin, soaking a washcloth is a better method of application. This remedy should not be used on skin that has broken blisters.

o) Black Tea and Peppermint:

After brewing a pot of black tea, allow it to cool before straining the contents and transferring into a spray bottle. Add four drops of peppermint oil to every four ounces of tea. Shake the contents well, and then spray the mixture across your sunburned skin.

Resources

[1] http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/tc/sunburn-topic-overview
[2] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/18/sunburn-remedies-natural-relief_n_897103.html#s306805&title=Honey

Causes and Symptoms

Bacteria and viruses are behind the development of a middle ear infection. When you have a cold, allergy attack, sinus flare-up, or throat infection, the eustachian tubes (the part of the body that connects the middle ears to the throat) become blocked. This causes fluid to stop draining from the middle ear. An ear infection arises because bacteria or viruses thrive in the fluid.

Bacterial infections linked to Streptococcus pneumoniae (also called pneumococcus), Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are the most common cause of an ear infection. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the flu are the most frequent types of viruses associated with an ear infection [1].

An ear infection can come with an array of symptoms that may include [2]:

• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Earache
• Fever
• Drainage from the ear
• Hearing loss
• Itchiness in the ear or ear canal
• Irritability
• Nausea and vomiting

Ear Infection Natural Cures

Ear infections affect people of all ages – making young children quite irritable and sending thousands of parents straight to the pediatrician each year. Since the condition is quite painful, you may want to consider the following natural cures for ear infections as a supplement to regular treatment methods:

a) Grapefruit Seed Extract:

Also known as GSE, grapefruit seed extract in liquid form should be thoroughly mixed with glycerin or alcohol. A suggested recipe for healing is three to five drops of GSE and one ounce of glycerin or alcohol. Place one to two drops of the remedy into affected ears once or twice per day. Never use full-strength grapefruit seed extract in your ears.

b) Astragalus:

This herbal remedy can come in handy when you have a child that suffers from recurrent ear infections.

c) Echinacea:

To treat an ear infection when the early signs are present, you can use an echinacea supplement – choose an alcohol-free option. The herb is believed to boost the immune system, which can help the body fight infections.

d) Lobelia and Oil:

You can mix lobelia with garlic oil (or olive oil) to treat an ear infection. Place a couple of drops of the remedy in your ear and plug it with cotton to ease the pain.

e) Goldenseal and Echinacea:

A tea made with one teaspoon each of goldenseal and echinacea added to one cup of boiling water can provide a liquid remedy that is best drunk three times per day. Some people have also enjoyed results by adding one dropperful of both goldenseal and echinacea tincture to one cup of boiling water and drinking three times a day.

f) Garlic, Calendula, and Mullein (or Willow):

Mixing equal parts of garlic, calendula and mullein extracts with a bit of olive oil to create a remedy that is placed in an infected ear. The suggested dosage is three to four drops of the mixture, which is repeated every three to four hours. Another healing combination used in the same manner includes a mixture of garlic, calendula and willow.

g) Forsythia, Gentian, and Honeysuckle:

The powdered form of forsythia, gentian and honeysuckle can be sprinkled on applesauce for an herbal treatment geared towards children with ear infections. You may also use these herbs to make a healing tea. You can also use garlic, St. John’s wort, and mullein in the same way.

h) Eucalyptus Oil:

If you add eucalyptus oil to a humidifier, this remedy will help break up any congestion associated with an ear infection.

i) Holy Basil:

Use an ear dropper to administer two to three drops of basil juice in an infected ear. This will help ease the achy discomfort.

j) Tea Tree Oil:

Add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to an equal amount of vegetable oil to create a remedy for an infected ear. Place two to three drops of the solution into the affected ear.

k) Garlic:

While offered as an over-the-counter natural remedy, garlic oil ear drops can provide soothing relief for infected ears. You can make your own garlic oil treatment by grating three medium garlic cloves and placing them in a small bowl. Cover the grated garlic with olive oil, and let the mixture stand overnight. Pour the mixture through a strainer to prepare for your cure. Place three to four drops in the infected ear, and allow it to sit for around five minutes. Let the solution soak in the ear canal. Repeat this process for two times per day.

Resources

[1] http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ear-infection/ear-infections-cause

[2] http://health.yahoo.net/adamcontent/otitis#symptoms

Symptoms of Bee Stings

For some people, the sting of a bee is not the only discomfort felt. Most people experience a localized reaction – red skin and pain. Swelling and/or itchiness may develop with the pain subsiding within a few hours. A more serious response may see the swelling, redness, and pain persist for up to a week. Surrounding skin may also become involved.

Other people are not so lucky and can feel the effects of a bee sting in their entire body. Hives may develop with redness and swelling. Other symptoms may include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and dizziness. In the most serious cases, anaphylactic reactions cause wheezing, trouble breathing, and a drop in blood pressure that can actually lead to shock. Immediate treatment is required for these cases.

Bee Sting Natural Cures

Bee stings can become so hazardous that about 50 people die on a yearly basis in the United States when severe anaphylactic reactions take place [1]. This type of reaction usually occurs within minutes of a bee sting. For all other cases, the following natural cures for bee stings can help when looking for a solution from Mother Nature:

a) Parsley:

Freshly crushed parsley can be rubbed on a bee sting to stop pain, as well as neutralize the poison that causes other symptoms to arise.

b) Jewelweed:

To soothe the skin and ease the itching of a bee sting, take two to three leaves of jewelweed and break to release a healing juice. Apply the natural remedy over affected skin.

c) Yellow Dock Leaf:

Treat the sting of a bee by neutralizing it with one teaspoon of yellow dock leaf tincture and two teaspoons of baking soda. Mix the ingredients to create a poultice that is applied when needed.

d) Basil:

An effective natural cure for bee stings is fresh basil leaves, which you can crush up and directly apply to bee-stung skin.

e) Garlic Cloves:

You can treat a painful bee sting by applying the juice from a crushed garlic clove to affected skin.

f) Plantain:

With the ability to treat bee stings, plantain is a common weed that you may want to consider using when stung in the yard. You should become familiar with identifying the plant so that you can locate the proper remedy when outside. Chew up some of the leaves to release its juices – you can also firmly roll the leaves between your thumb and fingers to achieve the same results. Press the juicy leaves against the sting to see results.

g) Calendula:

Calendula flowers possess properties that can treat bee stings. Crush the flowers to produce enough juice that can be applied to a sting.

h) St. John’s Wort:

A paste made out of St. John’s wort oil and bentonite clay can be directly applied to bee stings. The clay helps draw out the poison from the bite and the anti-inflammatory properties of the St. John’s wort works towards eliminating some of the pain.

i) Lavender:

To stop the itching and reduce the swelling of bee stings, lavender can come in quite handy. When using lavender essential oil, apply one drop on bee stings as a spot treatment. Do not rub the oil over large sections of skin.

j) Papaya:

A slice of fresh papaya can be applied to bee stings for about one hour to soothe the discomfort.

k) California Poppy:

To soothe the pain of a bee sting, take two droppers of California poppy tincture after being stung. For the rest of the day, take one dropper of the tincture every two hours.

l) Onion:

Apply a slice of onion on a bee sting to treat symptoms. Keep the onion in place for about one hour.

m) Dirt:

To remove the stinger of a bee, add a small amount of water to a bit of dirt to create a muddy paste. Apply to a bee sting to pull it out, and encourage the swelling to go down.

n) Lavender and Vegetable Oil:

To create a healing lotion for your insect sting, mix one teaspoon of lavender essential oil and one tablespoon of vegetable oil. Mix the ingredients and then apply directly to the affected skin. Do not use this natural cure around the eyes.

o) Echinacea and Lavender:

To treat a bee sting with an extra strength natural solution, mix one tablespoon of echinacea root tincture, one tablespoon of distilled water, and 1/8 teaspoon of lavender essential oil. Slowly add the liquid to one tablespoon of bentonite clay – while constantly stirring to blend. After the remedy has been mixed, the paste should be a consistency that will stick to the skin. Apply the paste to affected skin. Any leftover remedy can be stored in a container with a tight lid.

Resources

[1] http://www.medicinenet.com/bee_sting_treatment/views.htm

Causes of Sore Throat

There are many different factors that can play a role in the development of a sore throat. Sinus drainage called post nasal drip can contribute to throat issues. Common viruses, such as the viruses associated with mononucleosis (mono) and the flu can bring blisters and soreness in the mouth and throat [1]. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, cause soreness.

Throat dryness and soreness can develop when you breathe through your mouth or smoke tobacco. Some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and taking certain antibiotics, can create a throat to become sore. A sore throat that lasts for more than two weeks can be a sign of a serious illness, including throat cancer and AIDS.

Sore Throat Natural Cures

Having a sore throat is bound to happen at some point in your life. Depending on the cause of your soreness, you may also experience scratchiness, difficulty swallowing, trouble talking, dryness, swollen red tonsils, and sometimes, white patches or pus on the tonsils. To treat these symptoms, the following natural cures for sore throat may help:

a) Echinacea:

Taking echinacea offers antiviral and antibacterial properties for someone battling a sore throat, which speeds the healing process.

b) Horseradish:

While horseradish is a popular herb in the kitchen, it can come in pretty handy when you need to treat a sore throat.

c) Kava Kava:

When gargling with kava kava, you can provide soothing pain relief for a sore throat. The natural remedy also helps address issues of insomnia that often accompany sore throats and coughing.

d) Myrrh:

With antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, myrrh is a powerful natural treatment that can calm the symptoms of a chronic sore throat.

e) Barberry:

The tincture of barberry can prevent strep from compromising the lining of the throat. It is suggested to add 15 to 20 drops into 1/4 cup of water for three times daily. Repeat this remedy for 10 days to see the best results.

f) Garlic Oil:

When a sore throat is making it difficult for you to swallow, take three to four drops of garlic oil that has been added to ¼ cup of water. Use this remedy as a gargle.

g) Echinacea, Oregon Grape and Myrrh:

Combine 30 to 60 drops of each tincture (echinacea, Oregon grape and myrrh) in a small amount of water. Take the remedy every two hours for the first day of doing. You can then take it every four hours.

h) Salt Water:

Add one teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water to create a gargle that treats a sore throat. Use the solution three times per day.

i) Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey:

When you first feel the effects of a sore throat, mix three tablespoons of honey with one cup of unfiltered apple cider vinegar as a gargle. Follow up by gargling with lukewarm water, which helps remove the germs associated with a throat infection and irritation.

j) Slippery Elm:

Not only does slippery elm help treat a sore throat, but it also works towards preventing the wheezing and coughing that worsens your condition. In some cultures, slippery elm was made into a tea that is gargled [2]. A thick decoction of the plant is best. Others have chewed the bark of the plant to ease sore throats.

k) Sage:

Add two teaspoons of sage leaves to one cup of boiling water to make a gargle for your sore throat. After pouring the boiling water over the sage leaves, leave the blend for about 20 minutes. Strain the contents and add a bit of salt before gargling. Store the remaining liquid in the refrigerator, which will keep for a few days.

l) Hyssop:

The ancient plant called hyssop is a member of the mint family, and can help treat a sore throat with its antiviral properties – especially when your throat issues are linked to the common cold and excessive coughing [3].

m) Licorice:

The sweet root of licorice has a reputation for soothing sore throats. However, don’t overdo this natural cure because of the dangers of regular use. Some people have experienced serious side effects.

n) Marshmallow:

With the ability to fight inflammation and treat discomfort, marshmallow (the plant) can prove beneficial for treating a sore throat. It is suggested to drink three to five cups of marshmallow tea to see results.

Resources

[1] http://www.medicinenet.com/sore_throat/article.htm#1whatcauses
[2] Herbs for Health and Healing by Kathi Keville; pg. 136.
[3] The People’s Pharmacy Healing Herbs and Home Remedies by Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon; pg. 236.

Causes of Sore Throat

There are many different factors that can play a role in the development of a sore throat. Sinus drainage called post nasal drip can contribute to throat issues. Common viruses, such as the viruses associated with mononucleosis (mono) and the flu can bring blisters and soreness in the mouth and throat [1]. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, cause soreness.

Throat dryness and soreness can develop when you breathe through your mouth or smoke tobacco. Some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and taking certain antibiotics, can create a throat to become sore. A sore throat that lasts for more than two weeks can be a sign of a serious illness, including throat cancer and AIDS.

Sore Throat Natural Cures

Having a sore throat is bound to happen at some point in your life. Depending on the cause of your soreness, you may also experience scratchiness, difficulty swallowing, trouble talking, dryness, swollen red tonsils, and sometimes, white patches or pus on the tonsils. To treat these symptoms, the following natural cures for sore throat may help:

a) Echinacea:

Taking echinacea offers antiviral and antibacterial properties for someone battling a sore throat, which speeds the healing process.

b) Horseradish:

While horseradish is a popular herb in the kitchen, it can come in pretty handy when you need to treat a sore throat.

c) Kava Kava:

When gargling with kava kava, you can provide soothing pain relief for a sore throat. The natural remedy also helps address issues of insomnia that often accompany sore throats and coughing.

d) Myrrh:

With antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, myrrh is a powerful natural treatment that can calm the symptoms of a chronic sore throat.

e) Barberry:

The tincture of barberry can prevent strep from compromising the lining of the throat. It is suggested to add 15 to 20 drops into 1/4 cup of water for three times daily. Repeat this remedy for 10 days to see the best results.

f) Garlic Oil:

When a sore throat is making it difficult for you to swallow, take three to four drops of garlic oil that has been added to ¼ cup of water. Use this remedy as a gargle.

g) Echinacea, Oregon Grape and Myrrh:

Combine 30 to 60 drops of each tincture (echinacea, Oregon grape and myrrh) in a small amount of water. Take the remedy every two hours for the first day of doing. You can then take it every four hours.

h) Salt Water:

Add one teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water to create a gargle that treats a sore throat. Use the solution three times per day.

i) Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey:

When you first feel the effects of a sore throat, mix three tablespoons of honey with one cup of unfiltered apple cider vinegar as a gargle. Follow up by gargling with lukewarm water, which helps remove the germs associated with a throat infection and irritation.

j) Slippery Elm:

Not only does slippery elm help treat a sore throat, but it also works towards preventing the wheezing and coughing that worsens your condition. In some cultures, slippery elm was made into a tea that is gargled [2]. A thick decoction of the plant is best. Others have chewed the bark of the plant to ease sore throats.

k) Sage:

Add two teaspoons of sage leaves to one cup of boiling water to make a gargle for your sore throat. After pouring the boiling water over the sage leaves, leave the blend for about 20 minutes. Strain the contents and add a bit of salt before gargling. Store the remaining liquid in the refrigerator, which will keep for a few days.

l) Hyssop:

The ancient plant called hyssop is a member of the mint family, and can help treat a sore throat with its antiviral properties – especially when your throat issues are linked to the common cold and excessive coughing [3].

m) Licorice:

The sweet root of licorice has a reputation for soothing sore throats. However, don’t overdo this natural cure because of the dangers of regular use. Some people have experienced serious side effects.

n) Marshmallow:

With the ability to fight inflammation and treat discomfort, marshmallow (the plant) can prove beneficial for treating a sore throat. It is suggested to drink three to five cups of marshmallow tea to see results.

Resources

[1] http://www.medicinenet.com/sore_throat/article.htm#1whatcauses
[2] Herbs for Health and Healing by Kathi Keville; pg. 136.
[3] The People’s Pharmacy Healing Herbs and Home Remedies by Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon; pg. 236.

Causes of Sore Throat

There are many different factors that can play a role in the development of a sore throat. Sinus drainage called post nasal drip can contribute to throat issues. Common viruses, such as the viruses associated with mononucleosis (mono) and the flu can bring blisters and soreness in the mouth and throat [1]. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, cause soreness.

Throat dryness and soreness can develop when you breathe through your mouth or smoke tobacco. Some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and taking certain antibiotics, can create a throat to become sore. A sore throat that lasts for more than two weeks can be a sign of a serious illness, including throat cancer and AIDS.

Sore Throat Natural Cures

Having a sore throat is bound to happen at some point in your life. Depending on the cause of your soreness, you may also experience scratchiness, difficulty swallowing, trouble talking, dryness, swollen red tonsils, and sometimes, white patches or pus on the tonsils. To treat these symptoms, the following natural cures for sore throat may help:

a) Echinacea:

Taking echinacea offers antiviral and antibacterial properties for someone battling a sore throat, which speeds the healing process.

b) Horseradish:

While horseradish is a popular herb in the kitchen, it can come in pretty handy when you need to treat a sore throat.

c) Kava Kava:

When gargling with kava kava, you can provide soothing pain relief for a sore throat. The natural remedy also helps address issues of insomnia that often accompany sore throats and coughing.

d) Myrrh:

With antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, myrrh is a powerful natural treatment that can calm the symptoms of a chronic sore throat.

e) Barberry:

The tincture of barberry can prevent strep from compromising the lining of the throat. It is suggested to add 15 to 20 drops into 1/4 cup of water for three times daily. Repeat this remedy for 10 days to see the best results.

f) Garlic Oil:

When a sore throat is making it difficult for you to swallow, take three to four drops of garlic oil that has been added to ¼ cup of water. Use this remedy as a gargle.

g) Echinacea, Oregon Grape and Myrrh:

Combine 30 to 60 drops of each tincture (echinacea, Oregon grape and myrrh) in a small amount of water. Take the remedy every two hours for the first day of doing. You can then take it every four hours.

h) Salt Water:

Add one teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water to create a gargle that treats a sore throat. Use the solution three times per day.

i) Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey:

When you first feel the effects of a sore throat, mix three tablespoons of honey with one cup of unfiltered apple cider vinegar as a gargle. Follow up by gargling with lukewarm water, which helps remove the germs associated with a throat infection and irritation.

j) Slippery Elm:

Not only does slippery elm help treat a sore throat, but it also works towards preventing the wheezing and coughing that worsens your condition. In some cultures, slippery elm was made into a tea that is gargled [2]. A thick decoction of the plant is best. Others have chewed the bark of the plant to ease sore throats.

k) Sage:

Add two teaspoons of sage leaves to one cup of boiling water to make a gargle for your sore throat. After pouring the boiling water over the sage leaves, leave the blend for about 20 minutes. Strain the contents and add a bit of salt before gargling. Store the remaining liquid in the refrigerator, which will keep for a few days.

l) Hyssop:

The ancient plant called hyssop is a member of the mint family, and can help treat a sore throat with its antiviral properties – especially when your throat issues are linked to the common cold and excessive coughing [3].

m) Licorice:

The sweet root of licorice has a reputation for soothing sore throats. However, don’t overdo this natural cure because of the dangers of regular use. Some people have experienced serious side effects.

n) Marshmallow:

With the ability to fight inflammation and treat discomfort, marshmallow (the plant) can prove beneficial for treating a sore throat. It is suggested to drink three to five cups of marshmallow tea to see results.

Resources

[1] http://www.medicinenet.com/sore_throat/article.htm#1whatcauses
[2] Herbs for Health and Healing by Kathi Keville; pg. 136.
[3] The People’s Pharmacy Healing Herbs and Home Remedies by Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon; pg. 236.

What is Sunburn?

The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage the skin, causing mild pain and redness to affect the outer layer of the skin. Usually, the skin is painful to the touch, but the condition is easily treatable at home. Some people experience more severe sunburn that causes the skin to redden, swell up, and form blisters. This is an indication that deeper layers of skin have been affected. Sometimes, the nerve endings are compromised. The damage is considered a second-degree burn and will take longer to heal [1].

The type of skin that you have will determine your vulnerability to suffering sunburn. People that tend to sunburn the most have fair skin, freckles, red or blond hear, and blue eyes. Age also plays a role – children younger than six and adults older than 60 are more sensitive to sunlight.

Causes of Sunburn

Staying in the sun too long will cause sunburn to develop. There are factors that contribute to the severity of your damaged skin. For instance, you are more likely to get sunburn between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon – this is when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Reflective surfaces (like white sand, water, concrete, snow and ice) can direct the sun’s rays onto your skin. Other factors of sunburn include:

• Season of the year – the summertime creates more sunburns
• Altitude – It’s easier to get sunburned at higher altitudes since there is less of the atmosphere to block the sunlight
• Closeness to the equator – More direct sunlight passes through the atmosphere when you are closer to the equator
• UV index – Checking the UV index of the day can tell you the risk of going out in the sun for the day

Sunburn Natural Cures

Preventing and quickly treating sunburn helps the skin heal quicker, lower your risk for skin cancer, and soothe any accompanying symptoms, such as blisters. If you’re looking for natural cures for sunburn instead of relying on over-the-counter products, you may want to consider some of the following suggestions:

a) Sandalwood:

The cooling properties of sandalwood can help treat a bad case of sunburn. Apply as a paste on the skin before going back out in the sun.

b) St. John’s Wort:

When St. John’s wort oil is mixed with a couple tablespoons of olive or almond oil, you can apply the mixture directly to sunburned parts of the skin for a soothing treatment. St. John’s wort provides anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antibacterial relief to your skin.



c) Sea Buckthorn:

After diluting a couple drops of sea buckthorn oil with olive oil or almond oil, you can rub the remedy into your damaged skin. Follow up with a repeat application 2, 8 and 24 hours later. The extract of sea buckthorn oil extract will assist the healing process and lessen the overall damage to your skin.

d) Tea Tree Oil:

After the second or third day following sunburn, you can use tea tree oil to heal and moisturize the skin and prevent scarring of severely damaged skin.

e) Honey:

Treat the pain of sunburn with an application of honey, which possesses antibacterial properties that help heal wounds. It is thought that the honey encourages the growth of new skin cells. Manuka honey is especially beneficial because of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory power that it packs.

f) Oats:

An old natural remedy for sunburn is to apply oats to the skin. Oat extract possesses properties that fight inflammation. You can whip up a bowl of oatmeal, let it cool in the refrigerator, and then apply to burned skin.

g) Onion:

The juice of onions can help reduce the inflammation of sunburn by cooling the skin.

h) Peppermint Oil:

Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a bath to create a soothing soak for sunburned skin.

i) Lavender:

Add 40 drops of lavender oil to two ounce of carrier oil placed in a clean container. Blend the ingredients well, and then apply the oil to your sunburned skin.

j) Lavender and Chamomile Mix:

To soothe the burning sensation of damaged skin, create a healing bath by adding 8 drops lavender oil, 2 drops chamomile oil, 2 drops helichrysum oil, and 1 drop peppermint oil to a bathtub filled with cool water. Some people have enhanced their treatment by adding ice cubes to the water. Soak in the bath for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this luxuriating treatment every few hours until the pain subsides.

k) Aloe Vera:

The healing properties of aloe vera make an effective treatment for burned skin. Break off an aloe leaf from a plant, and apply the sap directly to affected skin.

l) Black Nightshade:

Crushing black nightshade leaves and stirring in heavy cream will create a healing mixture that treats sunburn.

m) Calendula:

To speed the healing process of sunburned skin, a cream made with crushed calendula flowers helps treat blisters, reduce inflammation, and promote the growth of new skin cells.

n) Comfrey:

Add one ounce of dried comfrey root to a saucepan with one pint of water. Bring the contents to a boil, and then simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the remedy from the heat and let cool in the refrigerator before straining. Use a cotton ball to apply the natural cure to small patches of sunburned skin. If you’ve burned a great deal of skin, soaking a washcloth is a better method of application. This remedy should not be used on skin that has broken blisters.

o) Black Tea and Peppermint:

After brewing a pot of black tea, allow it to cool before straining the contents and transferring into a spray bottle. Add four drops of peppermint oil to every four ounces of tea. Shake the contents well, and then spray the mixture across your sunburned skin.

Resources

[1] http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/tc/sunburn-topic-overview
[2] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/18/sunburn-remedies-natural-relief_n_897103.html#s306805&title=Honey