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Winter is often synonymous with colds and the flu, and no one is immune to the dreaded sore throat! More and more people are seeking natural solutions that contain neither sugar nor artificial colorants. This article suggests simple but still effective alternatives to soothe a sore throat.

Soothe Sore Throats Naturally: Simple and Practical Solutions
Soothe Sore Throats Naturally: Simple and Practical Solutions

Lozenges are very convenient and quickly soothe an irritated throat. The vast majority of lozenges found in stores contain undesirable ingredients such as glucose-fructose syrup, various colorants, or propylene glycol, an additive known to have an irritating effect on the skin.

If we want to make choices that are consistent with our overall health, it is preferable to opt for lozenges made from natural ingredients. Here are the most effective natural lozenges for a persistent sore throat:

  • Honey and propolis lozenges: Honey is well known for its soothing properties. Propolis, a resin produced by bees, has antimicrobial properties that can help fight throat infections. In lozenge form, it will have a pleasant taste and act as a soothing balm for your throat. If you have a persistent sore throat, you can take them hourly until you feel relief. Precaution: Propolis is a bee product. If you have a bee allergy, this product should be avoided.
  • Zinc lozenges: Often found mixed with vitamin C, Echinacea, and other plants, Zinc, when it dissolves in the throat, will have an anti-inflammatory effect that locally reduces pain in the throat. It’s worth trying!

Keep one or two packs in your home pharmacy and alternate their use. You may prefer one over the other, but this way, you’ll be prepared in advance.

Another very convenient option is sprays. Keep one on hand and use it as needed. They act very quickly.

  • Echinacea and sage spray: A high-quality study has shown that a spray with echinacea and sage is as effective as a treatment with lidocaine. The spray format makes it very practical to use, as you only need to spray it at the back of your throat when necessary! The soothing effect is felt very quickly.

A return to nature for your well-being

Turning to natural remedies to soothe sore throats will not only offer you quick relief but will also ensure that no undesirable or overly sugary ingredients are involved in the process. By integrating these solutions into your wellness routine, you are taking a step towards a gentler and more preventive approach.

Don’t forget that Rachelle Bery groceries and Espace santé in IGA offer a wide selection of natural solutions, as well as personalized advice to meet your needs. You’ll benefit from valuable support, attentive to your preferences and tailored to your budget!

Catherine Turnbull, Naturopath graduated from ESNQ

Higher Education School of Naturopathy of Quebec

The health and medical information published or presented in this article is the opinion of the author only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should use their judgment. It is their responsibility to independently verify the information provided in the article. The contents of this article are for discussion and informative purposes only and should never be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A medical professional is the only person who can evaluate your health and give you advice following a medical examination. Rachelle Béry will not be liable for any of the information presented in this article or in any associated links, nor the use or misuse of the information.

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Ożarowski M, Karpiński TM. The Effects of Propolis on Viral Respiratory Diseases. Molecules. 2023 Jan 1;28(1):359. doi: 10.3390/molecules28010359. PMID: 36615554; PMCID: PMC9824023.

Pelvan, E., Serhatlı, M., Karaoğlu, O., Karadeniz, B., Pembeci Kodolbaş, C., Aslı Öncü, N., Çakırca, G., Damarlı, E., Başdoğan, G., Mergen Duymaz, G., Emir Akyıldız, I., Düz, G., Acar, S., Özhan, Y., Sipahi, H., Charehsaz, M., Aydın, A., Yesilada, E., Alasalvar, C., Development of propolis and essential oils containing oral/throat spray formulation against SARS-CoV-2 infection, Journal of Functional Foods (2022)

Hemilä H, Chalker E. The effectiveness of high dose zinc acetate lozenges on various common cold symptoms: a meta-analysis. BMC Fam Pract. 2015 Feb 25;16:24. doi: 10.1186/s12875-015-0237-6. PMID: 25888289; PMCID: PMC4359576.

Schapowal A, Berger D, Klein P, Suter A. Echinacea/sage or chlorhexidine/lidocaine for treating acute sore throats: a randomized double-blind trial. Eur J Med Res. 2009 Sep 1;14(9):406-12. doi: 10.1186/2047-783x-14-9-406. PMID: 19748859; PMCID: PMC3351972.