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As a singer, there's hardly anything that drives me over my emotional edge quicker than a sore throat. Not only does it completely stifle something that I do every day, but it, as you know, is just downright painful. Not being able to comfortably communicate with the people in your life can really sour up a day. It seems like sore throats spread around like wildfire during fall and winter seasons. Because of this, I have to be extra cautious this time of the year. While I do take pride in being cautious, I'm not the biggest fan of medicine. Sure, I'll use it if I have to, but why put chemicals in my body if it's not necessary?
I'm much more of a home remedy person myself. It suits my philosophy on medicine to be this way but it's also better for the environment. The more self-medicating you can do with items you've already got around the house, the less resources that will be wasted in the production of new medications and packaging for them. So before you trot to your drug store for sore throat medicine this year, try some of these natural home remedies:
Cayenne Pepper We have a permanent supply of this stuff around the house thanks to my roommate's failed attempt at the Master Cleanse. Just a half of a teaspoon or so of this stuff in boiling water does wonders for my throat.
Chamomile Tea If you've got any of this around your house, use it! It's incredibly soothing to a sore throat.
Ginger Peel the skin away from a ginger root and slice it into pieces. Boil these with some water and you'll have a wonderful...and natural ginger tea that will burn your throat back into shape...and I mean that in the best way possible.
Honey/Lemon I know these two are standards, but they work! Mix a teaspoon of honey and a squeezed lemon in some boiling water and you'll be on your way to feeling better.
The moral of the story? Don't run out and buy something you may not need without first trying natural remedies.
