Winter is around the corner and it brings a host of nasal and throat infections like cold, cough, fever, flu, etc. Elders are more prone to these seasonal epidemics owing to their age, depleting energy and lessening immunity. Allopathic medicines and antibiotics are effective but cannot be used extensively for elders as they might affect their stomach, liver and kidneys. It is always best to treat such infections through natural remedies and by regulating the diet for seniors.
Of all the winter-prone diseases, seniors are most affected by sore throat and cold. Elders prefer to take cold sore treatment at home by using herbal medicines and hot fluids. Sore throat natural remedies are best for seniors as they are herbal, non-allergic, and do not have any side effects.
Senior caregivers at home and in assisted living communities can make a note of the following sore throat natural remedies to help elders heal in a natural way.
Sore throat natural remedies for seniors
A sore throat is an inflammation of the mucosal lining of the throat caused by a bacterial or viral infection. It can be cured at home by using the following sore throat natural remedies.
1. Turmeric- Pepper milk
The best of sore throat natural remedies in this turmeric -pepper milk. Often called “Golden milk”, a glass of hot milk with a pinch of pepper and turmeric can fight both cold and sore throat for elders.
2. Basil Tea
Basil is the mother of all herbs and a great sore throat reliever. Drinking basil water or basil tea can help seniors combat cold and sore throat effectively.
3. Ginger Tea
Ginger is a root herb that is used to treat sore throat, cough and cold. It has excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger Tea is prepared by boiling ginger juice or grated ginger with water and consuming it with a dash of honey.
Although ginger is an excellent herbal sore throat remedy for seniors, seniors with acid reflux, digestive problems and insomnia can use it in moderation or avoid it completely.
4. Cinnamon Milk
Cinnamon is a fragrant spice that is used to cure sore throat in Chinese medicine. Adding powdered cinnamon to hot milk and consuming it with honey can ease the throat pain for elders Seniors can also add cinnamon to their regular tea and have it with pepper and dry-ginger powder to relieve sore throat, cold and flu.
5.Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar has excellent medicinal qualities in relieving throat pain. A combination of Apple Cider Vinegar and honey was used by the ancient Greeks to relieve cough and sore throat due to flu. The main component of apple cider vinegar is acetic acid fights bacterial infections effectively. Elders with tooth or stomach issues can avoid using apple cider vinegar completely.
6. Licorice root
Licorice is the herbal equivalent of aspirin. It is a root herb that is excellent in relieving throat pain. Research reveals that licorice water is 50% more effective than a saltwater gargle. Licorice water is prepared by adding a pinch of ground licorice to boiling water or tea and consuming it on cooling.
7. Lemon Water
Vitamin C is most needed to fight infections and that is what you get with lemon water. Elders can squeeze a half of lemon in water and drink it with a spoon of honey. Lemon water increases the saliva secretion keeping the mucous membranes of the throat moist during a sore throat.
8. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be made a part of the diet for seniors when they have a sore throat. Coconut oil has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and a spoon of it in soups or beverages can greatly relieve throat pain for seniors.
Cold sore treatment at home.
Cold sores are blisters caused by the Herpes Simplex virus. Seniors are more prone to these cold sores which appear on the lip or mouth. Also called fever blisters, they can be treated by the
following cold sore treatment at home.
- Applying Aloe-Vera gel
- Drinking lemon tea
- Using lemon balms or lemon tea compresses
- Applying licorice powder mixed with water or petroleum jelly on the cold sores
- Applying corn starch paste
- Drinking milk
- Consuming Vitamin E tablets that repair cell damage
Cold and sore throat natural remedies constitute largely of herbs which not only heal the health of seniors but add to their assisted living dining experience with their delicious taste.
