As much as we wish it were otherwise, folks who live at Smith Mountain Lake get colds and sore throats just like everyone else. While there are worse illnesses than a cold, having one can make life rather miserable as it runs its course.
A sore throat is often the first sign of a cold or flu and should be treated rapidly to keep it from progressing. When your job requires frequent speaking, dictating, singing, and interacting with others in a myriad of ways, a sore throat is especially frustrating and painful. So what can you do to alleviate some of that soreness?
The first way to combat any infection is with diet. Many health gurus recommend that we eliminate all refined sugar, soft drinks, fast food, etc., and eat as much fresh fruit and veggies as possible while trying to get rid of a sore throat or cold. Sugar and other refined foods lower your immune function and prolong the illness.
When a person begins to feel that nasty tickle begins in their throat, it could be time to begin a healthy regimen of herbs, teas, and vitamins that fight infection.
My personal regimen includes herb teas such as elderberry, ginger, oregano and slippery elm and vitamins like C, E, zinc, and quercetin. Our family also uses essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oil. Some people also find that a gargle of vinegar (or fresh lemon juice) and honey soothes the sore throat.
Keep in mind that a sore throat can be caused by other problems besides a common cold. Exposure to certain chemicals and the streptococcus bacteria are two other frequent causes. If you develop a sore throat with a fever and no other symptoms, or if your sore throat lasts longer than a week, you should see your doctor to determine if you need to treat something more serious than a cold.