Turmeric is used in traditional Eastern medicine for many centuries, because of its ability to prevent infections in wounds and relieve arthritis pain. It also can be used for skin-brightening and acne-fighting and for improving the condition of your skin. The most important for this article is that turmeric can be used for a sore throat.
Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric and it has potent antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of the strong anti-inflammatory and pathogen-fighting properties curcumin has it can effectively treat a sore throat caused by a cold or flu.
And here are the best 5 methods to use turmeric for a sore throat:
1. Turmeric Gargle
Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon organic turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 1 cup warm water
Directions:
Pour 1 cup of warm water into a container and then add the table salt and the turmeric powder. Mix all the ingredients and make gargle in the morning with the mixture. It is recommended to gargle with this solution two times a day, in the morning and evening, for 2-4 days. It is very important not to eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after you gargle to get best results.
2. Turmeric Tea
Ingredients:
- ½ tablespoon organic turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- ½ lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 cups water
Directions:
Put the turmeric in the water and bring it to a boil on medium heat. When it starts boiling, add the turmeric powder, stir well and let it boil for 4-5 more minutes. Let it cool down a little, strain and transfer it into a cup while it is still hot. Since it’s already cooled down you can add the honey and lemon without losing the benefits of the honey. Mix everything well and your tea is ready! Consume the tea 2-3 times a day for 3 days and you will see the results.
3. Turmeric Soup
Turmeric soup will provide you with the much needed relief from a sore throat and it will prevent it from becoming a cough. This soup has beneficial ingredients that act antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory on your throat.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon organic turmeric powder
- 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 7-8 tulsi or holy basil leaves
- 4-5 peppercorns, whole
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1½ cups water
Directions:
Pour the water into a pan, put it on the stove on low heat and add the turmeric powder, the ginger, the garlic, peppercorns and the holy basil and bring it to a boil. After that cover the pan with a lid and let all the ingredients simmer until the water is reduced to half. Strain it, add honey and your soup is ready. For best results drink this soup two times a day for 3 days.
4. Turmeric with Ginger, Pepper & Honey
Turmeric with ginger, pepper, and honey make a great remedy to treat your sore throat.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon organic turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup water
Directions:
Pour the water into a pan, heat it on low heat and then add the turmeric powder, black pepper powder, and ginger. Stir it well as you bring it to a boil and then add the milk. Stir again, strain and add the honey. Then, turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove, so that the mixture can get cool. To relieve the cold or flu symptoms just drink this two times a day.
5. Turmeric with Coconut Milk & Pepper
This recipe comes from Southeast Asia and is another natural cure for a sore throat. This remedy is great because the coconut milk makes it even more nourishing and gives your body the required nutrients to fight the cold or the flu.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon organic turmeric powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, crushed
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
Directions:
Pour 1 cup of water into a pan, add the turmeric and the black pepper and bring it to a boil. Once the mixture comes to a boil, turn off the heat and leave it cool. Strain it into a cup, add the coconut milk and 1 tablespoon of raw honey then mix well, and drink it. Drink this beverage 2-3 times a day until your symptoms disappear.