Table of Contents
Sore Throat Cures
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A sore throat is an infection that can be either viral or bacterial. It is most commonly caused by a contagious viral infection (such as the flu, cold or mononucleosis), although more serious throat infections can be caused by a bacterial infection (such as strep, mycoplasma or hemophilus). Bacterial sore throats respond well to antibiotics while viral infections do not. For viral infections, there are many natural remedies that you can take to cure a sore throat. Some of these folk remedies work within an hour or two, others take effect overnight.
If you do not see some improvement overnight, please visit your doctor, especially if you suspect strep throat.
MOST POPULAR SORE THROAT REMEDY:
| CAYENNE PEPPER | 329 YEAS |
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
POPULAR REMEDIES:
| APPLE CIDER VINEGAR | 110 YEAS |
| HOT APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND CAYENNE | 40 YEAS |
| PICKLE JUICE BRINE | 31 YEAS |
| SALT WATER GARGLE | 18 YEAS |
| CAYENNE PEPPER ADDITIONAL RECIPES | 17 YEAS |
| TABASCO SAUCE | 17 YEAS |
| HYDROGEN PEROXIDE | 15 YEAS |
| IODINE PAINTING | 13 YEAS |
| HOT SAUCE | 13 YEAS |
| GINGER | 10 YEAS |
| GARLIC | 8 YEAS |
| LEMON | 8 YEAS |
| HOT TEA | 6 YEAS |
| CLOVES | 6 YEAS |
| VICKS VAPOR RUB | 6 YEAS |
| MOUTHWASH | 5 YEAS |
| HAND THERAPY | 5 YEAS |
*** CAYENNE PEPPER ***
Penny from Fresno, CA writes, "If it is too late, as in strep, it takes gargling with cayenne in water every fifteen minutes until it goes, and be patient, because it GOES. I haven't had a sore throat take hold in 15 years or more, though many have tried to start up, which also is a way for many illnesses to sprout. I generally will gargle cayenne in water at whatever strength I like and do it as much as I can until I tire of it, and then repeat every fifteen minutes, each time swallowing a tiny bit real slowly (not necessary). It only stings the tongue a little when spitting out, otherwise, no discomfort, you can get used to even the swallowing part when you see how well it works. I use the cheap Mexican stuff, but also keep on hand in refrigerator the pesticide free stuff from health store. Cayenne is a miracle cure for ulcers and so many other conditions, plus aids assimilation of nutrients and vitamins. I will keep cayenne in water in the bathroom in case I get up in the night, so I can gargle once in the night if I am very sick, but if it is in water, it will go bad quickly and needs to be put back in refridge in morning. Afterwards suck on a clove (see below). I have never seen a sore throat that won't succumb to it."
EC TIP: DON'T STOP TAKING THE CAYENNE!
Cayenne doesn't always work within the first hour or two. If you've had a sore throat for days, you will need to keep up the gargling for at least one day if not two. Your lingering sore throat will disappear -- 100% guaranteed. The people who have reported the NAYs in the Cayenne Pepper Reader Feedback section are all reporting negative results after a very short period of time.
*** READ THE CAYENNE PEPPER TESTIMONIALS! ***
Click here to read over 325 testimonials about Cayenne Pepper and Sore Throats!
Click here to read the testimonials about Strep Throat and Cayenne Pepper.
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CAYENNE PEPPER SIDE EFFECTS
12/21/2008: Jan from Melbourne, Australia writes: Cayenne pepper did not cure my sore throat entirely, but it did lessen the pain significantly. However, I went overboard in my desperate attempts to cure my painful throat, pouring several tablespoonfuls of cayenne pepper in hot water instead of the recommended teaspoonful (that amount did not work for me), and ended up with a nasty cough when the pepper caught in my throat.
What had been a simple sore throat then turned into a sore throat (albeit much less painful) + severe dry cough the next three days. On the third day i coughed so badly that i vomitted my stomach and throat contents, and guess what? The cayenne pepper dislodged itself from my throat. Sweet relief, but the sore throat remained and got worse. I eventually gave up attempts at self-medicating and went to a doctor who prescribed a dose of antibiotics. The sore throat cleared up within two days.
04/10/2009: Sheridan from Kingston, QLD replies: "i had a bad experience with the cayenne pepper i only put in about a 1/4 and when i gargeld my eyes just caught on fire it was horrible my parents were asking what was wrong because it looked like i was crying"
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07/23/2007: Luis from New York, NY writes: "So I've been having a sore throat for the last 6 days. Today saw a doctor and she prescribed Zithromax 5 day treatment. We'll see. However, the pain I have in my throat is terrible and I can't swallow. 3 advils do not help. So I came here and found the Cayenne Pepper Water gargle thing. I went, took 1 teaspoon into 1/2 cup warmish water. the first few gargles went well. I'm used to spicy food so the tongue thing didn't worry me. But my throat pain is deeper than the gargle hits. So the last round I let some of the solution drop deeper into my throat. When it came into contact with whatever is irritated, my entire head caught fire. I had extraordinary pain from my throat through my ears and I was tearing and shaking uncontrollably, gripping my sink with both hands... I howled from the pain. it took a good 5 minutes and deep breathing to calm down. Basically, I maced myself it seems. This did nothing for the pain in my throat either, only, it showed me that the infection does in fact radiate to my ears. Now I will wait for the antibiotic to kick in I think. I'm still shaken up by it but I think I'll survive."
*** DO NOT EXCEED 1/8th TEASPOON OF CAYENNE! ***
11/10/2009: Damaris from Queens, Ny replies: "Dude, that was the funniest home remedy story i've ever heard. I visited this site to find a remedy for my sore throat, and laughed my ass so hard, i cried, & now my sore throat has lessened. CAYENNE PEPPER is HOT!! Thanks for the laugh."
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CAYENNE PEPPER TIPS
07/26/2009: Ten-d from Dallas, TX writes: I've been reading these threads and see that there are SO MANY people worried about the heat of the pepper. If you want to use Cayenne Pepper, just start putting in your foods. It tastes great! Obviously don't put it in cereal! But chicken, salads, soups, even certain sandwiches taste better with Cayenne Pepper. CP is a great spice, it assists your body's natural blood flow and helps to carry nutrients via the bloodstream into your body more quickly. Using it all the time will help in your general health - plus because you will have been using it, you will have gotten used to it, and thus, the gargle wont worry you a bit! Give it a try. But I do say get the stuff from the health food store. The name brand stuff just doesn't do the trick, at least for me it doesn't.
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03/06/2009: Cecilia from Atlanta, Georgia writes: "In order to avoid severe coughing while gargling with cayenne pepper (red pepper) in tempered water you need to breath deeply, hold your breath, take a sip of cayenne pepper, gargle, spit the mix and breath normal.
Gargling this way you avoid breathing through your mouth when you are sipping the mix and the dry cayenne powder doesn't get into your through.
Also, when the throat and larynx are irritated it is better not to swallow a lot of the mix so just swallow what is left in your spit after spitting the mix. It has worked wonderfully for me!"
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03/07/2008: Nina from San Diego, CA writes: "Cayenne pepper works, but in order to ease the hotness, I just use orange juice. Put an 1/8 of a teaspoon in a glass of orange juice, and drink it. Make sure the oj has pulp in it, the cayenne will bond to the pulp, and it won't burn your mouth at all! I have been using this method for years. And DON'T use milk to "ease the hotness" when you're sick- avoid dairy products."
01/07/2009: Regina from Seoul, South Korea replies: "The orange juice tip worked for me.
During the winter and summer vacation, I work with young kids for about 3 or 4 weeks. However, I'm an insulin dependent diabetic, which means I'm more prone to getting colds or other illnesses. I ended up with a bad lung infection the last time I worked with children and swore I'd take extra steps to make sure I'd not get sick this time.
So far so good, but this morning I woke up with a start of a sore throat and went into a mild panic on how to stop it. I found the page on various cures and decided I'd try the cayenne pepper cure. However, being diabetic, I simply don't have honey in my kitchen. I do have juice, so I put some pepper in orange juice and sure enough my sore throat faded. I followed up by drinking the same solution after lunch and I just had one after dinner.
I'm still drinking it just to be safe because my sore throat faded away this morning and hasn't returned."
05/13/2009: Steve from Portland, Oregon replies: "You should be aware that orange juice thickens your mucus, which is the opposite of what you want when you have ear, nose or throat problems."
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03/02/2008: Brittany from Lake Wylie, South Carolina writes: "I actually haven't tried the cayenne pepper yet, but am sure it will work. I'm more concerned with what people are using to take the heat away afterwards... You should use sugar. It absorbs the heat. Bread probably works too, but not as much. Milk, just like water, spreads it around even more and will probably upset your stomach, especially if you try lemon with any of the remedies. So bottom line, use sugar not milk or water."
05/08/2009: Shawnshine from Portland, OR replies: "Unfortunately, sugar lowers your immune system and allows the bacteria in your throat and mouth to breed more rapidly. I would advise against using sugar if you're battling a bacterial throat infection such as Streptococcus."
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12/28/2007: Blue1965 from Stafford, VA writes: "To remove the burning from your mouth after using cayenne pepper or chili pepper, take a slice of bread and push it down on your tongue & the roof of your mouth. The pepper grounds stick to the bread and come right off the skin inside of the mouth. You might have to move the bread around to get it all but it stops the burning."
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04/21/2007: Helen from Toronto, Canada writes: "Cayenne pepper remedy cured my sore throat. This helped: Cover lips with vaseline before gargling. Keep tongue up by the roof of the mouth when sipping. Finally, keep a cold wet washcloth while gargling, wipe lips (especially inner lips) and tongue with it, it helps. Rinse washcloth every time to remove pepper dust from cloth. Washcloth dipped in icy ice cube water works best. Stinging from pepper subsided within a few minutes. Thanks."
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03/01/2007: Patty from Pine City, MN writes: "I use cayenne pepper too for sore throats, but have found that mixing it in glycerine makes it much easier to take. Take about 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper (I use red pepper from my spice cabinet) and mix with 1 ounce of glycerine. Let sit together (I let sit for 2 days) then strain, using a coffee filter, into a bottle with a dropper. This method makes the concoction taste almost sweet and works great. Just drip onto sore areas of throat."
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Belina from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico writes: "I've read about people having problems with Cayenne, Habanero or other "hot" chilies or sauces and as a Chef who specializes in Mexican fare, plus I now live in Mexico too, I can give you a very easy and efficient remedy to ease the burning from peppers. Also, it doesn't matter if the burning is in your mouth, lips, face (from touching it with your hands after handling peppers) or hands, it works:
Put a little salt on the palm of your left hand, wet the tip of your right index finger in your mouth slightly and dip it in the salt and place it UNDER your tongue (sublingual) in the tender area on your jaw and not ON the underside of the tongue. Relief is very quick, easy to do, you can do it anywhere (like a restaurant) and works for everyone plus you can find salt everywhere."
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Chris from Springfield, Missouri writes: "Incidentally, in case you're wondering why cayenne and other hot pepper cures are so effective, this article might offer some clues."
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Mike from Glens Falls, NY writes: the CYP works but don't mix it with sugar.. That's what the bacteria feed off.. If you want to get rid of it drink cayenne pepper with a shot of liquer that is warm... Must say. a shot with minimul amounts of sugar.. like vodka or Jd..Your throat will feel a lot better.
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Storie from Seattle, WA writes: Sprinkle some cayenne pepper into a mixture of about 2 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp honey - microwave for about 20 seconds and then stir. Drink it while it's hot.
It doesn't necessarily "cure" my sore throats, but it always makes it feel better. I get tonsillitis that seems to be triggered by my sinus problems and constant post-nasal drip. The cayenne pepper always helps me cough up all the nastiness back there.
If you like pickle juice (I love it), I have also found it helps to drink a couple sips of it mixed with cayenne pepper. This doesn't soothe my throat like the honey/lemon, but it does help me cough up excess mucus.
03/11/2009: Chloe from Amherst, MA replies: "I tried the lemon and honey trick, with about 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne, microwaved it for 20sec, then tried to gargle it and burned my tongue and bottom of my mouth badly. Make sure it's not too hot, or it will just make it worse."
04/07/2009: Debbi from Delta, CO replies: "I tried the 3 tbsps of honey with 3 tbsps of lime juice, since I didn't have lemon juice on hand. I generously sprinkled cayenne pepper and added a few drops of water. Heated it 20-30 seconds and drank. I tasted pretty good and I could immediately tell that in was "working" on the sore areas of my throat. I immediately got my voice back and am very hopeful that this will give me relief throughout the course of this sore throat. I will repeat as necessary until the sore throat is gone. I speculate that it doesn't cure the sore throat, but numbs it. But that is good enough for me. With the symptoms reduced, I can certainly wait this thing out!"
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Jim from Fairfield, Iowa writes: I found I got much better results with the cayenne warm water gargle if laid down on my back when gargling. It seems that standing up I was not getting the liquid back far enough. My soreness or pain is farther in and up towards my left ear and laying down helped the water go back farther. I had to cover up my mouth with a cloth so as not splatter cayenne water on my face or eyes. I wonder if some of the Nays are not getting the liquid back far enough? and THANKS to all...
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09/04/2008: Christopher Allen from Reno, NV writes, "I think it should be noted that when using Cayenne pepper as a remedy for sore throat that 1/4 tsp really means 1/4 tsp. When I attempted to use this remedy, I used a rather generous version of 1/4 tsp and WHOA did I get a nice little kick in the ribs on a small little sip.
Also, if you suffer from acid reflex, indigestion, heart burn, or any other stomach disorder or problem I would recommend caution since for me the rememdy also caused that oh so burning feeling to bubble up in my tummy that wasn't very comfortable.
Other than that, the remedy didn't take away my sore throat fully, but it did kick it around enough to where my pain level is definitely tolerable. I definitely felt a difference immediately and I was completely skeptical of the method. Well done to all."
03/07/2009: Marilyn from Arroyo Grande, CA replies: "I had such a sore throat and was so miserable so in desperation tried the 2 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp lemon juice with a fair amount of cayenne pepper sprinkled in and microwaved 20 seconds and after drinking the first one I feel so much better that I am a cayenne pepper believer."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 01/15/2009: Rob from Mount Vernon, NY writes: "sore throats and acid reflux!
Here's a tip I'd love to share. Last year I dealt with a sore throat for over 3 months! Finally went to an ENT who put the camera up my nose and down my throat and saw that there was no infection. As it turns out he diagnosed it as acid reflux! So he put me on a reflux regimen and started me on AcipHex which I tried for a week to no avail. Then I tried Nexium out of pocket since it was not covered in my insurance formulary, and in about a day and a half, it was gone! Hope this helps someone!"
07/08/2009: Sheri from Winston-Salem, NC replies: "I am a singer, and had lost my singing voice for about 3 months--no pain--just couldnt' sing. Dr. diagnosed me with acid reflux, and put me on Prilosec OTC. I recovered in a short amount of time. Evidently, when we sleep some of the acid comes up in our throats and harms the vocal cords. Interesting stuff--I didn't even know I had acid reflux. hope this helps!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 05/16/2007: Brice from Sringfield, USA writes: "I've had my fare share of sore throats, and I find that taking one capsule (1 billion count of organisms) of Acidophilus plus one 200mg of Ibuprofen every 4 hours helps with the pain.THIS IS JUST A SUGGESTION. This works for me, but may cause further health problems in others. Acidophilus is a probiotic, which means you shouldn't take it with antibiotics. Acidolphilus contains the same Lactobacillus (rod-shaped bacteria) found in milk or cheese. The breakdown of nutrients by Lactobacillus Acidophilus produces lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and other byproducts that make the environment hostile for undesired organisms. Acidolphilus is not recognized by the FDA to cure any disease. Ibuprofen helps in reducing the swelling. Ibuprofen is a blood thinner and shouldn't be used with other blood thinners. Ibuprofen has also been known to cause stomach pains and stomach bleeding. If stomach pains occur, drinking milk may help. READ THE DRUG FACTS LABEL."
08/17/2008: Tamara from Yukon, OK replies: "Acidophilus can actually be taken with an antibiotic and should be taken with an antibiotic. This is why.... antibiotics kill good and bad bacteria. When the good bacteria is killed, it can cause diarrhea or a yeast infection. The probiotic, acidophilus, will help keep the normal flora, or good bacteria intact and help prevent antibiotic associated diarrhea or yeast infections."
03/19/2009: Ellen from Chicago, IL replies: "Yes I agree, it is a must to take the acidophilus when you are on antibiotic treatment, the key however, is to take it between doses of the antibiotic, for at least as long as you are on the treatment and longer if you desire. If you have been on previous/numerous antibiotics you could take the acidophilus as a daily supplement."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 08/15/2007: Lynn from Waterville, Maine writes: "I learned about raspberry tea and started using a cup of warm raspberry tea with 1/2tsp of apple cider vinegar to gargle with and spit back out. I freaked when I saw the gunk it was nasty. If caught in time it gives a nice relief of a sore throat. From time to time I just gargle to keep from getting a build up of gunk. Especially during allergy seasons. I hope this helps as it did for me."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 04/24/2006: Patricia from Mayfield Heights, Ohio writes: "ACV vapors cured a very bad sore throat that was back behind my left ear. I have a deviated septum so, I felt very positive about inhaling the fumes of the cider vinegar. I figured this would be better than the saline spray I had been using for 2 days. Within minutes I was able to cough up and blow a lot of mucus from my nasal passage!! and my throat....WAS BACK TO NORMAL!!!! Thank YOU SO MUCH!!. All of you guys and ladies who took the time to put your comments and results on this site. I hope I have helped someone with my results as well. I love this site!!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 07/11/2009: Paul from Melbourne, Australia writes: "Yes the cayenne pepper works wonders. so does baking soda because of its alkalinity. (bacteria love an acidic environment) But I highly recommend putting a roll of toilet paper in the freezer for when you need it, and boy will you need it. I felt like i was giving birth to a marine distress flare on the toilet.
Also something that is of "enormous" help. WARMTH. keep the neck area warm as possible with a large towel. and sleep with it on all night. you'll be amazed at what a difference it makes. White blood cells in your saliva love love loves warmth, and they are more active in a warm environment.
SO WHAT WORKS FOR ME. First gargle apple cider to quickly remove the flem to expose the bacteria or virus, then hit it with baking soda. the baking soda makes the infected area alkaline. then hit it with the cayenne pepper. then wrap up the neck area with a towel and sleep with it on. If that doesn't work, I'll be dammed !"
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1 YEA
1 NAY
3 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
[YEA] 10/14/2008: Jane from Grove City, OH, USA writes: "Listerine. It cures your throat sores immediately, doesn't taste gross, and it makes your breath smell better. Use the amount you usually do for mouthwash rinsing, or if you haven't used it before use about one tablespoon. Gargle it as far back as you can without swallowing it. It really takes away the burn!"
[NAY] 11/26/2008: Joey from Toronto, Ontario replies: "This stuff is a lie, it makes you foam haha, I tried it, don't try it, it doesn't even work either."
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 02/04/2009: Jennifer from Atlanta, Georgia, USA replies: "I used anticeptic mouthwash during the first day I noticed an irrated throat. I used the normal amount stated on the bottle for mouthwash but I made sure to allow it to reach the far back of my throat. It does help it to immediately feel better, but I wouldn't say that it cured my ailment. I have had a sore throat for several days and today I tried both Cayenne, and later ACV straight with honey like a shot. Just now I tried the salt water gargle. All have helped but we will see how fast I recover."
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 02/18/2009: Matthew from Philladelphia, PA replies: "Antiseptic Mouthwash [Listerine] made my sore throat better, but not cured. It took the sharp edge off of my sore throat, but it definitely didn't cure it."
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 04/18/2009: Andrew from Lansing, Michigan replies: "when i heard that listerine worked, i tried gurgling it in my mouth a couple times. It works but it doesnt cure your sore throat completely. It makes your throat feel alot better. And it gives you a fresh breath."
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110 YEA
8 NAY
4 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
1 SIDE EFFECT
11/20/2009: Ruth from Butler, Nj writes: "I first tried Apple Cider Vinegar for a sore throat. I found the warm drink quite soothing and actually enjoy it in place of tea sometimes. I'm wondering if by adding hot water to the vinegar I am in some way diluting the effectiveness of ACV."
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[YEA] 11/13/2009: Feeling Better Already from Northland, New Zealand writes: "I have to say that ACV diluted with warm water worked for me. The usual story, woke with an awful sore throat & couldn't swallow without feeling like I had sandpaper at the back of my throat. I remembered someone else mentioning ages ago that ACV helps. I hunted out a bottle that's probably been in the pantry since the beginning of time and I tried it. And you know what...? It works! First dose I knocked back 'straight'! (ugh..!) Wow - needed a warm water chaser then. Am now sipping it with diluted warm water & will continue throughout the day. Sore throat has not completely gone as yet, but definitely feeling so much better. I can actually swallow without cringing. It almost seems to have an anaesthetic effect too. I smell like a pickled onion, but more importantly, I can breathe & swallow & actually function almost normally. Great stuff I say! No more pharmacies & docs for me when I get a sore throat. Cheers!"
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[YEA] 08/06/2009: Pmstar from San Diego, Ca writes: "When a sore throat is coming on take a few zinc tablets right away then I agree on the ACV mixed with honey. It works on contact. If you're at work or out, almost any full service restaurant can provide it for you so the sore throat doesn't take a solid hold before you get home. Apple Cider Vinegar can be difficult to stomach when you are ill so add some ginger to help your stomach accept it. When I'm well, I drink a shot of ACV straight each day and I eat blueberries to quickly remove the taste from my mouth. Its a morning ritual."
[YEA] 10/01/2009: Blessedwithrain from Sugar Land, Tx replies: "WOW YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH THIS HELPED! MY THROAT WAS KILLING ME LIKE NEVER BEFORE AND THE PAIN WENT TO MY EARS, FELT LIKE FIRE IN THEM! MY FRIEND IS A PROFESSIONAL SINGER AND I REMEMBER WHEN WE WERE YOUNGER SHE MADE ME TAKE THIS EXCEPT WE ADDED HAVE A LIME. I JUST TOOK IT RIGHT NOW AND AFTER THE THE 3RD SPOONFUL IT WORKED~!!
SO HERE IS WHAT I TOOK: WARM WATER IN A MUG, 1/2 A LIME, 1 TBSP OF HONEY, 1 TBSP OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR...LOVELY:)I WAS DIAGNOSED TODAY WITH THE FLU (NOT SWINE)"
[YEA] 10/16/2009: Mariella from Palma De Mallorca, Spain replies: "ACV For Sore ThroatA glass of water, 2 teaspoons of honey, 2 soups spoons ACV, splash of some old throat comfort tea I had by my bed side.
Haven't been able to sleep properly all night because my throat is killing. Burning pain when I swallow is so bad, I couldn't get anything down there. Also pregnant so worried about taking anything at all at 5:00 am in the morning.
Looking up solution for relief, found the site and started with the cayenne pepper tip. I have used natural remedies before for throat. Salt water gargles, which I did before I went to sleep, honey and lemon which is good and tastes great, but no lemon at home. I have done fasts with cayenne so I know what its like, it has all my respect. Can't say was so impressed about the effect after several gargles but the ACV, waoo not bad at all.... I have been sipping on special brew for past half hour and have been able to drink water with out a grimace. Surprisingly feels food on my stomach too. Will keep in mind as acne skin tonic. Thank You!"
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