Natural Sore Throat Remedies / 4 Tried and Tested Solutions That Work

sore throat REMEDIES

Do you have a sore, scratchy throat? Many different things can cause a sore throat. I’ve got four tried and tested sore throat remedies that really work.

Whether straining your voice, a virus or cold, a bacterial infection or dry air… you want the pain to go away.

As some of you know, I’m all about using natural remedies when you can, and when it comes to sore throats I’ve got four tried and tested solutions that really work.

I don’t ever post things that I haven’t tried myself. That is why there are only four solid things that I’m going to post about here.

Yes, there are a lot of other sore throat remedies out there, but these are some that my family and I have used with great results.

One of my herbalist friends and mentors gave me these recipes years ago, and we refer to them frequently. As always, please check with your healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy.

sore throat REMEDIES

Sore Throat Remedies #1

Honey, Cayenne, and Garlic Preparation

Before you jump into the car and go to the clinic, where you’ll most likely be prescribed an antibiotic, start this remedy when you first start having symptoms, and most likely you won’t need the antibiotic.

This is very effective in treating even strep throat within 24-48 hours.

Ingredients:

  • 1 TB raw honey
  • ¼ tsp. Cayenne pepper
  • 3 cloves minced garlic (yes, that much garlic)

Instructions:

Put everything into a little bowl and mix well. Take ½ tsp. three times a day.

The honey coats the throat, the cayenne draws blood to the area, and the garlic stimulates the immune system and acts as an antibiotic.

Here are a few links showing the amazing properties of these ingredients. Honey, Garlic, Cayenne Pepper

sore throat orange juice

Sore Throat Remedies #2

Orange Juice and Cayenne Pepper

Pour a little orange juice into a cup and add 2-4 shakes of cayenne pepper. Mix well and drink quickly.

It does burn, but just for a few seconds. This brings more circulation to the area and helps draw away the infection.

sore throat remedy salt

Sore Throat Remedies #3

Salt Water

Mix a teaspoon of salt, preferably sea salt or REAL salt, with eight ounces of quite warm water.

Gargle the whole mixture several times a day. This will increase the blood supply to the area by washing away mucus and dilating capillaries, thereby enabling better circulation of infection-fighting antibodies.

sore throat

Sore Throat Remedies #4

Lymph Massage Oil

Ingredients:

In a 2 oz. dark-colored glass jar, combine essential oils, and fill with Pure Virgin Olive Oil or fractionated coconut oil. Apply a dropper lid and shake well.

***You may want to store this in the refrigerator to keep the oil from going rancid.

Lymph Massage Instructions

Apply the oil all around the neck, especially below and behind the ears. With a very light motion, drag your hand down the neck towards the sternum area and around the ear.

Go easy because this area may be very tender. You don’t have to apply a lot of pressure.

The essential oils will penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream to help fight infection.

Alternative Remedies Booklet

These remedies are included in my ALTERNATIV REMEDIES BOOKLET.  You can locate it HERE.

I’m working on an EBOOK version now, so stay tuned. 

I hope these sore throat remedies come in handy some day.

****As always, please check with your healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy.

Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

Read More

How To Make Your Own Natural Toothpaste / Simple To Make Recipe

natural toothpaste

In this post I’m going to show you how to make your own natural toothpaste. Making your own natural toothpaste can seem a little over-the-top, but keep reading because there are a lot of reasons why you might want to consider it and it really is quick and simple to make.

Commercial toothpaste brands often contain toxic ingredients that may be harmful to your health. Some examples:

natural toothpaste colgate
  • Triclosan. A pesticide and hormone disruptor.
  • Artificial colorings. (who needs this?) Can be linked to ADHD and hyperactivity in children.
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). SLS is a foaming agent and detergent that is commonly used in toothpaste, shampoo, and other products (is this nescessary?)
  • Flouride. Toxic if swallowed.
  • Titanium Dioxide. Added to make toothpaste white. (again, unnecessary!) The EWG has a list of some safety concerns around this product.

I think you get the picture. Yes, this natural toothpaste isn’t going to get all foamy and be pretty white in color, but your mouth will feel amazing after brushing with it and you’ll avoid all that toxic stuff!

Not only are you going to have a healthier mouth, but you’ll also save some money. It only takes a few ingredients and a few minutes to whip up.

natural toothpaste ingred

What’s in this natural toothpaste?

Here are the ingredients and why I include them in the recipe. Some are optional.

natural toothpaste ingredients

Bentonite clay.

Bentonite clay has the ability to bind to heavy metals and toxins as well as to provide minerals. Redmond or Bentonite Clay is great to help the body detox and whiten and remineralize teeth. I buy the Redmond Clay bulk in a three-pack. It saves money and I like having a few extra for my pantry. We use it for cooking too. 

Baking Soda.

The major benefits of brushing with baking soda are its teeth whitening and plaque removal properties, as well as its affordability relative to other commercially available teeth whiteners. Brushing with baking soda removes plaque deposits from teeth that contribute to tooth decay.

Activated Charcoal.

This is an optional ingredient. The compounds found in coffee, tea (even herbal tea), blueberries, wine, and spices like cinnamon can stain our teeth.

Activated charcoal can help bind and remove these stains from your teeth. As a bonus, activated charcoal also balances the mouth’s pH and is even considered beneficial enough to be used in some tooth re-mineralization formulas.

natural toothpaste oils

Essential Oils.

Make sure whatever oils that you use are safe for internal use and good quality therapeutic grade oils. ( I trust and use Doterra oils).

Here are a few oils that I recommend:

  • Peppermint
  • Spearmint
  • Lemon
  • On Guard (doTerra)
  • Wild orange
  • Tea Tree Oil/ Melaleuca 

Experiment and try other essential oils.

Since some essential oils have antibacterial properties, you want to take care that you’re not killing ALL the bacteria in your mouth.

You want to nourish and feed the delicate balance of bacteria in our mouths, not kill it off! Doing so can set the stage for poor oral health, bad breath, and other imbalances. Bacteria are important.

*** As with anything, I do recommend switching out your toothpaste, soaps, shampoos, and even foods occasionally.

This gives the body variety and doesn’t allow the body to become desensitized from the ingredients after time.

If you don’t want to make your own toothpaste, there are some healthy and safe options out there, just check the ingredients!

Natural Toothpaste Ingredients

Other ingredient options, but not necessary:

  • 15-20 drops STEVIA (if you want a little sweetener) I don’t use it.
  • 2 Tablespoons XYLITOL

Natural Toothpaste Directions

1 – In a plastic or glass bowl, add the clay, baking soda, salt, charcoal (if using), and essential oil.

2 – Whisk together using a plastic or stainless steel whisk until essential oil is distributed evenly.

3 – Add one tablespoon of distilled water and mix. Add more a little at a time until you have the consistency that you desire.

4 – Place the mixture into a silicone tube or jar. 

That’s it! Now wasn’t that simple? You’re going to love this stuff! Your mouth and teeth are going to feel amazing!

natural toothpaste tubes

How to use and store natural toothpaste

I have found a few ways to store and use this natural toothpaste. These cute little silicone tubes work perfectly.

They come in a set of five and are leakproof and squeezable. The tubes are made of BPA-free silicone and are easy to clean.

natural toothpaste dispensing

TIP: Here is a slick little trick to get the natural toothpaste into the tube.

  1. Place a plastic bag into a coffee mug.
  2. Scoop the toothpaste into a plastic bag and squeeze it into the bottom corner of the bag (like you were loading a frosting bag).
  3. Clip a tiny hole in the bottom of the bag and dispense the toothpaste into the tube.
  4. If you have a little left over, just put it in a jar and use that portion first.
jars

A few other options are to

The only drawback is, that you probably wouldn’t want to share this jar of toothpaste with anyone else.

natural toothpaste tooth powder

I do have a TOOTH POWDER RECIPE, which is a great option as well.

You can find this recipe in my Alternative Remedies for the Body, Mind & Spirit Booklet.

This booklet is a great collection of tried and tested alternative remedies that really work!

How To Make Your Own Natural Toothpaste / Simple To Make Recipe

natural toothpaste
A natural, non-toxic toothpaste that works like a charm. This recipe is simple to make and will leave your mouth and teeth feeling amazing!
  • Prep Time10 min
  • Total Time10 min
  • Yield2.5 oz.

    INGREDIENTS

      • 5 Tablespoons BENTONITE CLAY ( I like to use Redmond Clay)
      • 2 Tablespoons BAKING SODA
      • 2 teaspoons SEA SALT (I like Redmond Salt)
      • ¼ teaspoon/ 1- 500mg capsule ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (Optional) https://geni.us/86iK
      • 2-4 TB DISTILLED WATER
      • A10-15 drops ESSENTIAL OIL
    • Other ingredient options, but not necessary:
      • 15-20 drops STEVIA (if you want a little sweetener) I don’t use it.
      • 2 Tablespoons XYLITOL

    INSTRUCTIONS

    1

    In a plastic or glass bowl, add the clay, baking soda, salt, charcoal (if using) and essential oil.

     
    2

    Whisk together using a plastic or stainless steel whisk until essential oil is distributed evenly.

    .

    3

    Add one tablespoon of distilled water and mix. Add more a little at a time until you have the consistency that you desire. 

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    Jan Howell

    Jan Howell

    Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

    Read More

    DIY Natural Deodorant Recipe – Dang Good Stuff

    Have you been on a search for an effective natural deodorant? Well, you can stop here! For those of you who want to avoid the seriously toxic ingredients in antiperspirants and commercial deodorant, this is your ticket.

    Why do you want a non-toxic deodorant?

    It’s not like you are going to eat it. You could if you wanted. It’s that safe. The things we put on our skin are absorbed into the bloodstream, and the ingredients included in commercial deodorants are definitely not something you want to be taking into your system!

    When you are looking for a safe deodorant, if you see the word “natural” you still need to be careful. That word can mean a lot of things. It may have some natural ingredients, but it may also have some of the nasty things we don’t want.

    Here are some ingredients you need to be aware of

    Aluminum

    Many deodorants and antiperspirants, including some “natural crystal” deodorants contain forms of aluminum, which inhibit perspiration. There is a reason why our body sweats. I have always thought that stopping our body from sweating in itself, was not a good thing. This controversial ingredient is classified in this review, which was written by an oncologist, as both a genotoxin and hormone disruptor.

    natural deodorant

    I used a natural crystal deodorant for many years. It was good, but it was messy and I still got a little stinky. Although this brand did NOT contain aluminum, some DO! Here are a few informative posts that contain studies related to this. (1) (2)

    Propylene Glycol

    Propylene glycol (PEG) is a penetration enhancer, which means that one of the things it does is help other chemicals get deeper into skin. It is also classified as a moderate hazard by the Environmental working Group.

    Triclosan

    Studies indicate that this chemical, which is used in everything from toys to toothpaste, may disrupt normal thyroid function and alter hormones. I don’t think I need anything else to mess with my hormones!

    Parabens

    Breast cancer most often occurs in the upper outer quadrant, just under where women rub deodorant on. In a 2012 study, 99% of breast cancer samples that were analyzed contained parabens, a common ingredient in deodorants, lotions and makeup.

    Parabens mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors on cells. They also increase the expression of genes usually regulated by estradiol (a natural form of estrogen); these genes cause human breast cancer cells to grow and multiply in cellular studies.

    Fragrances

    The word “fragrance” seems safe doesn’t it? Well, that is just a cover-up word for many chemicals that don’t need to be listed. In one study conducted by the Environmental Working Group, nearly half of the ingredients in the fragrance products they tested were not listed on the label.

    Even the word “‘unscented’ is misleading. Products that are labeled unscented may contain masking fragrances, which are chemicals used to cover up the odor of other chemicals. Craziness! Check out the article here.

     

    Well, is that enough dirt to make you want to switch over to something a little safer for your body?

    Although I don’t want to put a lot of fear out there about products or food, I do want you all to be informed. Don’t despair; I have a great solution for you.

    Over the years I have tried MANY different natural deodorants only to be disappointed. I even made up several recipes that still didn’t do the trick.

    I heard about a great natural deodorant that had activated charcoal in it. Hmmmm, now that made sense to me. So I purchased a jar of it and gave it a whirl. WOW, it worked and it worked well. The only thing, it wasn’t cheap, I had to order it, and it didn’t last very long. Being the DIY girl that I am, I knew I could make something like this myself. So after making several tweaks to a few recipes, I came up with the perfect recipe. It is way easy to make, a lot less expensive and it works dang good!

    One of the key ingredient is the activated charcoal, which neutralizes odor and absorbs moisture without aluminum, parabens, or synthetic fragrances.

    Why does it work so well?

    The ingredients in this deodorant form an invisible, absorbent, pH-balanced shield on your underarms that neutralizes odor and protects your clothes from perspiration. It can even be used with those who have sensitive skin.

    My dear sister, who has tried everything to calm her sweating and odor, swears by this stuff. When I was testing it out, I gave her a jar and told her to give it a whirl. She text me back a week later and said “this deodorant is freaking awesome”!

    Even my husband loves it, and he’s not an easy sell when it comes to stuff like this. He usually gets quite stinky under the arms when he does presentations at work or in other meetings, but he doesn’t anymore. This stuff really is the bomb – and not a stinky one!

    Alternative Remedies BookletThis recipe, along with several other alternative remedies, can be found in my Alternative Remedies Booklet. You can find it here. 

    Would you like to learn how to make it?

    Here are the ingredients

    It may seem like a huge list of ingredients and you may be thinking it is going to cost a fortune to get all these items. The items will make several batches and most of the items you can use for other things.

    This is a blend that we really like and is similar smelling to the original PiperWai.

    Don’t freak out if you don’t have all these oils. Use what you have or acquire the ones you think you will use. These are all exceptional oils that you could use for many other things. They will last a long time.

    3 drops of each Bergamot, Clary Sage, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Tea Tree (melaleuca), Rosemary

    6 drops each of Lavender, Wild Orange or Mandarin

    deodorant

    Equipment you will need

    • Glass bowl
    • Sauce pan
    • Measuring spoons and cups
    • Spoon and spatula
    • Whisk

    Instructions

    • Measure the coconut oil, and butters and place them in the glass bowl. If the butters you are using are in a bar,you want to grate it up before measuring. Pack it down in the measuring cup.
    • Fill a sauce pan about 1/4 full with water and bring to a boil.
    natural deodorant
    • Reduce the heat to a simmer and fit the bowl onto the pot. The bottom of the bowl should not reach the water, therefore leave at least 2″ to 3″ space between the bowl and water. You want to heat the bowl with steam and not the water.
    • Stir until it has all melted.
    • Carefully remove glass bowl from the pan and whisk in the powdered ingredients until smooth. Add the essential oils last just before pouring into containers.
    • It will seem rather runny at this point. Don’t be alarmed, the mixture will thicken after it sits a while.
    • This recipe makes about 5 – 6, 2oz jars.
    • Allow it to set until hardened. I usually just let it set up overnight. If you live where it is warm, you may need to place in refrigerator to set up.

    How to apply the deodorant

    natural deodorant
    • Simply dip your finger in and scoop out a small amount.
    • You only need  a pea size rubbed in the armpit area.
    • If you wait just a minute and allow the deodorant to absorb, it won’t stain your clothes.

    Deodorant Jar labels

    natural deodorant

    If you want to apply a label to your jars of deodorant, I have a PDF you can download and print. Kinda makes you feel like it’s a legitimate product. You can get the scoop about them  here.

    You are going to love this stuff! Let me know how it goes.

    natural deodorant

    If you want to apply a label to your jars of deodorant, I have a PDF you can download and print. Kinda makes you feel like it’s a legitimate product. You can get the scoop about them  here.

    You are going to love this stuff! Let me know how it goes.

    Natural Deodorant

    natural deodorant

    Have you been on a search for an effective natural deodorant? Well, you can stop here! For those of you who want to avoid the seriously toxic ingredients in antiperspirants and commercial deodorant, this is your ticket.

    • Prep Time15 min
    • Cook Time5 min
    • Total Time20 min
    • Yield5 2oz. jars

      Ingredients

      Essential Oil Suggestions

      • Don’t freak out if you don’t have all these oils. Use what you have or acquire the ones you think you will use. These are all exceptional oils that you could use for many other things. They will last a long time.

      Instructions

      Items Needed

      1
      • Glass bowl
      • Sauce pan
      • Measuring spoons and cups
      • Spoon and spatula
      • Whisk
      2

      Measure the coconut oil, and butters and place them in the glass bowl. If the butters you are using are in a bar,you want to grate it up before measuring. Pack it down in the measuring cup.

      3

      Fill a sauce pan about 1/4 full with water and bring to a boil.

      4

      Reduce the heat to a simmer and fit the bowl onto the pot. The bottom of the bowl should not reach the water, therefore leave at least 2″ to 3″ space between the bowl and water. You want to heat the bowl with steam and not the water.

      5

      Stir until it has all melted.

      Carefully remove glass bowl from the pan and whisk in the powdered ingredients until smooth. Add the essential oils last just before pouring into containers.

      6

      It will seem rather runny at this point. Don’t be alarmed, the mixture will thicken after it sits a while.

      7

      This recipe makes about 5 – 6, 2oz jars.

      8

      Allow it to set until hardened. I usually just let it set up overnight. If you live where it is warm, you may need to place in refrigerator to set up.

      • Amount per serving
      • Calories0
      • % Daily Value*
      Jan Howell

      Jan Howell

      Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

      Read More

      Sore Throat: 4 Alternative Remedies That Work

      If you are experiencing a sore throat, don’t jump in the car and run to the clinic just yet. I am going to share with you 4 simple alternative remedies for a sore throat that really work! Many of the ingredients you probably already have in your home.

      Honey, Cayenne and Garlic:

      This is one of Dr. Christopher’s remedies I learned about many years ago and it is VERY effective in treating sore throats and even strep throat. When I get a sore throat I don’t even bother with a strep test because even if it is or isn’t strep, this will take care of it.

      How long does it take to get over strep throat with the standard medical procedure? 10 days on an antibiotic. This herbal remedy will generally get you over strep throat in 24 hours, and you won’t have to deal with all the side effects of antibiotics.

      • Put 1 tablespoon of honey in a small bowl (use raw unprocessed honey)
      • Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
      • Add 4 cloves of minced garlic (yep, your breath is going to smell fabulous) Trust me it is worth it.
      • Mix well
      • Cover and use as indicated below.

      Take ½ teaspoon to one teaspoon of the formula every 30-60 minutes. Don’t wash it down – let the honey coat the throat, then the cayenne will bring blood into the area, and then your immune system will be stimulated with the garlic. Garlic is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral, so anything that may be causing the sore throat, is toast! It is quite soothing to your throat!

      Orange Juice and Cayenne Pepper:

      If it isn’t strep, this is great option for a mild sore throat.

      • Pour a little orange juice in a cup
      • Add 2-4 shakes of cayenne pepper.
      • Mix well and drink quickly.

      It does burn, but just for a few seconds. This brings more circulation to the area so the body can start fighting whatever is causing the sore throat.

      3   Salt Water:

      Another very simple option for a mild sore throat is to simply gargle with salt water. This is good to do as soon as you feel a sore throat coming on.

      • Mix a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water.
      • Gargle the whole mixture several times a day.

      This will increase the blood supply to the area by washing away mucus and dilating capillaries, thereby enabling better circulation of infection-fighting antibodies. The salt draws out some of the fluid in the throat that causes the swelling and inflammation. If this doesn’t bring comfort, you may want to opt out to some of the other options.

      Sore Throat

      Lymph Massage

      Lymph massage is a good thing to do whenever you are sick, especially when you have a sore throat or ear infection.  Adding this blend of essential oils to the neck and armpit area will help the body move congestion in the lymphatic system. If you do not have all the essential oils listed below, you can still use what you have combined with olive oil or coconut oil.

      • 20 drops Melaleuca
      • 5 drops Lemon
      • 5 drops Cinnamon
      • 2 drops Wintergreen
      • 13 drops Lavender
      • 9 drops Clove
      • 8 drops Thyme
      • 8 drops Eucalyptus

      In a 2 oz. dark colored glass jar, combine essential oils and fill with fractionated coconut oil or pure virgin olive oil. If using olive oil, you may want to store this in the refrigerator to keep the oil from going rancid.Place the lid on the bottle and shake well.

      Apply the oil around the neck area, especially below and behind the ears. With a soft massaging motion drag your hand down the neck towards the sternum area and around the ear. Go easy because this area may be very tender. The essential oils will penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream to help fight infection. Apply the oil blend to the bottoms of the feet as well.

      I hope you found this information helpful.

       

      jan3

      Jan Howell

      Jan Howell

      Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

      Read More