Natural Cold/Flu Remedies

Whenever I start to come down with something, the possibility of another psoriasis flare-up strikes fear through me. In Autumn 2021, an illness which I suspect to have been strep throat led to a break-out of red marks all over my body.

Having noticed that the emergence of a sore throat leads to me frantically monitoring my skin (unnecessary stress when my body’s fighting an ailment!) I decided to write this post to help distinguish between strep throat and more common winter illnesses.

While strep throat and a “normal” sore throat may be difficult to tell apart, there are some more visual symptoms belonging to the former such as white spots at the back of the throat, rashes and swollen glands (see a useful image here). Anyone who thinks they have it should consult a doctor: it’s a more serious infection than the latter.

However, if it is a common cold or flu that’s made an unwelcome appearance, read on for some natural remedies. I cleared my skin this way, and so why not go down the natural route to ease and hopefully shorten the length of these bugs, too?

HERBAL TEAS

A “sore” throat is one that has, through infection, become inflamed- a word most psoriasis warriors are all-too familiar with. Physically, this means the pharynx (another term for the muscular, tubular passageway we call our throat) is red and swollen, leading to feelings of dryness, scratchiness and pain when swallowing. It is my least favourite part of a cold.

Hydration through all non-alcoholic liquids is therefore important, as stimulating saliva production helps to keep the throat lubricated. In addition to this, herbal teas contain ingredients with further beneficial, anti-inflammatory properties:

-Marshmallow root and slippery elm lubricate the throat

-Liquorice and thyme are said to be antimicrobial

-Fennel contains antioxidants and Vitamin C

 

Throat Comfort Tea is an organic, herbal tea 

Since piping hot drinks can burn an already-sensitive throat, leave a freshly-poured cup to cool slightly.

Check out Hanna Sillitoe’s Strep Shot Skin Saviour recipe for a fruity and spicy creation that packs a punch! 

SALT WATER GARGLE

Salt water can help to draw out and kill bacteria in the throat and mouth as well as break up mucus and ease pain. 

The NHS list it as a method to soothe a sore throat and shorten how long it lasts; they’ve provided instructions on how to gargle with salt water- just remember not to swallow it. 

VAPOUR RUB

This magical ointment has always been a go-to remedy in my household: spread it on your chest/throat/back and easier breathing comes instantly. The main ingredient, though, is…petrolatum. Yikes! That stuff is cheap, paraffin-based and locks out moisture when applied to the skin. 

Thankfully, there do seem to be some natural alternatives out there.

 LOZENGES

The liquid centres in these small, sweet tablets help to cool and temporarily relieve the pain of a sore throat. They typically contain menthol, which is said to numb throat tissue. 

Look out for ones with natural herbs and oils- as with herbal teas, they can provide symptom-relieving effects. 

-Lemon contains Vitamin C

-Honey is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory

 

Echinacea is a plant that is said to reduce symptoms and shorten a cold’s duration. It also appears in throat sprays and herbal teas. 

ANTISEPTIC MOUTH RINSES

I was told that antibacterial mouthwashes are good for sore throats. Further research has since revealed to me that antiseptic ones target not just bacteria, but viruses and fungi too- and so more illness-causing bases are covered. 

For a totally natural rinse, look out for products (or, more likely, recipes) that incorporate aloe vera, chamomile and sage. All of these plants have antiseptic properties. 

SOUP

Soup is perhaps the best food for a sore throat: soothing, easy to consume and nutrient-dense.

Making soup from scratch isn’t ideal when unwell, so look out for healthy ones that contain anti-inflammatory ingredients such as ginger and turmeric. 

SUPPLEMENTS

The top-recommended supplements for dealing with common colds are Vitamin C (this one is said to reduce the length of a cold), Vitamin D and Zinc. These are all covered in this section of the blog. 

PEPPERMINT OIL

With antimicrobial properties, this essential oil another ingredient found in (decent) lozenges. 

As a decongestant, use this inhalation technique: add several drops to a bowl of steaming water, cover your head with a towel and breathe in that fresh, minty air. 

PAINKILLERS

Though my pharmaceutical knowledge is limited, Holland & Barrett recommend ibuprofen and paracetamol for relieving cold-related symptoms. 

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…and don’t forget plenty of rest!