We are back into the swing of things with the new school year starting up.  Although we’ve had some great weather, inevitably the cooler weather is on it’s way, and if you haven’t already had a cold, one may be on the horizon.

Sore throats and coughs are things that plague many people battling a cold.  A hacking cough or a sore throat can make sleep difficult, and can make getting through the day annoying.  It’s especially hard to see a little one go through these symptoms.

Honey is an often overlooked remedy for throat issues.  Whether it’s a sore throat, or a dry throat, irritated by coughing, honey has natural constituents in it that can soothe the throat.

Now, it’s easy to get carried away with a sweet remedy like honey.  Just remember it can help soothe the throat, but it is not as strong as an over-the-counter cough syrup, so it may not stop a cough in it’s tracks.  For some people it may be very effective, and for others it may offer just soothing relief.

The best way to use honey when there is an upper respiratory issue is to add it to a warm drink.  Homemade ginger and lemon tea is especially well indicated during these times.  I often recommend chopping up FRESH ginger and simmering it in water for 5-10 minutes.  Ginger has a variety of anti-microbial phytonutrients and can help with fever moderation.  Then strain off the ginger, add a little fresh squeezed lemon juice and then stir in 1-2 tablespoons of raw unpasturized honey.

For kids over the age of 2, honey can be added to a warm tea made for them.  Have them pick out a flavour; fruit flavored teas work well.  Also, a fruit flavoured tea can be made, the honey can be mixed in to sweeten, and then the tea can be frozen into popsicles.  This is great for older children who can manage a popsicle and want something cold for their sore throats.

Finally, I am excitedly looking forward to receiving new honey based Cough Syrup at the clinic. It was designed by herbalist of over 25 years, John Redden of Viriditas Herbal, in Toronto. The herbs for the cough syrup are harvested in gardens in Toronto and the cough syrup is made right where the herbs are harvested.  Honey is a great carrier for cough herbs.  I can’t wait to try it and to offer it to the patients of our clinic during this cold and flu season.

This is just one of many simple, healthy and natural options for coughs and sore throats.  Naturopathic Doctors are skilled at offering options for people of all ages who want natural options during the cold and flu season.  Visit with a licensed Naturopathic Doctor to address your cold, flu, sore throat and cough naturally, and skip the antibiotics or the OTC cough syrup!