Nature’s Soothing Duo: Onion and Honey for Sore Throat

A sore throat can be a real nuisance, making it difficult to swallow, speak, or even sleep comfortably. While over-the-counter medications can provide relief, natural remedies like a mixture of onion and honey can be equally effective, if not more so.

The Benefits of Onion and Honey for Sore Throat

• Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties: Both onion and honey possess natural antibacterial and antiviral properties. Onions contain compounds like allicin that can help fight off infections, while honey has been used for centuries to treat various ailments due to its antimicrobial properties.
• Soothes Irritation: The sticky nature of honey helps coat the throat, providing a protective layer that reduces irritation and helps ease the discomfort associated with a sore throat.
• Reduces Inflammation: Onions contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce the swelling and inflammation in the throat, providing relief from pain and discomfort.
• Boosts Immunity: The combination of onion and honey can help strengthen the immune system, making it more resilient against infections that cause sore throats.

How to Prepare Mixture of Onion and Honey for Sore Throat Relief

Ingredients:

1. 1 medium-sized onion
2. Jar of honey (preferably raw or manuka honey)

Instructions:

Step 1:  Prepare the Onion
-Peel the onion and cut it into small pieces.

Step 2:  Extract Onion Juice
-Place the onion pieces in a clean cheesecloth or muslin cloth.
-Squeeze the cloth to extract the onion juice.
OR Juice the onion in your home juicer.
OR Blend onion into juice (you may need to add 1-2 tablespoons of filtered water) in high-powered blender.

Step 3:  Mix with Honey
-In a small bowl, combine the onion juice with equal amounts of honey (1:1 ratio).  You don’t have to use all the onion juice if you ended up with a lot.  I would not mix more than ½ cup of onion juice.  You may end up with only a few tablespoons if you use the cheesecloth method.

Step 4:  Stir Thoroughly
-Stir the mixture well to ensure that the honey and onion juice are fully blended.

Step 5:  Store and Use
-Transfer the mixture to a glass, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can be kept for a few days.
-Take 1-2 teaspoons of the mixture whenever your throat feels sore or irritated.
-Allow the mixture to slowly dissolve in your mouth, coating your throat for relief.

Tips for Using Onion and Honey for Sore Throat

• Use Raw Honey: Raw honey is the most effective because it retains all of its natural properties. Avoid heating the honey as it can diminish its benefits.
• Adjust Onion Quantity: Depending on your tolerance to the taste and smell of onions, you can adjust the amount of onion juice used in the mixture.
• Stay Hydrated: Alongside this remedy, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and herbal teas.
• Consult a Healthcare Professional: If your sore throat persists for an extended period or is accompanied by severe symptoms, consult your natural, healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Babies:  Do not feed raw honey to babies without first consulting with your natural healthcare professional.

The combination of onion and honey is a natural, effective, and easily accessible remedy for soothing sore throats. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties of these two ingredients make them a powerful duo in the fight against throat discomfort. By following these simple steps, you can prepare your own homemade remedy and find relief from that pesky sore throat naturally.

Dr. Kalaba is a chiropractor in Tucson, AZ, practicing gentle chiropractic care and providing health tips to help you live the best rest of your life.