The best tea for a sore throat
It all begins with an idea.
It’s that time of year, where the colours of Autumn, here in Victoria, Australia are popping hazy, shades of deep red, burnt orange and browning, as well as falling leaves. Dappled sunlight flecking through the tree’s, creating dancing, golden shapes on the grass, gently caressing and applying small, warm kisses to your skin… We wander through the garden in search for the best remedies for a sore throat. This time of year can come with a few more sniffles, colds or flu’s, so I am wanting to dive into some of the best remedies for this! Some of the plants we’ll cover in this blog can most likely be found in your garden, or nearby nature strip!
The herbs listed all contain anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Picking enough fresh herb to fill 1 tsp is an ample amount for a cup of tea. Wash them first, then pop them in a teapot or cup and add boiling water to the herb, steep for 5 mins and drink.
Broadleaf or narrowleaf plantain! A European weed, which you can find all year round. It’s high mucilage properties soften and coat the mucous membranes in our throat
Peppermint helps open up airways, acts as a soothing agent and relives congestion.
Rosemary soothes a sore throat and fights bacteria
Other incredible herbs, listed below would be bought dried. 1-2 tsp of dried herb per cup is recommended and can be found in my online shop. These organic herbs are highly regarded for combating sore throats!
Liquorice root contains glycyrrhizin and lycoricidine which has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which, when drunk in tea is extremely soothing and leaves a sweet coating on the throat.
Chamomile reduces swelling and throat soreness, lubricating the throat and inhibiting coughing, due to antispasmodic properties!
Hibiscus packing a high vitamin C and antioxidant count. Hibiscus is said to uplift your mood, personally speaking I have found this! It loosens mucus and protects your throat.
Mixing together herbs for different flavours and blends of throat soothing properties- I would HIGHLY recommend! As a kitchen alchemist, from way back I like to play with different flavours and variants, to get the very best concoctions for me, loved one’s and clients.
If blending isn’t for you I can do the leg work by recreating flavours of your personal favourite tea’s presenting them to you in a loose leaf tea format, to save waste on extra material!
How to brew tea without a teapot or strainer; Simply pop a couple of teaspoons of the blend into a ceramic bowl, add a cup of boiling water, wait for 5 minutes then straining with a sieve.
Life is so abundant and full. There are an array of colours, flavours, textures & outcomes… Metaphorically speaking; What colours are you going to paint your pallet today?!
Marvellous Marshmallow
It all begins with an idea.
Not enough rest gave me a message from my body:
A sore mouth and fatigue, with a hint of insecurity and a dash of overthinking!
With not enough rest- fear is very maluble and will easily set in!
I'm still learning how to balance energy output & rest. Each message or ailment I receive from my body, I end up thanking, as it gives you an idea of how to improve next time!
I recognised the messages, the fear and SLOWED RIGHT DOWN. Began journaling, to understand where it started to go wrong and felt into what would be most supportive, in that moment. I forgave myself and took action! Warmth. Low lighting. Tea.
Let's talk Marshmallow root! It contains around 35% mucilage!
"What is mucilage" I hear you cry.
Well! When the herb becomes wet it swells and turns into a gel like substance, which, when consumed or applied topically (& lovingly, of course) soothes friction induced irritation and SO MUCH MORE!
♡It coats and adheres to irritated mucous membranes (e.g., mouth, throat, stomach, vagina).
♡Shields tissues from further irritation (like acid, yeast, dryness).
♡Reduces friction, inflammation, and pain—almost like a natural balm from within.
Castor oil
♡Penetrates deeply into tissues (unlike most oils)
♡Stimulates lymphatic drainage
♡Relieves stagnation, congestion, or inflammation
♡Softens fibroids, cysts, and scar tissue
♡Promotes circulation
In conclusion, used separately or combined= a match made in heaven for sore, inflamed & tender areas. Slowing down, forgiving yourself and striving to avoid burnout next time ♡
Happy Monday x
How xylitol helped heal my cavities!
It all begins with an idea.
In June 2024 I went for a check up as I had sensitivities when I was brushing. I also couldn't eat the foods I normally would and I had a fear of the dentist and hadn't been in a few years.
I went and was told I needed 3 fillings, one of which needed to be seen to ASAP, which left me feeling fear.
With a treatment plan, hefty invoice and threat of root canal within 3 months, looming overhead, I left.
I sat with that and slept on it.
The next day I woke up and did research on holistically healing teeth and decided that I was going to give it a go, and not allow fear to take over!
Oil pulling, visualisation of a healthy mouth (I literally imagine the hole of the cavity closing up and my wisdom teeth growing though correctly, plus being at the dentist and him exclaiming my x-rays are clear, feeling that JOY and exhilaration of healing myself), using a pre & post brushing rinse, brushing with a soft bristle brush, flossing, chewing Xylitol gum after every meal, eating sweet things after 12pm, and reducing my sugar intake was what it took.
I have since found out where that dentist fear stemmed from! And as clique as it sounds, "to name it is to tame it" it's simply acknowledging a part of you, or a memory, which your brain has decided to park and store, in order to keep you "safe" even when something may not be in your best interest, your brain and body are so eager to keep you as minimally stressed as possible! Hence why there is so much tension and reluctancy to do things which trigger that fear.
The brain is so interesting to me.. I could talk about it for hours but, back to the teeth!
A recommended dose of Xylitol is 6-10g per day, to regulate mouth acidity, (helping to avoid reseeding) cleans teeth between meals, it helps provoke saliva, which heals our mouths. It's when our mouths dry out is when we can start to get issues.
Each tooth can be linked with certain things that are going on in your life. If you’re interested in delving into brain body connection and ailments, I recommend The body is the barometer of the soul, by Anette Noontil.
I believe that every ailment is a tiny messenger for you to either listen to and address, or not and perhaps, later on experience bigger, scarier ailments. The messages get louder the more they're ignored!