Nobody wants to wake up feeling poorly on Christmas Day. Whether it’s a hangover or the sniffles, we all want to be in peak condition to savour the festive celebrations with loved ones.
If you sense a nasty sore throat developing, swift action is essential to alleviate the discomfort. One mother recently revealed a straightforward home remedy using just three ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen cupboard.
TikTok user Kinsey, who regularly posts simple and nutritious recipes, shared this as her go-to solution when she feels under the weather.
In the video, which has accumulated more than 171,000 likes, she explained: “If you have a sore throat or cough, cut an orange in half. Prick with a fork. Sprinkle lots of sea salt.
“Microwave for two minutes, add honey, mash then squeeze out the rest (it’s hot so use a towel). Drink it!”
It really is that straightforward. The combination of oranges and honey can soothe a sore throat for several reasons.
Honey acts as an anti-inflammatory with antimicrobial properties, while oranges deliver vitamin C to bolster the immune system.
Although citrus can occasionally cause irritation, this popular remedy involves steaming oranges with honey to produce a mild, chemical-free treatment that provides both hydration and warmth.
Meanwhile, the steamed orange remedy has received endorsement from several experts, including Healthline.
It’s crucial to note this recipe should not be given to children under one year of age due to the risk of infant botulism posed by honey.
Given that citrus fruits are known for their effectiveness in alleviating sore throats and coughs, it is still advised to consult your doctor if symptoms persist or if home remedies prove ineffective.
You could be experiencing a serious illness if your sore throat is accompanied by:
- Difficult swallowing
- Chills
- Fever
- Inability to drink fluids
Meanwhile the NHS advises a number of treatments to try at home before seeking help.
To help soothe a sore throat, you can:
- Gargle with warm salty water (although children shouldn’t try this)
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat cool or soft foods
- Avoid smoking or being around smokers
- Suck ice cubes, ice lollies or hard sweets (avoid giving to children due to the risk of choking)
- Rest
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
