20 January 2024 , 08:00
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There’s nothing worse than the early signs of a respiratory illness, with that subtle pain on your throat being a dreaded indication of what’s to come.
Most adults experience around three common colds each year, though they are most vulnerable during the winter months, when people spend more time indoors. When your body reacts to a virus, it’s common to suffer from an irritated throat which is often accompanied by a headache, chilliness or lethargy.
These symptoms often develop quickly and last around one to two days. While there is no cure for a common cold, nutritionist Maty Harrington has shared her immune-boosting drink to help soothe a sore throat.
Taking to TikTok, under the username @nutritiouslyeasy, the health expert said: "The other morning I woke up with a sore throat, not fully sick but my throat was definitely scratchy. Luckily I was staying at my parents house and my mum told me to make this little wellness drink, with the key ingredient being cloves."
During the video, Maty shared the directions on how to make this simple yet effective drink, which only requires three ingredients. Follow the steps below to relieve your prickly throat.
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To start making this home remedy, boil one cup of water
Then, chop one inch of ginger into small pieces and spoon into a mug
Add one cinnamon stick
Next, spoon around four to six cloves into the mug
Pour the hot water in and let it sit for around 10-minutes
Using a sieve, strain the drink into another mug by
Maty said: "Cloves are the ultimate immune booster and super antiviral. I’m not joking, one hour later my throat didn’t feel scratchy at all." According to Netmeds, cloves contain eugenol which is effective against harmful bacteria, fungus and viruses.
The health site explains that the anti-viral and blood purification properties of cloves decrease the toxicity in blood and increase the resistance against diseases by stimulating white blood cells. In response to Maty’s video, followers flocked to the comments to share their thoughts, as one user penned: "I’m sick right now and just made this! I added some ground turmeric and honey and not only does it taste good but my sore throat feels better!"
Another shared: "I had a sore throat but it’s gone now yaay!" A third wrote: "Tried salt water gargling yesterday and today but didn’t work…hoping this will! Just drank it."
Meanwhile, nutritionist Kavita Devgan told HealthShots that a clove and honey mix is one of the most effective remedies for flu symptoms. She said: "Honey can help soothe a sore throat. A staple in Indian cuisine, cloves are loaded with potent antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory compounds. So, this remedy is great for winter ailments like cough and cold."
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If you’re suffering from a respiratory illness, the NHS explains that your symptoms will improve more quickly by getting lots of sleep and drinking plenty of water. Cough and cold medicines are also available from pharmacies or supermarkets.