Sore and Scratchy Throat? Pull Out Your Blender

Although it may start innocently enough, there’s really nothing worse than a painfully sore throat. And while sipping something warm and comforting like herbal tea, bone broth, or even a hot toddy is certainly soothing, sometimes the only thing your throat is crying out for is the exact opposite: something ice-cold to dull the pain.

For these moments, you may want to (like I often do) run straight for that tub of ice cream in the freezer. It’s cold, creamy, sweet, and completely satisfying when you feel completely lousy. However, the unfortunate thing is that dairy really isn’t the best thing for a sore throat. In many individuals, consuming dairy when sick may make phlegm, the mucus that drips down the back of your throat when you’re sick, thicken and irritate your throat even more.

That’s why making a slushy to soothe your sore throat just might be the perfect solution. Not only is it cold and sweet, but it could also help treat your scratchy throat if you make it with the right ingredients.

• Start by tossing fresh or frozen fruit into a blender: Go for fruit that’s rich in cold-fighting vitamin C, like strawberries, pineapple, or watermelon. Add a splash of orange, lemon, or lime juice for even more of a vitamin C boost.
• Add a soothing booster: Some freshly grated ginger and a spoonful of honey, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate the pain, help make the slushy as soothing as possible.
• Ice it up: Add a big handful of ice and blend until the ice is crushed and everything is combined. Check the consistency and add more ice, fruit, or juice as needed until the slushy is thick but not too thick that you can’t sip it through a straw. Pour it into a glass and find instant relief from your hurting throat.

Would you try a sore-throat slushy? Do you have any favorite scratchy throat remedies?