When I initially read that gargling cayenne pepper could help an ailing sore throat, I was somewhat baffled. I mean, who in their right mind would expose an already tender throat to the fire of hot peppers? It seems almost as counter intuitive as applying a heat patch to a burn. But after several experiments with allergy and viral related sore throats, I must confess that my throats were significantly diminished, if not vanished.
Causes
Sore throats may be caused by either viral or bacterial infections, such as the common cold, influenza, etc. Viral infections usually do not accompany a sore throat, and are non-responsive to antibiotics while bacterial infections such as strep throat cause fever, swelling, and yellow or white spotting of the tonsils. Other factors such as weather, climate, smoking, postnasal drip, and allergies can also cause throat irritation.
The Cure
The best way to recover from a sore throat is by gargling. Gargling with table salt provides relief because it dehydrates the tonsils, drawing fluids away from the inflammation. Cayenne Pepper however, is the most effective because it contains capsaicin, which consists of anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents. However, capsaicin’s primary function is to alleviate pain receptors. The agent in cayenne that causes the burning sensation also causes the nerve endings to release chemicals that inform the brain of the impending pain. When the capsaicin comes into contact with inflamed and sore tonsils, it overloads the stores of mediators from the nerves so they cannot transmit pain signals to the brain, thus eliminating the pain of your sore throat.
- Warm up a mug of warm water
- Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper depending on your heat tolerance.
- Gargle for at least 20 seconds continuously, gargle several times.
- You will experience slight burning from the pepper, but eventually that sensation will disperse along with your sore throat.
- Optional: Add a teaspoon of honey to the mix.
*If you’re sensitive to heat, try mixing 1 to 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper into a glass of orange juice. It tastes great and helps neutralize the heat.
Remember that cayenne pepper does contain anti-viral properties to help you recover from sickness, but it’s primary function is to relieve pain. So if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, remember to drink a lot of fluids, rest, take vitamins, and continue efforts to heal your body despite your lack of sore throat after the treatment.
