Hi-De-Ho Rene,

So I hear you have come down with "the junk" -- if not the flu, then at least a sore throat. I had the beginnings of a nasty one yesterday, but tried the barrels-blazing approach of not one, but three, home remedies. It ain't science, but it worked. So if any of our readers feel similarly cruddy, they might try the following:

Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Gargle mouthfuls twice, swallowing the second mouthful. (It's not too bad, really -- kind of like a sweet but very acidic salad dressing.) Repeat hourly (you can use the same glassful for a couple hours). Supposedly, the acidity works wonders on bacteria, and it's soothing too. I think it's even better than gargling salt water, which has not helped me much over the years.

OR

Take a teaspoon of Tabasco or tabasco-like chili sauce straight. Hold in the back of your throat for several seconds before swallowing.

OR

Eat dry roasted peanuts (unless you're allergic, of course...).

OR

If the apple cider vinegar is too strong for you with water, try mixing it in equal parts with honey (no water, so it's a thick mixture), taking a teaspoon every hour.

I did the first three, and today the sore throat is gone.

Disclaimer: These can supplement and should not replace medical treatment, if it is necessary.

Later,
Kari