When we have sore throats (even strep!) in this house, we reach for a fast-working, natural remedy, Red Hot Honey! Our secret remedy for sore throats in this house is a three ingredient recipe made with foods you should always keep in your house: raw honey, garlic and cayenne. It tastes a little like those candies from childhood – Hot tamales – only with garlic in them.
The dark honey we use works to ease sore throats & to stop coughs too.
This remedy helps minimize pain and has, in at least one instance, helped Rob recover from strep throat within three days without the need of antibiotics.
Raw honey – as in unpasteurized, unheated honey – has long been touted for its health benefits. It’s supposed to be rich in natural nutrients and enzymes and is used for anything from internal problems like coughs and indigestion to topical applications. You can get it from the grocery store but the more cost effective way to purchase it is from your local bee keeper. Here are two ways to find bee keepers in your area. *Remember – no honey for kids under 1 year.
Garlic has powerful antibacterial and immune boosting properties. When using garlic in a remedy, I always use it fresh – not powdered, dried or in capsules. I have found fresh garlic to be the most powerful when using it to fight infection so I use my fresh preparations within two days to ensure the most effective healing benefits.
Cayenne possesses natural pain relieving properties and is purported to have anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s peppery hotness naturally clears congestion as well. I remember my first college voice teacher telling me to eat a dash of cayenne on a spoon of honey to clear congestion. I thought she was crazy back then but I heartily agree with her now!
Rob and I have been taking this for a few years when the need arises but our kids have never needed it. Recently my oldest had a terrible sore throat during the night and it took several hours to convince her to try it due to the garlic. Let’s be honest, garlic – well – stinks.
Finally, when she could not sleep due to the pain, she ate a spoonful. And, she was asleep within minutes. She slept another 7 hours without a sound and when she woke, pronounced her throat “tons” better. I gave her one more spoonful just for good measure – but she was better!
*Because Cayenne and Garlic both pack a lot of “heat”, I am always careful to keep the recipient hydrated between doses. Since I want it to coat the throat, I offer a drink before or 15 minutes after the honey. And, of course, I listen to my child and my gut. If the remedy hurts more than the illness, we discontinue it.*
When the pain eases, I discontinue this remedy and continue to offer immune boosting herbs like Echinacea and Usnea.
There you have it! Our family’s tasty, super powerful sore throat remedy that will relieve pain and speed healing.
If you liked this post, please pass it on!
*As always, I’ll remind you that I am not a doctor. These are common sense choices I have made for myself. I have taken the time to research any health decisions I make and have consulted with my local herbalist and naturopath when appropriate. I encourage you to always do the same before choosing to take or administer any kind of remedy, whether herbal, prescription or off the shelf at a local drugstore.*
| Red Hot Honey: Natural Remedy for Sore Throats |
- 1/3 c. raw honey
- 3 to 5 cloves garlic (depends on what you can handle!)
- 1/2 t. cayenne
- Chop or slice garlic into small pieces
- Stir all ingredients together
- Eat!
i want to THANK YOU for posting this online. i have no insurance so when i found out i had strep (had obvious white patches in my mouth and my co-worker confirmed she had strep, she’s the one i caught it from). With payday still 2 weeks away i couldn’t go to mayo clinic so i looked up some remedies. this work so fast! i am on day 3 of taking this syrup mixture and the white patches are gone, well i have one left but that was the worst one. i feel great!! i also gargled with apple cider vinegar which helped neutralize the burning from the strep. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!
You’re so welcome, Desiree. Not every remedy works for every person but it’s great to know that strep doesn’t automatically = antibiotics. It was incredible to see this heal my husband’s strep infection within days without his having to take a 10 day dose of pharma. Glad to hear you’re on the mend!
I did this remedy, I am sure it doesn’t hurt but I add turmeric to it. Thank you!
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how do you store this remedy? Should it be refrigerated?
I make very small batches (4 oz?) and store it on the counter. We usually go through it pretty quick. Several herbalists I know store garlic and honey on the counter throughout the cold season and eat it daily.
I’m allergic to so many medications, I’m hesitant to take any at all. My lymph nodes just swelled this morning and now I have white spots on one of my tonsils. I’ve used lemon, acv, honey and cayenne for painful bloat but good to know this basically is the same to cure my throat. Just smelling the garlic and sampling along the way of make this has made my throat feel better.
Glad to hear it!