Why a cup of tea is better for a sore throat than antibiotics

This will come as a shock: But, according to a recent Harvard study, your doctor should only prescribe antibiotics for a sore throat 10% of the time, writes webMD.

The reason?

Because “antibiotics only work against bacterial infections.” And, in most cases, sore throats are a result of viruses NOT bacteria.

So what can you do instead?

Got a sore throat? Try a steaming mug these soothing teas instead

According to Dr Jonathan Wright, the natural health specialist behind Nutrition & Healing, there are a variety of soothing teas that can ease a sore throat.

Sore throat relieving tea #1: Slippery elm bark tea
By coating your throat with mucilage, a gel-like substance that swells when mixed with water, elm bark tea can help soothe your throat. “To make the tea, add 1 tablespoon of dried bark to 1 cup of boiling water. Allow the brew to steep, covered for 10 minutes, and then strain. You can drink up to three cups of the tea a day,” explains Dr Wright.

Sore throat relieving tea #2: Honeysuckle flower tea
Honeysuckle tea, available from many good Chinese outlets, is easy to brew in tea bag or loose flower form. Just remember to let it steep, covered, for at least 10 minutes, and then strain before drinking. It works because “honeysuckle is an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory herb [that can] clear internal heat and relieve toxicity,” reveals teasenz.com. (You can safely drink up to four cups of this tea a day.)

Sore throat relieving tea #3: Ginger tea
To make the tea, thinly slice a 5cm piece of fresh ginger root and add it to four cups of boiling water. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes before straining. Its sore throat soothing powers is thanks to gingers anti-inflammatory properties explains livestrong.com.

So before you pop unnecessary pills for a sore throat, try these home remedies instead. The results might surprise you.