One of the great things about this simple herbal throat gargle is that all its ingredients have multiple uses. So, if you keep these herbs in your travel kit, you may be able to use them for other purposes in addition to a throat gargle.

Triphala (Emblica officinalis), a combination of three fruits, is a wonderful digestive, shown to be effective as an antimicrobial mouthwash, significantly reducing oral streptococcus colonies.

Curcumin, one of turmeric’s (Curcuma longa) chief constituents, has also been proven to have significant antibacterial effects. Plus, turmeric doubles as a cooking spice and digestive aid. This vibrant, yellow-orange rhizome boosts digestive and metabolic power and is helpful for breaking down proteins, particularly proteins in legumes.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is soothing to the throat due to its cooling, demulcent (moistening), and expectorant qualities. Licorice has many other uses, such as nourishing the adrenals and soothing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

DIY Herbal Throat Gargle

This herbal throat gargle is intended to clear irritants from the throat and has a moistening and antimicrobial effect as well. Yield: one 2-ounce tin.

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon Triphala (Emblica officinalis) powder
1/2 teaspoon licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root powder
1/8 teaspoon turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome powder
8 ounces of water

Directions

• Stir all ingredients into 8 ounces of hot water. 
• Allow water to cool until comfortable to touch. 
• Gargle at the back of the throat for a few seconds. 
• Repeat 2-3 times per week.