Try Pineapple Juice to Soothe a Sore Throat
The only thing worse than a sore throat is the sickly cough medicine that comes with it. If you’ve had enough spoonfuls of medicinal cherry-flavored liquid, try a natural (and better-tasting) alternative. Treat your sore throat with a traditional remedy: fresh pineapple juice. Pineapple cough syrup, blended with other ingredients like honey or spices, is traditionally used to soothe a sore throat in many communities including the Amish, and some experts believe the juice contains certain nutrients that can help soothe aches and ailments naturally. Read on to learn more.
Healing Properties of Pineapple
Pineapple contains bromelain, a superstar enzyme that has been, according to Scientific Wellness, “shown to relieve hay fever or sinusitis in a number of human clinical studies by working as a natural antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and decongestant.” Pineapple juice is also commonly known as a lytic agent. Lytic agents can help thin out mucus to clear congestion. Some experts say fresh pineapple juice can multi-task by clearing out your cough as a lytic agent and soothing a sore throat with bromelain’s pain-relieving properties.
When considering pineapple as a sickness remedy, remember our queen fruit also includes:
- High levels of vitamin C to support the immune system
- Fiber to help digestion
- Manganese, which is thought to help prevent cell damage and aging
- Beta carotene, copper, zinc and folate
Visit the resources listed below to learn more about pineapple’s health and nutrition benefits.
Traditional Pineapple Cough Syrup Recipe
The most common pineapple cough remedy contains just a few simple ingredients. Make this traditional cough syrup at home and drink ¼ cup up to three times a day. Remember to drink plenty of water to assist the breakdown and clearing of mucus.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh pineapple juice from a Chestnut Hill Farms pineapple (Learn to make fresh pineapple juice here)
- pinch of salt
- pinch of pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp honey
Directions
- Combine fresh pineapple juice, salt and pepper in a glass.
- Warm the honey slightly so it is easier to mix. Add into the pineapple juice mixer.
- Sip ¼ cup slowly up to three times a day to relieve sore throat symptoms.
- Keep refrigerated.
Slightly Spicy Pineapple Cough Syrup Recipe
If you’re looking to kick your sickness to the curb and not afraid of a little heat, try out this pineapple cough syrup remedy instead. The addition of a few key spices help clear congestion and could even give your immune system a boost (see resources below for more information).
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh pineapple juice from a Chestnut Hill Farms pineapple
- pinch of salt
- pinch of pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp honey
- 3 inches ginger root
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Directions
- Combine fresh pineapple juice, salt, pepper, ginger root, lemon juice and cayenne pepper in a blender or food processor.
- Lightly warm the honey for easier mixing. Add into the blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Sip ¼ cup of the mixture slowly up to three times a day to relieve sore throat symptoms and clear congestion.
- Keep refrigerated.
For more facts, recipes, and tips about pineapple delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter today.
Resources
To learn more about pineapple’s health benefits, visit the websites below.