Fall is here and “back to school” viruses are hitting us full force! Here in Nor Cal, the smoke from recent forest fires has made it even worse. I have found this delicious combination to not only soothe my soar throat, but quiet my cough. 

 

Did you know??

Raw, fresh Pineapple juice is 500 times more effective for coughs than cough syrup?! Add in a drop or two of Young Living peppermint oil and a sprinkle of organic cayenne pepper and you have a delicious, nutrient dense cough remedy. Why this combination?   Pineapple contains a highly anti inflammatory enzyme, called bromelain. It functions as an antioxidant, helping decrease swelling and killing bacteria. 

 

Pineapple juice, in its raw form also provides half of the daily recommended dose of vitamin C, which is critical for fighting against seasonal upper respiratory conditions. Pineapple juice is also packed with nutrients. Including, but not limited to; thiamin, riboflavin, vitamins A, B6, folate, magnesium, potassium and manganese. All of these nutrients are lacking in our American diets, and vital to our optimal health. 

 

The nutritional benefits skyrocket with the addition of Young Living peppermint and lemon oils. You need to be careful when choosing an essential oil. Unfortunately, they are not all created equal. Young Living essential oils are therapeutic oils made from 100% wild-crafted plants. You never want to ingest an essential oil which is not labeled FOOD or THERAPEUTIC  grade. These oils are highly anti inflammatory. Peppermint opens up the airways and provides relief from the discomfort caused by chronic cough or soar throat. And, the lemon oil contains constituents which break down mucus and phlegm. 

 

Cayenne pepper is an ancient healer that stimulates secretions and protects mucus membranes from upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Not to mention, it is very soothing for soar throats, and provides a tasty little zing that compliments the flavor of pineapple. 

 

 

Pineapple Juice Cocktail

Natural Soar Throat & Cough Remedy

 

1 pineapple (peeled, cored and cut into chunks)

 

1/2 cup cold, purified water (not tap)

 

1-2 drops Young Living peppermint & lemon oils

 

dash organic cayenne pepper

 

Directions:

Serves 2

Prep Time: 15 minutes

 

     1. Using Vitamix or other high speed blender, add pineapple chunks and puree’.

     2.Strain with a fine mesh strainer.

     3.Stir in water and essential oils

     4.Pour over ice, warmed or room temp. 

     5. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper and enjoy!