Sea Salt and Water can draw excess moisture out of inflamed throat tissues in the same way it draws moisture out of meat. . The mixture has a drying effect that makes it ideal for treating sore throats and mosquito bites. Salt also has disinfectant properties that can help kill the bacteria that caused the sore throat in the first place. Stir one tablespoon of sea salt into half a cup of warm water until dissolved. Use the mixture to gargle every few hours as needed. Soak bites in the salt water mixture, or you can mix the sea salt with lard or a cold cream and apply it as a paste to bites.

Honey is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent ideal for dealing with blisters, cuts and scrapes. It also prevents bandages from sticking to the healing wound. Apply a small amount directly to a blister (once it has been popped), cut or scrape, to help reduce inflammation, inhibit the spread of infection and keep the wound moist as it heals. Unprocessed honey works best. Cover with a bandage. Clean and redress the twice a day until healed.

Slippery Elm is an excellent anti-inflammatory and antiviral remedy for sore throats. Slippery elm tea also coats the throat, helping to relieve that raw, dry feeling. Steep the bark in hot water, and strain to make a tea, which you can drink sweetened with honey. Or, purchase Slippery Elm in liquid form and take a few drops in a glass of hot water.

Thyme essential oil's antimicrobial and antiseptic properties make it ideal for cleaning bites, stings, cuts and scrapes. It also treats bad breath and infections of the mouth. Two drops in 4 ounces of water can be used as mouthwash or to treat a toothache or sore throat. For cold, flu, or bronchitis, place two drops in just boiled water and inhale the steam. Dilute thyme oil in a carrier oil such as olive oil, sunflower or jojoba oil before applying to skin.