Tea is a soothing remedy for a sore throat, with herbal teas being the go-to choice. According to Dr. Sonali Ruder, an ER doctor and chef, herbal teas reduce throat inflammation, coat the lining, and aid in clearing mucus. Their additional benefits include antioxidants that combat cell damage and possess antimicrobial properties to fend off infections caused by viruses and bacteria.

While traditional black or green teas can relieve a sore throat, opting for herbal teas offers more potent benefits. The ideal tea for a sore throat varies based on the root cause and the intensity of symptoms. While all warm liquids provide relief, certain ingredients excel in combating infection and inflammation.

Elderberry tea, derived from the vibrant berries of the elder tree, offers a tart flavor and a powerful immune system boost.

Packed with polyphenols, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, elderberry tea helps fight invading germs, making it effective for virus-related sore throats. Research suggests that elderberry extract reduces the severity of cold and flu symptoms, promoting faster recovery.

If you’re battling a common cold, indulging in a lemon-infused tea can be a comforting remedy. Packed with vitamin C, lemon tea is excellent for combating colds and soothing sore throats.

The potent flavonoids in lemon tea contribute to alleviating throat discomfort caused by inflammation. Moreover, increased vitamin C intake can expedite recovery, helping you return to your healthy self sooner.

When it comes to treating inflammation, green tea stands out as an exception among true teas. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a specific polyphenol in green tea, offers relief by reducing throat inflammation.

Green tea’s richness in vitamins and minerals contributes to its illness-fighting properties. In fact, studies suggest that gargling with green tea can help prevent sore throats.

For individuals battling strep throat, licorice root tea emerges as the go-to soothing sip. Derived from the licorice plant’s root, this tea boasts a distinct fennel-like flavor that pairs well with cinnamon or orange peel.

Apparently, licorice root is effective against bacteria causing strep throat, with a study showing a reduction in S. pyogenes bacteria, the strep throat microorganism, within 12 hours of exposure.

Chamomile tea offers a comforting remedy for sore throats accompanied by persistent coughing. Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, this tea not only alleviates inflammation but acts as an antispasmodic, reducing coughing episodes.

Chamomile tea’s soothing and swelling-reducing properties make it an ideal choice for a cozy pre-bedtime drink.

Slippery elm tea provides a soothing remedy for sore throats triggered by allergies. It’s rich in mucilage, a unique compound that transforms into a protective gel in water.

This earthy and mildly sweet tea forms a coating in the throat, alleviating symptoms caused by irritants like pollen or smoke. You could also use marshmallow root tea as an alternative, as it has similar mucilage levels.

Curb appeal can be improved with front yard improvements and porch plant additions, but using a window box is the way to go for a little additional wow. They provide your home with vibrant color accents (without the cost of pricey painting or siding work), draw butterflies, birds, and other animals, and give it a beautiful cottage-style or grandmother-like feel.

Choosing the Perfect Style

Choose a window box that best matches the design of your home from the many wonderful alternatives available. For example, a modern home may benefit from something sleek and elegant, while a colonial or Victorian might benefit from something more traditional.

Selecting the Proper Materials

There are advantages and disadvantages that people should take into account for each of the most common materials, and containers come in a variety of colors, designs, and materials. Wood is a traditional and fashionable material but may ultimately require maintenance. To reduce damage from exposure to the weather, use teak or another wood that’s suitable for outdoor use.

Plastic weathers the elements admirably but may appear cheap, particularly on first-floor window boxes where they’re visible. Terra-cotta is a lovely option, but because it enables water to escape, plants can require more regular watering. Furthermore, such window boxes are more likely to shatter in regions with chilly winters. Metal is a durable and fashionable material option, but depending on the type of metal used, it might rust.

Planning the Placement of the Window Box

A window box is not required to be positioned beneath each window at the front of your property. You might decide to only put it on the second-floor windows or only the one that flanks the entrance door. You must step up your watering if your home faces south or west. With more direct sunshine, boxes facing south and west will dry up more quickly.

Choosing the Right Plants

Your choice of color scheme is just one factor in selecting the proper plants for your window box. Focus on plants that do well in containers and can tolerate some neglect. A beautiful window box doesn’t require a wide variety of flowers. Local flowers are more likely to grow with less irrigation and may provide you with extra advantages. To use your boxes for some wildlife viewing, find out which native flowers may draw specific butterflies or songbirds.

Swapping Plants With the Change of Seasons

Window boxes are ideal for changing up your look with fresh blooms such as pansies in spring, zinnias in summer, chrysanthemums in fall, and evergreens or decorative kale in winter. Plants may also be adorned with additional items such as pumpkins and gourds or outdoor Christmas ornaments to provide a festive touch—all without the need for watering!