A sore throat refers to pain, itchiness, or irritation of the throat. Throat pain is the primary symptom of a sore throat. It may get worse when you try to swallow, and you may have difficulty swallowing food and liquids. This post will help you with some of the best home remedies for sore throat.
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Home Remedies For Sore Throat
1. Saltwater gargles
This is one of the oldest and easiest home remedies for sore throat that even your grandmother would recommend. Salt is known to have amazing anti-bacterial properties. Mix ¼ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Gargle at least two-three times a day. It will rinse away the bacteria and neutralize the acids that may be causing the burning sensation.
2. Honey
Honey mixed in tea or taken on its own is a common household remedy for a sore throat. One study found that honey was even more effective at taming nighttime coughs than common cough suppressants. Other research shows that honey is an effective wound healer, which means it may help speed healing for sore throats.
3. Turmeric milk
This is one of the home remedies for sore throat. Whenever we have a throat irritation or cough, our mother always suggests having warm milk with a pinch of turmeric. It treats a sore throat, cold, and even persistent coughs. When drunk regularly, it reduces pain and inflammation from a sore throat.
4. Lemon
Similar to saltwater and honey, lemons are great for sore throats because they can help break up mucus and provide pain relief. What’s more, lemons are packed with Vitamin C which can help to boost the immune system and give it more power to fight off your infection. Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice into a glass of warm water and drink for quick relief.
5. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is the latest to join the superfood bandwagon. It is acidic in nature and can kill the bacteria in the throat. It can also help ease cold symptoms if the throat infection is a result of mucous build-up. You can add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your herbal tea or use the same to gargle with it.
6. Tea
There are many different kinds of herbal teas you can try for quick sore throat relief. Clove tea and green tea both contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to fight against infections while providing relief. Raspberry, chamomile, and peppermint tea are great choices for relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Chamomile tea can also serve as a natural lubricant, so if your voice is hoarse and you’re having difficulty speaking, this may be your best option. Additionally, peppermint tea can naturally numb your throat and alleviate your pain. When choosing the best tea for your sore throat, you may also want to check the caffeine content.
7. Peppermint
Peppermint is known for its ability to freshen breath. Diluted peppermint oil sprays may also relieve sore throats. Peppermint contains menthol, which helps thin mucus and calm sore throats and coughs. Peppermint also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, which may encourage healing.
Never use essential oils without mixing them with a carrier oil such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, or softened coconut oil. For peppermint oil, mix five drops of the essential oil with one ounce of the carrier oil of your choice. Never ingest essential oils.
8. Ginger
Ginger is a natural anti-allergic and decongestant remedy which works wonderfully to treat throat infection. It can break up excess mucous associated with respiratory conditions. You can mix ginger in tea for its instant effects.
9. Garlic
If you are sure that you wouldn’t be spending the evening with a company of people, you can risk the bad breath but still want to get rid of it, then take a clove of garlic. Suck on it till you have found relief. The garlic has a rich antibacterial ingredient called allicin that fights germ build-up and acts as a pain-alleviating agent.
10. Baking soda gargle
While the saltwater gargle is more commonly used, gargling baking soda mixed with salt water can help relieve a sore throat as well. Gargling this solution can kill bacteria and prevent the growth of yeast and fungi.
The National Cancer Institute recommends gargling and gently swishing a combination of 1 cup warm water, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. They recommend using the rinse every three hours as needed.
