10 Home Remedies For A Sore Throat
When it comes to the symptoms of common illnesses, one that’s sure to get your attention is a sore throat. The pain and irritation, which are caused by an immune response that produces inflammation of the mucous membranes, tend to have people quickly looking for ways to soothe a sore throat. In particular, many are interested in home remedies to bring relief.
Below are some natural remedies for sore throat that people find helpful.
How to Treat Sore Throat at Home
If you’re looking for a sore throat treatment at home, here are a few remedies to try:
1. Tea
Many different types of tea are used for sore throat relief. Peppermint tea can numb the throat to reduce discomfort, while green tea has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can be helpful. Chamomile tea is naturally lubricating, which can be useful if your sore throat is accompanied by hoarseness.
2. Soup
Warm broth can be a solution for people wondering how to cure a sore throat at home. Just be sure that it’s not hot. You may also want to avoid soups that are thick or chunky.
3. Salt Water Gargle
Doing a saltwater gargle for sore throat relief can be helpful. While the relief may not be as rapid as with other home remedies, saltwater kills bacteria and can help loosen mucus.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Many people use apple cider vinegar for sore throat treatment. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps fight bacteria. Adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water and drinking it can help relieve pain.
5. Herbs
Herbs for sore throat relief include sage and echinacea. Often used in the form of throat sprays, they help break up mucus and reduce pain.
6. Marshmallow Root
The use of marshmallow root to treat a sore throat goes back to the Middle Ages. The root contains what’s called mucilage—a gelatin-like material that coats the throat. It’s often consumed as an infusion that’s sipped throughout the day.
7. Honey
Not only is honey a tasty sweetener for drinks, but it can also provide pain relief and help fight infection. It’s typically consumed in tea or warm water. You can also add apple cider vinegar or herbs to the drink to make it even more effective.
8. Hot Sauce
While it may seem like hot sauce would irritate a sore throat, the capsicum it contains helps fight inflammation and relieve pain. It’s typically gargled, with a few drops added to warm water. It may cause a slight burning sensation initially, but then it goes to work and provides relief.
9. Licorice Root
Licorice root is another substance that can be added to water and gargled to help soothe a sore throat. It can also be an ingredient in tea.
10. Throat Lozenges
Throat lozenges cause you to produce more saliva, which coats your throat when you swallow and provides relief. Lozenges may also contain herbs and other ingredients that make them even more effective.
What to Avoid with a Sore Throat
In addition to learning about home remedies for sore throat relief, you should also know what to avoid with a sore throat. Certain foods and beverages can irritate your throat and make the pain and inflammation worse.
Coffee, soda, and alcohol are all drinks you should temporarily avoid. Snacks like potato chips, popcorn and pretzels are also likely to make a sore throat worse. You may also want to cut back on fresh raw vegetables and acidic fruits like lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruit, and tomatoes until your symptoms subside. Of course, fruits and vegetables provide nutrition that can help you get well, so don’t avoid them for too long.
Need Care?
Reach out to a Doctor If Symptoms Persist
If you need medical attention for a sore throat, find a Baptist Health Urgent Care location close to you. Curious about your sore throat being something more serious? Learn about the difference between a sore throat and strep throat.
