Home Remedies for Sore Throat

When winter arrives some of us enjoy the cold winter nights. But winter also brings with it common ailments such as the flu, sore throat, and viral infections. At the time of this writing, the omicron variant of Covid is prevalent and is exacerbating the severity of these illnesses. Many people have been complaining about sore throats, possibly as a result of the omicron variant or the flu, which is unavoidable in the winter.

Home remedies for a sore throat appear to work extremely well in reducing pain and irritation and medications aren’t recommended until there’s an underlying cause. A sore throat usually heals in a week or two. Most patients don’t even need to visit a doctor because their recovery is complete in a timely manner, but it’s still really painful and the pain and inflammation must be managed somehow.

Causes of Sore Throat

Before using any home remedies for sore throat, we first need to understand what’s causing sore throat in the first place: dry air, smoking, acid reflux, viral infections like the flu or common cold or bacterial infections like strep, etc. Once we determine what is causing sore throat, we can use sore throat remedies accordingly since some of the remedies may worsen the situation if used unknowingly.

Natural Remedies for Sore Throat

#1. Gargling with salt water

Saltwater is a great home remedy for sore throat, as it can reduce swelling and calm inflammation and irritation. It may also help draw infections or irritants to the surface of your throat, where your body is better able to deal with them. Dissolve 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and gargle every hour or two, advises Mia Finkelston, MD, a Maryland-based family physician.

#2. Honey

Honey is one of the best natural remedies for sore throat owing to its natural antibacterial properties that enables it to act as a wound healer as well, immediately offering relief for pain while working to reduce inflammation. Honey can also kill bacteria and help fight off viral infections. Honey in combination with black pepper is an old remedy known to work wonders in relieving sore throat.

If you’re suffering from a bad cough in addition to your sore throat, honey may also act as an effective cough suppressant. Mix two tablespoons of honey in with a warm glass of water or tea and stir it well. Drink several times a day as needed.

Local raw honey can also work wonders for seasonal allergies. Make sure it is harvested near the pollen you are exposed to.

#3. Herbal Teas

Different kinds of herbal teas are also used for quick sore throat relief. Clove tea and green tea both contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to fight against infections and provide relief at the same time. Raspberry, chamomile, and peppermint tea are great choices for relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Chamomile tea may also serve as a natural lubricant, so if your voice is hoarse and you’re having difficulty speaking, this is the best option. Additionally, peppermint tea is known to 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.

Recovering from an illness requires a lot of rest so it’d be wise to check the caffeine content of different teas and avoid ones with high caffeine content if you’re getting ready to sleep.

#4. Use a Humidifier or Steam

Dry air can irritate or aggravate a sore throat. If you’re developing a sore throat problem, the air may be too dry and you’re sure to benefit from a humidifier. A humidifier will keep the air moist and open your sinuses. The mucus membranes of the nose and throat love moisture. A steamy shower can also help. Steam provides moisture and warmth, which helps the vocal cords calm down and decrease swelling. The moisture in your nose can also help clear out mucus and gunk as well.

#5. Herbal Lozenges

Many users have reported that herbal lozenges help to soothe and calm the throat during pain and inflammation. Herbal throat lozenges are available for purchase online and in some natural grocery stores. People can also make homemade throat lozenges with some of the herbs listed in this article.

Marshmallow root contains a mucus-like substance that coats and soothes a sore throat. Similarly, slippery elm is a popular herb for lozenges. Mixing these two herbs with honey makes for a wondrous recipe for herbal lozenges that is very calming for a sore throat.

#6. Use Soups and lots of fluids

Staying hydrated, by drinking enough fluid throughout the day, will allow the throat to remain moist so that it can heal.

Soups are a well-known natural cold and sore throat remedy. Chicken soup especially is also a comfort food that allows people to get more fluids when they are sick.

What to Avoid During a Sore Throat?

Sore throat causes difficulty in swallowing so avoid taking foods that are difficult to ingest and stick to fluids and soups. Acid reflux is a common cause of sore throat in which acid produced by the stomach makes its way to the throat. In such cases, sore throat remedies that are a bit acidic can prolong or worsen the situation.

Lemon and apple cider vinegar are sometimes used for sore throat, but doctors advise avoiding these remedies and also counsel to stay away from soda, fried foods, and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. Also, skip food altogether for an hour before bed. Eating before you lie down can promote reflux and heartburn. Read on about Fast Natural Heartburn Relief & Remedies That Can Be Found at your Kitchen. Understand the heartburn symptoms and natural remedies.

Bottom Line

In the end, it is important to mention that if any of the home remedies do not seem to be helping, schedule an appointment with your physician right away. You should also seek treatment from your doctor if your sore throat is accompanied by a fever, chills, difficulty swallowing, or if you are unable to drink fluids, as this could be a sign of a more serious illness.