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10 Best Home Remedies For Sore Throat

You may be one of the several individuals who have experienced the sore throat at least once in your lifetime. This article will exclusively focus on helping you treat a sore throat with the simple home remedies. However, before you attempt treating the condition, here is what you need to know about the itch that has been repeatedly bothering you.

Sore throat is the irritation caused by acute pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat). However, there are easy home remedies for sore throat that helps get rid of the discomfort.

Causes of Sore Throat

There are several causes of a sore throat. A vast majority of cases are associated with viral pharyngitis. A sore throat can also be triggered by other factors such as infection, trauma and in rare instances by tumors. Primary causes include inflammation of the throat, strep throat, and whooping cough.

Symptoms

There are several associated symptoms with the sore throat such as the swollen glands in the neck, dry throat, white patches on the tonsils and hoarseness. When the condition is severe, you will experience difficulty in swallowing food and liquid. The pain will intensify when you attempt swallowing in haste.  The intensity of the pain can vary spontaneously depending on the severity of the condition, and the pain can be from moderate to severe.

Best Home Remedies For Sore Throat

home remedies for sore throat

1. Gargle With Warm Salt Water

Remember when your grandma told you the importance of gargling, while you ignored it? You underestimated the power of this simple remedy too soon. Gargling is simple, yet a definite cure for many cold-related conditions. Gargling with salt water will prevent you from many cold-causing symptoms.

It is the simplest and the easiest way to rid of a sore throat with no hard efforts. It flushes out the itchy feeling and the irritants.  The salt will absorb the water from within the swollen mucous glands.

  • You need one cup of warm water and a half teaspoon of table salt.
  • Heat water until it is warm, but not extremely hot. Thoroughly mix the salt. Gargle.
  • Repeat thrice throughout the day as needed.

How Does It Work?

Saltwater is one of the best home remedies for sore throat. It withdraws moisture from the bacteria in the throat tissue. The procedure prevents bacteria from growing. When moisture is drawn out of the swollen tissues causing sore throat, inflammation is reduced. The area gets flushed by the water and the bacteria are removed.

The other benefit is the reaction of saltwater on the throat mucous lining portion. The mucus can be an area for allergens, irritants, viruses, and bacteria – the main causes of infection. The chemical ingredients in salt can kill all these agents and provide relief.

Not Good For, If:

  • You are having a high concentration of salt in the mixture for gargling. More salt can draw water from the throat and will dry the soft tissue. You can experience more cough.
  • You are prone to high blood pressure. If you consume the saltwater by error, the body can become dehydrated and you can have dry mouth as well as a rapid heartbeat. You will experience feelings of dizziness and headaches.

2. Suck On Garlic

OK, So, how to get rid of a sore throat? 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 pain-alleviating agent.

  • Take a clove of garlic and cut into equal pieces.
  • Place the halved clove on either side of the cheek and gently crush them.
  • The juice from the garlic might burn your cheeks, but it will work gently on your throat by reducing the inflammation and then killing the bacteria.
  • Repeat the procedure three times a day.

How Does It Work?

The crushing of garlic cloves will release allicin, the medicinal, antibacterial component. The other beneficial ingredients of garlic are sulfur, selenium, Vitamin C and multiple enzymes.

Not Good For, If:

  • You are pregnant or if you are allergic to garlic.
  • You are breast-feeding a baby, or suffering from other disorders such as diabetes, blood disease or stomach, and bowel problems.
  • In diabetes patients, garlic can lower blood sugar levels. In case you are taking medications for herbal preparation or dietary supplements, and you have taken the mixture, call for medical care if experienced the following symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, swelling in the lips, mouth, face, and tongue.

3. Peppermint Gargle

If you are still wondering how to cure a sore throat, then read this. It can be described as a herb usually found in consumer products such as toothpaste and chewing gums. The other medicinal benefits are treatment in menstrual cramps, anxiety and digestive disorders.

  • Take two tablespoons of peppermint leaves and one cup of water. Pour the water in a bowl and mix the peppermint leaves.
  • Heat the mixture in a stove.
  • The mixture should be steeped for five minutes to become warm.
  • You can use the mixture to gargle and repeat the process twice a day until you find relief.

How Does It Work?

The critical ingredient in the peppermint is the menthol. The benefits of menthol are its soothing and anesthetic properties which can relieve congestion by breaking down mucus and phlegm.

Not Good For, If:

  •  You are breast-feeding a baby. Peppermint has been found to reduce the production of milk. It stimulates menstrual flow in pregnant woman and must be avoided.
  •  You are suffering from a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as well as hiatal hernia. The herb has been found to relax the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach. Hydrochloric acid can move into the esophagus causing stomach upset and worsening of gallstones.
  •  You are using drugs such as felodipine (for blood pressure) and simvastatin (a cholesterol-lowering drug). Peppermint might interact with these medications and adverse reactions can occur.

4. Licorice Root

Having a sore throat is an uncomfortable situation. Albeit it isn’t a serious condition, it may incessantly interfere with your day to day activities. Especially, when you sleep or rest. Fortunately, there are some top-class at-home remedies that will help you soothe the mucous membrane that will, in turn, relax your throat from the irritation.

The practice of using Licorice root for treating sores and other illness has been a tradition among various cultures of the world. It is often shown to be effective when you mix the root with warm water and gargle the solution.

  • Take half cup chopped dry licorice root and one cup of water.
  • Take a large bowl and mix the ingredients listed above. Make sure you mix them thoroughly.
  • Allow the mixture to boil at medium heat and then allow it to simmer for another 10 minutes.
  • Finally, pour the mix into a large tea mug after straining the tea and sip slowly.

How Does It Work?

Licorice – the main medicinal ingredient is known as glycyrrhizin which can control the discomfort caused by a sore throat and other respiratory problems. It loosens and thins out the mucus in the respiratory passages and throat. When an individual coughs, the action brings out the mucus and irritants. Licorice has powerful antioxidants and boosts the levels of interferon, the immunity chemical that is vital in fending off viruses.

Not Good For, If:

  •  You are pregnant. Consumption of more than 250 grams a week can cause premature delivery.
  • You have a history of high blood pressure. Licorice can make your BP shoot to high levels.
  •  You have a heart problem. The medicinal root can make the body store excess water and you might suffer congestive heart failure.
  • You have a history of hormone-sensitive conditions such as uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, and breast cancer. Licorice acts similar to the hormone estrogen in the body.
  • You have a nerve problem or hypertonia. Licorice can decrease potassium levels in the blood.
  • You have an erectile dysfunction (ED) problem. The testosterone hormone levels will decrease further by the usage of licorice.
  • You are to undergo surgery. Usage of licorice may make your blood pressure levels go haywire.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

If you are still wondering how to soothe a sore throat, then read this. In natural medicine, the vinegar has been known for its curing properties from simple ailments to building immunity against major diseases. Similar to other popular natural vegetables and herbs, many of the properties remain unknown.

  • Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon of honey.
  • You can add the mixture to a cup of hot water and consume the mixture.

How Does It Work?

The liquid contains vitamins such as B1, B2, A, E, magnesium, calcium, and potassium which can eliminate sinus cavities and reduce symptoms of allergy. Since the level is high, the mucus can be broken, and the airways will be cleared of a sinus infection. ACV is also known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties and known for clearing sinuses.

Not Good, If:

You suffer from gastric problems. The symptoms can be swelling of the abdomen or abdominal pain, loss or appetite.

6. Steam

Steam is one of the best sore throat remedies. This remedy will ease out the symptoms if you face chest congestion. No need to pay for a sauna room or steam room for getting the treatment.

  • You need a large bowl containing more than half of the water.
  • Include eucalyptus oil in the water (this process is optional).
  • You can boil the mixture for a quarter of an hour.
  • Take a large, clean cloth and spread it over your head to prevent the steam from escaping.
  • Lean over and inhale the steam. 

Note: before doing this process, you have to drink two glasses of warm water. Also, if you are having low blood pressure ensure you put a cold towel over the head.

How Does It Work?

The heat from steam assists in opening the tubes (airway passage to the throat) and reduces the pressure. This helps in draining the fluids from the throat and gets you free from infection.

The main chemical components of eucalyptus are 1,8 cineole, terpinen-4-ol, a-pinene, a-phellandrene, globulol, and piperitone. 

Not Good, If:

  • If you are suffering from breathing problems. After the closure of the cloth around your head, you can suffer difficulty in breathing and dizziness.
  • If you have asthma and heart problems. You might suffer from a headache.

7. Cayenne

In case you like spicy food, you would have cayenne pepper in the home.

  • Add half tablespoon of cayenne pepper or a similar amount of cayenne pepper powder to a bowl of hot water. You can add honey if you want.
  • Boil the mixture and partake the soup two to three times a day.

How Does It Work?

The main medicinal ingredient of cayenne peppers is capsaicin, known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral properties. It acts as a stimulant to promote sweat in the body. Capsaicin regulates the fever through regulation of pyrogenic cytokines.

The substance P is the component which sends pain or alarm signals to the brain. Capsaicin stops this component from moving to the brain.

Not Good, If:

  • You are allergic to bananas, chestnuts, avocado, and latex. You will also be allergic to cayenne.
  • You have a history of low-blood-sugar or one who is suffering from gastric reflux disorder.
  • You are giving the mixture to this infant in fever. Doctors advise against this step and recommend on easily digestible foods to a child or infant during this phase.

8. Cloves

Cloves can be described as the most preferred home remedy in pain relief for sore throat.

  • Take five or six cloves. Start munching on the first clove. Y
  • our tongue will burn for some time and tears may come in your eyes. But keep on, till the clove becomes soft. You can swallow the clove (no harm).
  • Repeat the same process with the second clove.

Note: The tongue and other parts inside the mouth may burn for some duration, but keep going. Have patience and drink water (optional) after five minutes.

How Does It Work?

Cloves contain a chemical called ‘eugenol’ which has several medicinal properties such as antiseptic and painkiller.

Not Good For, If:

  • You are suffering from hemophilia as eugenol has the properties of a blood-thinning agent or if you are taking medications with anticoagulants, do not ingest cloves. Also, do not use the method if you are to undergo surgery in a few days.
  • You have low blood sugar levels; cloves can decrease the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. Refrain from using clove supplements if you are planning to get pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.

9. Chamomile tea

A natural remedy for sore throats. The antibacterial properties kill bacteria and the medicinal components perform the function of a natural pain killer. It is also famous for its muscle relaxation properties.

  • Boil a bowl of water and mix two to three grams of dry chamomile flower for five minutes.
  • Strain the water and then drink.
  • Note: Have a discussion with the Doctor before giving chamomile tea to the child.

How Does It Work?

Chamomile tea is known for calming the nerves. It has major medicinal components such as apigenin (flavonoid) and oils such as bisabolol, matricin and bisabolol oxides A and B. Anti-inflammatory properties are exhibited by bisabolol and apigenin.

Not Good, If:

  • You are pregnant. It might cause contractions in the uterus.
  • You are allergic to ragweed plants, daisies, chrysanthemums, and celery. Oral allergy signs will be swelling of the tongue, on the roof of mouth or lips.
  • You have a history of blood thinning. Chamomile will interfere with the medicines.

10) Honey

Honey is a natural sweetener that is added to the foods and drinks to enlighten the taste. From lemon to bitter guard juice,  it is added for its rich taste. Apart from providing the sweetness, it is known to provide a remedy for a sore throat too. It’s one of simplest yet effective home remedy for the sore throat.

Procedure :

Honey will work wonder when taken with warm water or with apple cider vinegar. Honey is also good to work with Holy Basil. Let’s see how to take honey with this one by one.

  • Pour a glass of warm water and mix 1 to 2 tbsp of honey in it. Mix it well before drinking it
  • Take a glass of warm water in this add 1 tbsp of ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) and 1 tbsp of honey. Mix these well and start drinking it. You will feel relief to your sore throat. Repeat it twice per day.
  • Like ACV, take a glass of warm water and 1 tbsp of herb and 1 tbsp of honey in 1:1 proportion. Mix it well and now the mixture is ready for drinking.

How Does It Work?

It has a high amount of antibacterial and antiseptic properties. So its fights against the sore throat causing bacteria and gives pain relief. When added with herb, in addition to the honey properties, herb properties are also added.

Not Good, If

  • It shouldn’t be given to the children of age lesser than 1. At that stage, their guts are not equipped to acquire healthy bacteria. In honey a healthy bacteria known as botulism spores found.
  • .Also if you wish to avoid the sugar or you are in low carb diet, you might want to choose another remedy. Because though honey is natural, they also contain the sugar 17 mg per 15 ml (1 tbsp).

When To See A Doctor?

In rare occasions when you find difficulty during consumption of food or making a conversation, consult a doctor for a clinical diagnosis. In some situation, you will be recommended to undergo tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils). Consider this surgery if you have reasons to believe your sore throat isn’t responding to any antibiotics.

Natural Remedy VS Pharmacy

Cepacol Dual Relief spray, Walgreens Sugar-Free Cough Drops Honey Lemon and Chloraseptic Sore Throat Relief Spray Menthol are some of the preferred prescribed medicines for sore throat. The other types of lozenges are Ricola, Sucrets and Cold-eeze.

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    • If You have bleeding we would suggest you to visit physician. As bleeding may also be the symptom of some other disease.

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