A sore throat can be quite painful and uncomfortable. If it gets worse, swallowing anything seems to be impossible as well.
This is why, it is important to tackle this issue from the very start. Before getting on to the natural remedies for treating a sore throat, it is also important to know the reasons behind its cause.
What Causes a Sore Throat?
Bacterial Attack
Sore throat can be caused due to a bacterial attack. These germs can be killed through natural remedies, so there is no need for you to take high dosage antibiotics.
Swelling of the Tissues
When the tissue present in your throat swell, for whatever reason, you get a sore throat. There are many natural remedies which can reduce the inflammation and the pain associated with it.
Dryness
Dryness of throat can also result in a sore throat.
However, whatever is the cause behind your sore throat; there are some highly effective remedies for getting rid of it. Dryness is one of the throat infection symptoms.
Sore Throat Home Remedy
Gargle
Gargling is a really popular and effective remedy for sore throat. Although many consider gargling as just an old wives’ tale, yet it works. Add ½ tsp of salt in a glass of warm water and mix. Gargle thrice a day with a new mixture every time.
Gargling is highly effective if the sore throat is caused because of inflammation of the tissues. It reduces the swelling by drawing out water from the throat which relieves the pain associated with it.
Caution: It is not recommended to gargle more than three times a day, as otherwise your throat will get dry.
Steam
If your sore throat is caused because of dryness, then it can be cured by taking steam. Fill a bowl halfway with boiling water, cover your head with a towel and take steam for 10 to 15 minutes. You can add some eucalyptus oil in the water as well for further soothing your throat.
Since dryness of throat can also cause congestion in your nose, taking steam also helps in overcoming it. You can also take a hot shower or steam up the bathroom as well.
Take a Lot of Rest
Maybe having a sore throat does not sound like a big deal initially, but it can really take you down. This is why it is important to take as much rest as possible. Drinking a lot of fluids will also make you feel better.
Have Some Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar may have an unpleasant taste, yet it is one of the best ailments for sore throat. Mix a tablespoon of AC with a glass of warm water and add in some honey to make the taste slightly bearable. Drink it warm to soothe your throat.
Alternatively, you can also gargle with ACV induced water. Add 2 teaspoons of ACV in a half cup of water and gargle once a day.
Grab that Cayenne
Taking Cayenne for sore throat sounds really cruel; but, believe me, it is totally worth it. Cayenne has got the same soothing properties as Advil has. Take a glass of boiling water and add half a teaspoon of cayenne to it. Mix in some honey for a considerably better taste. Just sip on this water throughout the day. If the taste of the cayenne is too overwhelming for you, try reducing it to ¼ teaspoon.
Chew on Some Cloves
Cloves are known for relieving pain by killing bacteria. This is why; they are the favorite of many dentists. Cloves consist of Eugenol, an element, which is not just nature’s own pain killer but consists of several antibacterial properties as well. So, when you pop in a few cloves in your mouth and chew them slowly, their juice reaches the throat and fights the germs present over there.
Drink some Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is the favorite of many when it comes to getting rid of a sore throat. And this is the very reason why you should sip on some chamomile tea when your throat is irritating you. Simply put a chamomile tea bag in a cup and pour some boiling water over it. You can add some honey for a pleasant flavor as well and drink the tea a few times a day.
Have a Cup (or Two) of Ginger Tea
Ginger is a great remedy when it comes to curing sore throat and cold. Its intense properties fight off the bacteria present inside your throat and flush out any toxins present inside your system. You can take ginger in the form of a tea for effectiveness.
Simply take a 2-inch piece of ginger root and peel and crush it with either a mallet or a knife. Add some water to a saucepan and put it on a medium high heat. As soon as it starts to boil, add in the crushed ginger and let it cook for a few minutes. Turn down the heat, cover the saucepan with a lid and let the ginger seep for a few minutes. Pour it into a cup and drink it hot. You can add some sugar or honey to the tea as well.
Take Marshmallow Root
This is not the typical Marshmallow, which everyone loves to eat while camping, but is, in fact, a root. It is loaded with mucilage, an element that soothes the dried mucus membranes by coating them properly.
Take a tablespoon of the marshmallow root in a dry form and put in a cup. Pour some boiling water over it. Cover the cup and let the marshmallow seep for a few minutes before drinking.
Go for Baking Soda
Baking soda is probably the simplest yet the most effective remedy for sore throat. Take some warm water and add half teaspoon each of baking soda and salt. Mix them properly. Do gargles with the mixture 3 times a day for relieving your discomfort and pain.
Take some Liquorice Root Tea
Liquorice root is full of anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. It soothes not just the aching tissues of your throat but also reduces any swelling which might be present over there. You can either take store bought licorice tea or prepare some from scratch at your home as well.
For preparing the dry tea mixture, take 1 cup of chopped dry licorice root and mix it with 2 tablespoons of cloves, half cup of cinnamon chips and half cup of chamomile flowers. Store in an airtight jar and keep in a cool and dry place.
When it is time to prepare the tea, put 3-heaped tablespoons of the dry mixture in 2 and a half cups of cold water in a pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes and pour it into a cup through a fine mesh strainer.
Have a Hot Toddy
If you have got a sore throat and a cold together, then you need a hot Toddy to heal yourself up quickly. While a typical hot Toddy recipe consists of alcohol, you should steer clear of it when you are under the weather.
For making this magical mixture, pour 4 ounces of hot water in a cup. Add in a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of lemon juice into the water. Stir well so that all the ingredients are properly combined. You can add a lemon slice at this stage as well. Drink and enjoy this flavorsome tea with a lot of healing properties.
Grab that Garlic
Garlic may have an overpowering smell, but it works like magic when it comes to soothing down a sore throat. Take a clove of garlic and slice it in half. Place each half in both of your cheeks and suck on it from time to time. You can chew it occasionally as well. It will release Allicin, a bacteria fighting element which will help in killing the germs present in your throat.
Overpower it with Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle has commonly been in use in the traditional Chinese medicine because of its immense medicinal functions. For treating your sore throat, take 2 cups of honeysuckle leaves and flowers and a quart of water. Boil the water on medium heat and add in the honeysuckle. Lower the heat and let the honeysuckle seep for 10 minutes. Strain into a cup through a strainer and enjoy.
Avoid What Irritates You
While this may not treat the sore throat completely, yet it can help you in further aggravating your condition. Avoid cold drinks, cold food, going out in a chilled weather and any area with smoke present as well. You should also avoid the intake of alcohol in this condition as well. If you smoke, then try not to for a few days.
Gargle on Some Hydrogen Peroxide
Although it may seem irrational at times, but gargling on some hydrogen peroxide can make your throat a lot better. Take a cup of warm water and 3 % hydrogen peroxide. Mix the two together and gargle with it once a day.
Have Some Pomegranate
Pomegranate not just tastes awesome, but is a great anti-oxidant as well. A pomegranate flushes out the toxins from your system, reduces inflammation and reduces the painful sensations as well.
You can either drink a bottle of organic pomegranate juice for treating your sore throat or you can prepare a pomegranate tea for yourself as well.
For making the tea, peel the pomegranate and boil them in 3 to 4 cups of water for 15 minutes. Cool down the tea a bit, and drink it a few times a day.
Milk, or No Milk?
If you have congestion along with a sore throat, then the best thing to do is to avoid taking even warm milk. But, if there is no congestion present and you are in pain, then a cup of warm milk before going to bed is not going to hurt.
Add Some Spice to Your Food
Spices are natural painkillers when taken in the form of a tea. Take a few cinnamon sticks and boil them with a cup or two of water. Pour the water in a cup with your favorite tea bag in it. Take out the cinnamon and enjoy your cup of cinnamon flavored tea.
