7 Natural Remedies for a Sore Throat
When you have a sore throat, your throat feels sore, itchy, or irritated. A main symptom of a sore throat is throat pain. When you try to swallow something, the pain just get worse, and you will have a difficult time swallowing food and liquids.
Some people may think a sore throat isn't severe enough to see a doctor, but it's still disturbing and will ruin your night's sleep. Luckily, we've rounded up some home remedies to relieve the pain and irritation of your throat.
1. Salt water
Warm salt water is known to kill bacteria in the throat. Gargling with salt water can help reduce swelling and keep your throat clear. It's very helpful to soothe a sore throat and break up secretions. Try adding half a teaspoon of salt to a full glass of warm water. The suggest time for using a rinse is every three hours as needed.
2. Baking soda gargle
Gargle with baking soda can kill bacteria and prevent the growth of yeast and fungi. People use saltwater gargles commonly, but mixing baking soda with saltwater gargling can also help relieve a sore throat.
As recommended by The National Cancer Institute, gargle gently with a mixture of 1 cup warm water, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. This should be done every three hours or so.
3. Chamomile tea
Long been used medicinally as naturally soothing solution, chamomile tea can help soothe sore throats. It is commonly used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and astringent properties.
It has been found that drinking chamomile tea can help relieve cold symptoms, including sore throats. It also has the same benefits of stimulating the immune system and helping your body fight the infection that initially caused your sore throat.
4. Honey
It's a common home remedy for sore throats to mix honey in tea. Honey has proved effect of suppressing nighttime coughs than regular cough suppressants. It has been found that honey has an effective wound healing effect, thus helping speed up the healing of sore throats.
5. Peppermint
Peppermint is commonly used to freshen breath. You can relieve sore throats with diluted peppermint oil sprays. Menthol contained in peppermint is helpful to thin mucus and relieve sore throats and coughs. Peppermint can also promote healing with its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
Always remember to use essential oils with a carrier oil, for example olive oil, sweet almond oil, or softened coconut oil. Mix five drops of peppermint oil with one ounce of a carrier oil of your choice. Never use essential oils alone.
6. Fenugreek
There are many health benefits of fenugreek. Fenugreek tea is a natural remedy for sore throats. Research has proven the healing power of fenugreek. It relieves pain and kills bacteria that cause irritation or inflammation. However, pregnant women should avoid fenugreek.
7. Marshmallow root
A mucus-like substance in marshmallow root can coat and soothe sore throats. Just add some dried roots to a cup of boiling water to make tea. To relieve a sore throat, drink tea two to three times a day.
Some researches found that marshmallow root may cause blood sugar levels to drop. Therefore, people with diabetes should consult their doctor before taking it.