Do you want to know about remedies for a sore throat?
If yes! then read on:
A sore throat is a miserable thing to deal with. You don’t realize how many times you swallow during the day until every swallow becomes a painful undertaking. Although a sore throat can be uncomfortable, it’ll usually go away on its own.
It is a painful, dry, or scratchy feeling in the throat. It accounts for more than 13 million visits to doctor’s offices each year. Most sore throats are caused by infections, or by environmental factors like dry air.
Whatever the cause is, the first concern of most people is to ease the pain.
I’ve explained most of the causes, remedies for a sore throat, and how you can stay away from it, just keep reading!
SORE THROAT CAUSES
A sore throat can have many causes including:
Common viruses, including the viruses that cause mononucleosis (mono) and the flu. Some viruses can also produce blisters in the mouth and throat (“aphthous stomatitis”).
Infection of the tonsils or adenoids.
Breathing through the mouth or smoking can produce throat dryness and soreness.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) while lying down or sleeping.
Sinus drainage (post-nasal drip) from allergic or chronic sinusitis.
Bacterial infections. The two most common bacteria to cause sore throats are Streptococcus (which causes strep throat) and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. Arcanobacterium causes sore throats mainly in young adults and is sometimes associated with a fine red rash.
Sore throat appearing after treatment with antibiotics, chemotherapy, or other immune-compromising medications may be due to the yeast Candida, commonly known as “thrush.”
A sore throat lasting for more than two weeks can be a sign of a serious illness, such as throat cancer or AIDS.
HOW TO CURE A SORE THROAT?
A sore throat will go away on its own in a few days. But if you’d like to speed up your recovery, there are many remedies for a sore throat that may work for you:
SALTWATER GARGLE
Mothers and grandmothers over the world hold the belief that gargling with warm salt water is a surefire way to soothe a sore throat. But does it actually work? Is there any scientific merit to it?
Well, the answer is YES! Saltwater can calm inflammation by knocking down the kind of acidity that leads to throat 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.
Directions:
Take a cup of water and warm it up.
Add salt into the water and stir until it dissolves completely.
Check to make sure that it is not hot enough to burn your mouth.
Take a big sip of the saltwater, tilt your head back and gargle.
Make sure not to swallow the water, instead of spitting it out after gargling for 30 seconds.
Repeat this process until you’ve finished the whole cup.
Gargle with salt water every 4 hours to relieve the pain in your sore throat effectively.
RAW GARLIC
Garlic has antiseptic properties, and it may help relieve sore throat pain. When crushed, raw garlic releases a compound called allicin that has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
The best way to use garlic for sore throats is simply to chew on a raw clove, or take a slice and suck on it for 15 minutes. This may be hard for most people to handle. To make the raw garlic easier to ingest, you can mince it and add some honey or olive oil. Blend some with other veggies and make vegetable juice. Add it to a little salsa. The key is to eat it raw and as soon as possible after crushing for the allicin to be effective.
A HUMIDIFIER
Use a humidifier to moisten dry air and keep your throat moist, or lean over the sink with hot running water and drape a towel over your head and inhale. You also can take a long, steamy shower. The moist air can help soothe your swollen sore throat and may help if you are hoarse. Moist air also can help keep the nasal secretions from drying out, which can be uncomfortable.
Humidifiers are good to use when babies and toddlers have dry sore throats, to help keep their throats moist. However, make sure you clean the humidifier and put fresh water in it regularly, so it does not become a breeding ground for more bacteria.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has many natural antibacterial uses. Numerous studies show its antimicrobial effects in fighting infections. Because of its acidic nature, it can be used to help break down mucus in the throat and stop bacteria from spreading.
Directions:
Try diluting 1 to 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar in one cup of water.
Take a small sip of the mixture and gargle with it.
Repeat the whole process one to two times per hour.
Make sure to drink lots of water in between the gargling sessions.
There are many different ways of using Apple Cider Vinegar to treat sore throats, depending on the severity of the illness and also your body’s sensitivity to vinegar. It is best to first consult your doctor or healthcare practitioner.
CHAMOMILE TEA
Chamomile tea is a fan favorite among many tea lovers. Not only is it one of the most widely available herbal teas, but it’s also one of the oldest known herbal remedies for a sore throat.
Many studies have examined the potential benefits of chamomile for treating a variety of conditions. According to the authors of a review article in Molecular Medicine Reports, evidence suggests it may help lubricate your throat, which may be useful in warding off hoarseness and pain. Chamomile tea is known to have anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling and redness. Chamomile also has antioxidant properties that are helpful for tissue repair and health. The antispasmodic action of chamomile might also reduce a cough.
If your sore throat is caused by a cold, chamomile may relieve some of your other cold symptoms as well. Even if you’re not up for drinking it, inhaling chamomile steam might be helpful.
Directions:
Boil the water and then add one tea bag in it.
Cover the tea and let it steep for 10 minutes.
You can also add a bit of honey or lemon.
Drink your tea while it is still warm.
HONEY
Honey is one of the best remedies for a sore throat due to its natural antibacterial properties that allows it to act as a wound healer, immediately offering relief for pain while working to reduce inflammation. Honey can also kill bacteria and help fight off viral infections,” explained Patti Mahautmr, MD, the physician at Penn Urgent Care South Philadelphia. If you’re suffering from a bad cough in addition to your sore throat, honey can also work as the best medicine for sore throat and cough. 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. However, you can add other flavors as you desire.
Honey soothes the soreness and fights bacteria that cause infection while lemon acts as an astringent that breaks up mucus. Lemon also contains essential nutrients and vitamins that support the immune system. You can consume the mixture of 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to get relief from sore throat. Or else try the process mentioned below.
Cut a lemon in half.
Boil both halves for 3 minutes or else roast them until the peel turns golden brown.
Let them cool until they’re comfortable to touch.
Squeeze the juice into a container and add 1 cup of raw honey.
Mix well and take 2 tablespoons of this mixture every 4 hours.
Repeat regularly to soothe the throat and cough caused by irritation.
MARSHMALL0W ROOT
The marshmallow plant has been used to treat sore throats and other conditions since ancient times. Its root contains a gelatin-like substance known as mucilage, which coats and lubricates the throat when you swallow it.
Directions:
Fill a 1-liter jar with cold water.
Place the marshmallow root in cheesecloth and tie up in a bundle.
Lower the bundle into the water just until it’s completely submerged in the water.
Place the tied end of the bundle over the lip of the jar, place the lid on the jar and screw on the lid.
Infuse overnight, or for at least eight hours, and then remove the bundle.
Pour desired amount into a glass. Add sweetener of choice, if desired.
When this is ready, you can sip on it throughout the day to help reduce your symptoms. Choosing high quality dried marshmallow root from a reliable source is important.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES
Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. Acetaminophen or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can take the edge off many cold symptoms, including your sore throat. Make sure you follow the directions on the label.
“These medicines are combination pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, so they’ll make you feel better and they’ll also reduce some of the swelling associated with a sore throat,” Dr. Linder says. “If you have a fever that’s also contributing to your symptoms, they can help reduce that as well.”
If you have other medical problems or take other meds, check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter drugs.
SPICES
The cayenne might seem a bit weird solution for a sore throat but, after the burn, it provides relief by numbing the pain. To make, add one tablespoon of cayenne pepper to a quarter cup of warm water. Mix in the cayenne completely, take a mouthful, tilt your head back, and gargle. If you can’t handle a lot of spice, this might not be the best solution.
Black pepper can be used effectively against the cold and sore throat. Add 2-3 black pepper seeds in a glass of hot milk and have it twice a day to get quick relief against cold.
Turmeric and ginger both have long histories as therapeutic plants. Drinking ginger juice alleviates sore throat pain. You can also make tea with fresh ginger. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is very soothing. You can make a turmeric gargle to soothe a sore throat, just like cayenne, but without the sting.
Make a clove tea, clove calms inflammation and eases the discomfort associated with a sore throat.
LICORICE ROOT
Licorice is a plant native to Europe and South Asia. Interestingly, it has been used in traditional medicine to treat many disorders. Licorice has properties similar to aspirin that may help reduce sore throat pain.
One study found that gargling with licorice water prior to surgery reduced the risk of getting a sore throat by 50%, compared to gargling with sugar water. Licorice root tea can be purchased at natural grocery stores or from online retailers. You can also make your own to drink or gargle.
Directions:
Simply put 5-7 teaspoons of licorice root pieces into 3 cups of water.
Bring it to boil and simmer until about half of the water has boiled away.
Well done! Your licorice tea is ready to drink.
Licorice is a pleasant tasting herb, so you do not need to add any sweetener. But keep in mind, never go any higher than 3 cups in a day. Overuse of licorice roots and their preparations can cause discomfort and unfavorable side effects.
Sleep
Getting adequate sleep is vitally important in overcoming a sore throat; in fact, missing sleep can be just as bad for your health as eating poorly and not exercising. Aim for 9 to 10 hours of sleep until you begin to feel well.
According to research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, sleep quality is thought to be an important predictor of immunity and susceptibility to the common cold. Nasal drops containing a rhinovirus were given to 153 healthy men and women. The participants rated their illness symptoms each day, including a sore throat, nasal congestion, chest congestion, sinus pain, and cough. The data showed that those with poorer sleep efficiency and shorter sleep duration in the weeks preceding exposure to rhinovirus had lower resistance to illness.
SORE THROAT REMEDIES FOR KIDS
Sore throats in infants and young children definitely aren’t fun, but the good news is that they’re rarely the sign of a medical emergency on their own. Still, treating sore throats may be different for infants and children. Here are a few sore throat remedies for kids:
Add a cool mist or a humidifier to your child’s room. Moisture in the air can help relieve pain from a sore throat.
When your child drinks extra fluids, it thins his mucus, which helps it to drain. Drinking can also ease his sore throat. Try a variety of fluids, such as warm water or tea with lemon and honey, ice pops, or chicken soup.
Children under 5 years should not be given hard candy cough drops or anything else that might pose a choking risk. Use caution when giving cough drops to children under 10 years.
Don’t give honey to children who are younger than 1 year.
If your kid still isn’t comfortable, especially at night, should you try children’s cold medicine? There is little evidence that medication works, but if you decide to try a drug sold as a cold remedy, do not give it to a child who is under age 6.
WHAT TO EAT WITH A SORE THROAT?
You must find it difficult to eat when you have a sore throat but it is necessary to eat. You need to force yourself to eat but you can’t just eat anything you want, make sure that you know exactly what to eat with a sore throat. Food that is soft and very easy to swallow is usually safe to eat when you have a sore throat. The soft texture will help limit the amount of irritation to your throat. Warm foods and beverages can also help soothe your throat.
Some foods you may want to eat are:
Pasta, including macaroni and cheese
Warm oatmeal, cooked cereal, or grits
Plain yogurts or yogurts with pureed fruits
Cooked vegetables
Fruit or vegetable smoothies
Mashed potatoes
Broth and cream-based soups
Milk
Nonacidic juices, such as grape or apple juice
Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs
Popsicles
You should avoid foods that might irritate your throat more or that are difficult to swallow. These foods may include:
Crusty bread
Crackers
Spicy seasonings and sauces
Sodas, coffee, and alcohol
Dry snack foods, such as potato chips, pretzels, or popcorn
Fresh, raw vegetables
Acidic fruits, such as oranges, lemons, lime, tomatoes, and grapefruits
In some people, dairy may thicken or increase mucus production. This may prompt you to clear your throat more often, which may aggravate your sore throat.
HOW TO PREVENT A SORE THROAT?
If you are prone to sore throats, try changing your toothbrush every month – the bristles can harbor bacteria. Also, throw away your old toothbrush after recovery from a sore throat so as not to reinfect yourself.
Try not to share eating and drinking utensils with other people.
When you use public telephones or taps, try to avoid touching them with your nose or mouth.
Do not have close contact with someone who has a sore throat.
If you live in a polluted environment, try to stay indoors as much as possible on days when the pollution is very bad.
Don’t consume large amounts of alcohol.
Avoid areas where there is a lot of cigarette smoke.
If the air is very dry, try humidifying your home.
Build up your body’s natural defenses: reduce stress levels, eat healthier and get plenty of rest.
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