tips for Sore Throat

Home Remedies for Sore Throat

sore throat

A sore throat is the result of an inflammation of the pharynx, the tube that extends from the back of the mouth to the esophagus.

Some of the major causes of this condition are viral, bacterial, or fungal infections; irritants like pollution, smoking, acid reflux, or dry air; excessive shouting; or some kind of allergic reaction. A sore throat is often accompanied by a headache, stomach ache, the common cold and swollen glands in the neck.

Sore throats, while very common, can be painful and uncomfortable. Instead of making an appointment with a doctor, you can try some easy, natural remedies that will help alleviate the pain and, depending on the cause, possibly cure the problem.

1. Lemon
You can use fresh lemons to get relief from a sore throat as they help remove mucus.

  • Try hot lemonade with honey. Mix the juice from half a lemon and one teaspoon of honey in one cup of warm water. Sip it slowly.
  • Another option is to gargle with freshly pressed lemon juice diluted with an equal amount of warm water.
  • You can also take half a lemon and sprinkle salt and pepper over it. Slowly lick the lemon.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is helpful for treating a sore throat due to its antibacterial properties.

  • Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon each of lemon juice and honey to a cup of warm water and drink it slowly. Do this two or three times a day. Soon you will get relief from the pain and inflammation.
  • You can also make a gargle solution with apple cider vinegar. Mix one teaspoon of salt and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one cup of warm water. Gargle with it several times a day.

3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be used to treat a sore throat caused by the common cold.

  • Add one teaspoon each of cinnamon powder and black pepper powder to a glass of warm water. You may also add cardamom. Strain the solution and gargle with it. Do this once daily for a week to get complete relief.
  • Another option is to mix a few drops of cinnamon oil and one teaspoon of pure honey. Eat this two times a day to get relief from the pain and inflammation associated with a sore throat.

4. Salt Water
One of the best ways to get relief from a sore throat is gargling with salt water. Salt works like an antiseptic and helps draw water out of mucous membranes in the throat. This cuts phlegm and reduces inflammation, giving you instant relief.

  • Mix one-half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. If you do not like the salty taste, add a small amount of honey.
  • Gargle with the solution. Do not swallow it. Spit the water out after gargling.
  • Do this at least four times a day for best results.

5. Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial and antiseptic properties along with other medicinal properties that can help treat or prevent sore throats.

  • Cut a fresh garlic clove in half and then suck on the pieces. Occasionally crush a garlic piece with your teeth to release the chemical known as allicin that helps kill the bacteria may be causing the sore throat.
  • Alternatively, you can use garlic oil. Add a few drops of garlic oil to one-fourth cup of water and gargle with it once daily.
  • Also try to eat garlic in raw and cooked form. If you do not like the taste, you can take garlic pills.

6. Slippery Elm
Slippery elm contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats the throat, eases soreness and reduces irritation.

  • Add one teaspoon of the inner bark of slippery elm to two cups of boiling water.
  • Let it steep for a few minutes, and then strain the solution.
  • Drink it slowly while it is still warm.
  • In fact, you can use this solution for the treatment of any kind of respiratory illness or laryngitis. If the herb is not available, you can also buy slippery elm in capsule form from any drug store.

Source: top 10 home remedies

10 Simple Ways To Soothe A Sore Throat

If swallowing is making you cringe in pain, chances are you have a sore throat. That scratchy, burning sensation may be part of a bigger problem, such as an infection, cold or the flu, or it could just come from dryness in your throat. Whatever the cause, a sore throat is painful and very irritating. It can turn the simplest things, like eating and talking, into a chore. But the good news is that a sore throat is easily treatable. Below are 10 ways to soothe your sore throat, some common, and some unique.

1. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS

The key to soothing a sore throat is to constantly keep it moisturized, and the best way to do so is to drink plenty of fluids. This not only soothes the throat, but also washes away any bacteria that may be lingering in that area. Drinking hot fluids, such as tea or coffee, can help with inflammation and just flat-out feels good on a sore throat. Citrus drinks, such as lemonade, orange juice and lemon or lime juice with honey, are also good sore throat soothers.

Other drinks, like milk, sports drinks and water, are also good fluids for a sore throat. However, if your sore throat is cause by a cold or the flu, avoid drinks with caffeine since it is a diuretic and can dehydrate you.

2. SUCK ON A LOZENGE OR HARD CANDY

Another good way to keep the throat moist is to suck on throat lozenges, or even cough drops. Many throat lozenges are made with pectin, zinc and vitamin C, which will help boost the immune system if you’re feeling under the weather.

3. SUCK ON SOMETHING COLD

After drinking a hot drink, you may want to suck on an ice-cube or ice pops. It’s both soothing and refreshing. But if you find that sucking on anything cold is irritating your throat, simply bite off a small piece and let it melt in your mouth.

4. SUCK ON GARLIC

It may sound unappetizing, but sucking on garlic can stop your sore throat in its tracks. That’s because garlic contains a chemical called allicin, which kills bacteria, including the type that causes strep throat. Just take a fresh clove of garlic, cut it in half and put one piece in each side of your mouth. Don’t bite the garlic, but mash it with your teeth to release the allicin. This remedy is a good way to prevent sore throats as well.

5. MAKE A FUNKY DRINK

An old-fashioned remedy that has many variations is a drink of apple cider vinegar, honey and water. Just mix one tablespoon each of honey and vinegar with eight ounces of hot water and drink.

If you think you can stomach something a little stronger, try this Russian remedy: Mix one tablespoon each of horseradish, cloves and honey with eight ounces of hot water and enjoy.

6. GARGLE WITH SALT WATER

Gargling with salt water at least once an hour can help with inflammation and swelling, and can ease the discomfort of a sore throat. To make the perfect salt water mix, add one tablespoon of salt to one cup of warm water. Gargle with this mixture at least once an hour. If you have post nasal drip, you might want to gargle more often to soothe your throat.

If you want to add a little flavor to the solution, add one tablespoon of sage or a half-teaspoon of turmeric. Both can also help ease inflammation of the throat.

7. TRY THROAT SPRAY

A quick spray of Chloraseptic can numb the back of the throat – but only temporarily. Like gargling, it will have to be administered at least once every hour.

8. CLEAR YOUR NASAL PASSAGES

Postnasal drip tends to be a common cause of sore throats, so keeping your nasal passages clear is another way to prevent and ease a sore throat. You can use either a saline nasal spray or a salt water mix. Mix one tablespoon of water with one cup of warm water and put it in a Neti pot or a bulb syringe. Pour the mixture into the nose, one nostril at a time. Hold one finger over the opposite nostril while doing so. Let the excess water drain and then gently blow your nose. Repeat the process two or three times and then switch nostrils.

9. INHALE STEAM

If your sore throat was cause by a cold, or if you’re looking for another way to clear your nasal passages, try breathing in steam. Studies show that it is also effective in making a sore throat go away more quickly. An easy way to inhale steam is to take a hot shower, but you can also heat a pot of water and breathe in the steam from the pot. While leaning over the pot, place a towel over your head to tent the steam. For a more soothing steam, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water.

10. TAKE MEDICINE

If all else fails, take some over-the-counter or prescribed medicine for relief. Also, be sure to seek medical attention for chronic sore throat or if the condition has become severe.

Source: symptom find