Mom’s chicken soup may be a classic remedy, but there are also many cost-effective and simple home remedies that can help soothe a sore throat.
Gargling with salt water is an effective and popular remedy that works by decreasing throat swelling and eliminating harmful microbes. Try it regularly to get rid of a sore throat faster.
Salt Water
Salt water is an effective natural remedy for sore throat that may help alleviate symptoms. It also has potential to treat certain bacterial and viral infections.
Salt has antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent bacteria and fungi from growing in the mouth. It is especially helpful for candida infections – when yeast grows inside of one’s mouth, esophagus or throat.
Gargling with a solution of half a teaspoon table salt or sea salt and one cup warm water is an effective way to treat a sore throat. The hypertonic solution increases blood flow to the throat, strengthening your immune system and relieving pain.
According to a study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, people who swig on saltwater rinse three times a day are less likely to contract colds or flus. It’s an efficient, cost-effective way for individuals to stay healthy.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an effective natural remedy for sore throats. Not only does it soothe the throat, break up mucus and reduce acid reflux that causes irritation to the throat, but it can also help protect against fungal and yeast infections.
You can also use baking soda as a teeth rinse. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with warm water, then swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Another effective natural sore throat remedy is saltwater gargle. Simply dissolve one teaspoon of salt or baking soda in a glass of water and gargle several times daily for relief.
For more severe sore throats, you may need to see an ENT doctor. Most sore throats are caused by viruses rather than bacteria; however, bacterial infections can be serious and require antibiotics or other forms of treatment.
Humidifier
A humidifier can help alleviate the symptoms of a sore throat by moisturizing your nasal, throat and lung passages. Breathing dry air makes breathing feel like work and may aggravate coughs, runny noses and sore throats.
Furthermore, a humidifier can make it harder for viruses to survive and spread. This is because cold and flu viruses tend to thrive more in dry winter conditions.
If your sore throat is making you feel swollen and irritated, a warm shower or use of a cool mist humidifier can provide comfort and reduce inflammation. Additionally, gargling with saltwater solution will kill bacteria while relieving pain.
Herbal Tea
A cup of herbal tea can be an effective natural cure for a sore throat. Not only does it soothe your throat, but it also contains antimicrobial ingredients which help combat bacteria and viruses that might be causing your discomfort.
Herbal teas come in a range of flavors and contain no caffeine, making them safe for those who avoid caffeinated drinks. Some herbal teas even contain ginger or cinnamon which have antimicrobial properties that may help combat viruses as well.
Licorice root is an herbal remedy commonly used for sore throats. It contains glycyrrhizin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. Furthermore, the high menthol content helps ease pain and thin mucus.