An acute sore throat can make swallowing, eating and speaking painful. Luckily, many traditional home remedies for sore throat have scientific backing – grandma may have given these remedies as advice!
Chicken soup has been proven to soothe sore throats by inhibiting neutrophil migration and thinning mucus production in your throat. Garlic contains both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which may also provide some relief.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon boasts antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties which can soothe throat conditions while helping reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Plus, its warming effects make it great as either tea or powder to enjoy daily!
Turmeric contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help treat sore throats, as well as substances which reduce DNA damage.
Lozenges with lidocaine or other numbing agents may help ease throat pain. Slippery elm, an herb known for its soothing mucilage content, may also coat the throat to provide comforting relief.
Chicken soup
Chicken soup can provide soothing relief from sore throats, as it contains essential proteins, minerals and vitamins. By restricting white blood cells that may irritate the throat and inhibiting postnasal drip, it eases congestion by restricting white blood cells that may irritate it further.
Lemon water is a refreshing drink that can soothe throat irritation and coughs. Packed with vitamins C, antioxidants, and compounds that fight inflammation while increasing immunity, lemon water provides the body with essential nutrition to fight sickness and promote wellbeing.
Honey can soothe throat pain and reduce inflammatory responses when combined with vinegar or herbs in warm water, but those on low-carb diets should opt for another remedy as honey contains 17.3 g of carbohydrates per tablespoon (11). An OTC antihistamine such as Zyrtec (cetirizine) or Claritin (loratadine) could be taken instead to ease itching and sneezing associated with sore throats; examples include Zyrtec and Claritin respectively (11-12).
Lemon water
Lemons contain vitamin C, making them an effective remedy to soothe sore throats while simultaneously strengthening immunity. Drinking warm lemon water also helps clear mucus from your throat and prevent bacterial infections.
Garlic can help ease sore throat symptoms by providing antiviral protection with allicin, an antiviral compound found naturally in garlic supplements or eaten as a food component.
Fenugreek seeds, oil or tea may help soothe a sore throat naturally. These natural remedies contain anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antifungal properties to alleviate inflammation. In addition, increasing saliva flow will increase lubrication for more comfortable swallowing; and the peppermint herb’s menthol helps alleviate symptoms by decreasing mucus thickness.
Echinacea
Echinacea contains anti-inflammatory and antiviral/antibacterial substances that may help relieve discomfort in the throat, while fighting infections. You can take Echinacea in tea form, liquid extract capsules or tablets at the first sign of cold or sore throat symptoms for maximum effectiveness.
Zinc is an immune booster that may help protect against sore throats or speed up healing if one develops. Although zinc may be safe to take by most individuals, it should be used with caution in those suffering from tuberculosis, leukemia, diabetes or connective tissue disorders as it could interact with medications prescribed to them and even cause side effects of its own.
Licorice root
Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly referred to as licorice root, is an expectorant that helps loosen mucus to relieve throat discomfort. A staple ingredient in throat lozenges, it is generally safe for most individuals and often recommended as an effective natural treatment for sore throats; however, excessive amounts may increase blood pressure levels or disrupt fetal development – pregnant women should avoid taking licorice.
Sage and echinacea both possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe throat discomfort. One study demonstrated that using a combination of the two as an anti-toothache spray was just as effective at relieving throat discomfort than chlorhexidine lidocaine spray (27)
Peppermint
Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) may provide relief for the symptoms associated with sore throats such as sneezing and runny nose, as well as cause drowsiness to aid sleep when they become difficult.
Slippery elm, also known as Indian or moose elm, is a widely-used herbal remedy for sore throats. The leaves produce mucilage that coats and soothes throat tissues. Slippery elm products come in the form of tablets, capsules and lozenges available at retailers across North America.
Gargling salt water can help ease swelling and pain. Making it is easy: just combine a teaspoon of salt in warm water, then swish around in your mouth.