Sore throats are among one of the most common health ailments. A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. They are sometimes caused by infections including the common cold, flu and sore throat and while they tend to be quite painful, they often go away within a week. Here are some home remedies to ease your sore throat:
1. Salt Water: While salt water may not provide you with immediate relief, it is still an effective remedy for killing bacteria while loosening mucus and easing pain. Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water and gargle away.
2. 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. If you’re suffering from a bad cough in addition to your sore throat, honey may also act as an effective cough suppressant. 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.
3. Lemon: Similar to salt water and honey, lemons are great for sore throats because they can help break up mucus and provide pain relief. Also lemons are packed with Vitamin C which can help to boost the immune system and give it more power to fight off your infection. Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice into a glass of warm water and drink for quick relief.
4. Tea: There are many different kinds of herbal teas you can try for quick sore throat relief. You can get any of the following types of tea, which are Clove tea, green tea, peppermint tea, Raspberry tea which all helps to fight against infections while providing relief. When choosing the best tea for your sore throat, it is best to stay away from caffeinated tea.
What to Avoid: Now even while all of these remedies have been shown to aid in relief of sore throat pain, there are other items you may want to avoid. Avoid taking food that may be difficult to swallow. Stick to soft foods until the pain is resolved.
Also if you’ve tried the home remedies and they don’t seem to be helping, visit a doctor right away.
