You more than likely have experienced the itching, scratching and burning of a sore throat at some point in your life. They are not fun. Luckily, in most cases you are able to remedy a sore throat without a visit to the doctor.
When a sore throat sets in, you can sooth the painful symptoms with the help of the following remedies.
1. Salt Water Gargle
This is probably one of the best ways to sooth a sore throat. Simply mix a little table salt with some warm water, gargle the water, spit and repeat.
2. Honey
Mix natural honey with warm water and sip away! The honey will coat your sore throat and provide instant relief.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking a lot of water does wonders for a sore throat. Staying hydrated while sick is a must in order to get your body to heal itself.
4. Steamy Shower
When you are sick, there is nothing better than a nice hot shower — with a lot of steam! The steam moistens the dry and itchy throat, providing relief.
5. Lozenges
Some over-the-counter throat lozenges contain menthol, which is an ingredient that can gently numb the tissue in your throat. This can provide you with temporary relief from burning and pain sensations. If you don’t have access to lozenges, many candies can have the same affect.
6. Echinacea
Echinacea has a wonderful affect on a sore throat. Echinacea combined with sage also has an amazing soothing affect on a sore throat. A study in the European Journal of Medical Research states that echinancea and sage does in fact work very well on soothing sore throats.
7. Use A Humidifier
Breathing in moist air can help soothe swollen tissue in your nose and throat. Turn on a cool mist humidifier to increase the amount of moisture in your room.
8. Sleep With Your Head Raised
When congestion comes with your sore throat, prop an extra pillow or two under your head. The extra height will help you breathe easier. With your congestion relieved, you won’t have to sleep with your mouth open, which can dry out your throat and cause it to hurt even more.
9. Over The Counter Meds
Sore throats cause inflammation of the throat muscles and lining. Taking an over the counter medicine like Ibuprofen or Tylenol can reduce the inflammation of the throat, thus soothing your sore throat.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural health tonic that’s been used in folk medicine remedies for centuries. Its main active ingredient, acetic acid, helps fight bacteria. To help relieve throat pain, drink 1 cup of warm water mixed with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and an optional tablespoon of honey.
11. Lemon Water
Lemon water is a refreshing beverage that may also reduce the throat pain that occurs during a cold or the flu.
Lemon contains vitamin C and antioxidants. It also increases the amount of saliva you produce, which can help keep your mucous membranes moist.
Combining lemon with warm water and a bit of honey or salt water may be the best way to maximize its benefits.
12. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is also very soothing because it helps lubricate the mucous membranes in the throat.
Here are a few ideas you can try:
- Add a spoonful to hot tea or hot cocoa.
- Add a spoonful to soup.
- Simply put a spoonful in your mouth and allow it to melt down your throat.
