6 Best Sore Throat Remedies to Try at Home
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A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation in the throat, often worse when you swallow. Many simple home remedies can ease the pain and discomfort while your body recovers.
Most sore throats happen when the body's immune system fights a viral infection, such as a cold. The inflammation makes the lining of the throat red, swollen and painful, sometimes with a fever. It is a very common problem.
How do sore throats happen? Most are caused by viruses, such as a cold or flu. Some are caused by bacteria, such as strep throat or some cases of tonsillitis.
Most sore throats get better on their own within about a week. The CDC explains that antibiotics don't help viral infections such as most sore throats; they are only needed when a doctor confirms a bacterial infection like strep.
Best Effective Sore Throat Remedies, Working Efficiently
Several home remedies may soothe the irritation and provide relief. They ease symptoms but don't cure the infection, and they are not a substitute for antibiotics when strep throat is diagnosed. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also help. Some of the sore throat remedies are discussed below
1- Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular folk remedy. Its main active ingredient is acetic acid, but there is little scientific evidence that drinking it helps a sore throat.
Some people mix it with honey and warm water, a drink sometimes called oxymel. If you want to try it, mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into 1 cup of warm water, with an optional tablespoon of honey. Always dilute vinegar, because undiluted vinegar can irritate the throat and harm tooth enamel. Never give honey to a baby under 1 year old.
2- Gargle With Warm Water
Gargling with warm salt water is a traditional sore throat remedy that can soothe a sore throat. The NHS recommends dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, gargling, and then spitting it out.
How it can be done?
Take half a teaspoon of table salt and mix it with 4 to 8 ounces of warm water. Stir until the salt dissolves. Gargle for several seconds and spit it out; don't swallow it. You can repeat this several times a day. Salt water gargling is not suitable for young children who can't gargle safely.
3- Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is famous for its ability to freshen the breath. It contains menthol, which gives a cooling feeling that may soothe a sore throat and cough.
Peppermint tea or menthol lozenges are the simplest ways to use it. Peppermint essential oil is very concentrated: if you use it for steam or on the skin, dilute four to five drops in one ounce of a carrier oil, such as olive, coconut or sweet almond oil. Never swallow essential oils, and keep them away from young children.
4- Licorice Root
Licorice root has long been used for coughs and sore throats. According to the NIH's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a licorice gargle or lozenge before surgery might help prevent or lessen sore throat after a breathing tube is used.
Evidence for everyday sore throats is limited. Large amounts of licorice can raise blood pressure, and eating a lot of licorice during pregnancy is unsafe, so pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid licorice remedies.
5- Chicken Soup
Warm drinks and soups, like chicken soup or tea, can soothe a sore throat and help loosen mucus. They keep your throat moist and help you stay hydrated, which matters when you are sick.
6- Lemon
Lemon is a cheap and easy home remedy. Warm water with lemon and honey can soothe the throat and help you get enough fluids. Lemons contain vitamin C, one of the antioxidants your body needs, but vitamin C does not cure a sore throat. Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice into a cup of warm water.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if your sore throat doesn't improve after a week, you have a high fever, or you keep getting sore throats. Get emergency help right away if you or your child has trouble breathing or swallowing, is drooling, or makes a high-pitched sound when breathing.
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