A sore throat refers to pain, itchiness, or irritation of the throat. You may have difficulty swallowing food and liquids, and the pain may get worse when you try to swallow. Throat pain is the primary symptom of a sore throat.
Even if a sore throat isn’t serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor, it’s still painful and may interfere with a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, there are a number of at-home remedies you can use to soothe the pain and irritation. These include:
licorice root
slippery elm
honey
salt water
marshmallow root
peppermint
baking soda
chamomile tea
What causes sore throats?
Allergies, dry air, and outdoor pollution, as well as illnesses like the common cold, flu, measles, chickenpox, mononucleosis (mono), and the croup, can all cause sore throats. These illnesses are all viral infections that will not respond to antibiotics.
Bacterial infections are responsible for only a small percentage of sore throats, including those linked with strep throat, whooping cough, and diphtheria. Most doctors recommend calling a doctor only in cases of severe sore throat accompanied by a fever, or when swollen tonsils block the throat.
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Remedy #1: Honey
Honey mixed in tea or simply taken straight up is a common household remedy for a sore throat. One study found that honey was even more effective at taming nighttime coughs than common cough suppressants.
Other studies have also shown that honey is an effective wound healer, which means it may help speed healing for sore throats.
Remedy #2: Salt water
Gargling salt water is a known treatment for sore throats. According to the University of Connecticut, gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and break down secretions. It’s also known to help kill bacteria in the throat.
A salt water solution consisting of 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water can help reduce swelling and keep the throat clean. This should be done every three hours or so.
You will need…
-1 cup of warm water (8 oz.)
-½ teaspoon of table salt
Directions
Heat water until it’s warm, but not hot. Thoroughly mix in salt. Gargle. Repeat 3 throughout the day as needed.
Remedy #3: Peppermint
Peppermint is known for its ability to freshen breath. However, sprays containing peppermint oil may also relieve sore throats. Peppermint has menthol, which helps thin mucus and calm sore throats and coughs.
A 2008 study reported that peppermint contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, which may help encourage healing.
Remedy #4: Baking soda
While the salt water gargle is more commonly used, gargling baking soda mixed with salt water can help to relieve a sore throat as well. Gargling this solution can kill bacteria and prevent both yeast and fungi growth.
The National Cancer Institute recommends gargling and gently swishing a combination of 1 cup warm water, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. They recommend repeating this every three hours as needed.
Sore throat remedies for infants and children
While sore throats in infants and young children definitely aren’t fun, the good news is that they’re rarely the sign of a medical emergency on their own. However, treating sore throats may be different for infants and children. Some tips and remedies for sore throats in young children include:
Adding cool mist or a humidifier to your child’s room can help to relieve pain, thanks to moisture in the air.
Honey shouldn’t be given to children under 1 year old.
Keep children hydrated by encouraging them to drink as much as possible. Avoid juices or popsicles with lots of citrus.
Prevention
Preventing a sore throat involves staying away from those who are sick with an infectious illness like the flu or strep throat, and washing your hands frequently. You can also avoid spicy or particularly acidic foods, and stay away from chemical fumes or smoke that could cause inflammation.
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