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Ever been in a situation where you have an important presentation to do in a couple of days and at the last moment (when you most needed that precious voice of yours), you coincidently, also came down with a serious case of sore throat?

Not a very good condition to be in indeed.

Throat pain, irritation or itchiness is primarily what you will experience when you have a sore throat. It can be pretty uncomfortable, especially when you try to swallow.

It typically occurs as part of your body’s immune response to bacterial or viral infections, leading to inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes in the throat.

While they tend to be quite painful, they often go away within a week or two.

Fortunately, though, there are several at-home remedies that may provide relief, and even help shorten the healing process, including some that are supported by scientific evidence.

What’s so good about it, is that for most of these ingredients, you can get it from your panty.

Here are 7 natural sore throat remedies:

1. Salt Water Gargle

Salt water is an effective remedy for killing bacteria while loosening mucus and easing pain.

Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and gargle away. Gargling every three hours or so helps reduce swelling and may ease throat discomfort.

2. Honey

Patti Mahautmr, a physician at Penn Urgent Care South Philadelphia shared that honey may act as a wound healer due to its natural antibacterial properties, reducing inflammation while offering relief for pain, making it one of the best remedies for sore throat. On top of that, honey may also act as an effective cough suppressant.

Mix two tablespoons of honey with a dash of vinegar or herbs in warm water and drink several times a day as needed.

Reminder: Dr. Mahautmr warned that “Honey should not be given to infants under the age of one."

3. Lemon Water

Lemon water is great for sore throats as it helps break up mucus and provide pain relief. The high vitamin C and antioxidants content in lemon water boost the immune system which can better help to fight off your infection. For quick relief, combine a teaspoon of lemon juice with warm water and a bit of honey.

4. Tea

Herbal teas are generally known for its soothing effect. And there are several kinds of teas that can offer quick sore throat relief.

Chamomile, peppermint and raspberry tea are great choices for relieving pain while reducing inflammation.

Drinking chamomile tea would be your best option if you have difficulty speaking, as it also serves as a natural lubricant. Green tea, ginger root tea, and clove tea all contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to fight against infections while providing relief.

Choose a tea that has very low or zero caffeine content to help promote restorative sleep.

5. Garlic

The natural antibacterial properties of garlic make for a good supplement to prevent the common cold virus. Sucking on a garlic clove or adding fresh garlic to your diet are also some of the ways of gaining its antimicrobial properties. Just make sure to brush your teeth afterward to protect your teeth from enzymes and improve your breath.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Since centuries ago, folks have been using apple cider vinegar as medicine remedies. Its main ingredient, acetic acid helps fight infections and because of its acidic nature, apple cider vinegar can aid in the breaking down of mucus in the throat as well as stop bacteria from spreading further.

To help relieve throat pain, drink 1 cup of warm water mixed with 1 or 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and an optional tablespoon of honey.

7. Cayenne pepper or hot sauce

Yes, you heard that right. Cayenne pepper or hot sauce contains capsaicin, which is a natural compound known for blocking pain receptors.

Although not scientifically proven, ingesting cayenne mixed with warm water and honey may just be the right remedy to cure your sore throat. Be mindful not to take cayenne pepper with open sores as it can cause a pretty intense burning sensation.

In conclusion,

It doesn’t matter how healthy you are, you’re likely to get a sore throat once in a while.

Fortunately, there are many tips that you can make use from to soothe a sore throat and encourage healing.

In addition to the natural at-home remedies, you may also want to consider investing in a humidifier, especially during the dry-hot season. A humidifier will keep the air moist and open your sinuses.

Over-the-counter options like lozenges or numbing sprays can also provide relief.

If your sore throat lasts more than a few days or gets extremely painful, do make an appointment with your doctor.

Severe or persistent pain may indicate strep throat, tonsilitis or other serious infection that requires further medical treatment.

Download our Doc2Us app from Google Play Store or Apple Store and chat with a doctor now.

References:

Pennmedicine.org. (2018). 6 At-Home Remedies to Ease Your Sore Throat – Penn Medicine. [online] Available at: https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/february/sore-throat.
Spritzler, F. (2017). 15 natural remedies for a sore throat: Marshmallow root, sage and echinacea, apple cider vinegar. [online] Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318631.php.
Wilson, D. (2017). 12 Natural Remedies for Sore Throats. [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/sore-throat-natural-remedies.

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