Home Remedies for Sore Throat

Have you ever felt itchy and painful discomfort in your throat? Did this cause you to have pain when swallowing food and drinks? This is because your throat would have become sore and inflamed. A sore throat develops when a person is exposed to triggers such as extremely cold food or climate. Since it is an airborne droplet infection, it can easily spread through droplets of a person having a sore throat. This is why children each catch this condition when they have an exposure.

A sore throat can be caused by various kinds of bacteria and viruses. Hence when the intensity of sore throat increases, doctors recommend suitable antibiotics. During an early presentation of symptoms, patients do not need antibiotics to get rid of sore throat. However, several home remedies for sore throat can effectively heal the condition.

Natural Remedies for Sore Throat

The progression of sore throat can be effectively prevented by the usage of various home remedies. This can be effective only if these remedies are used when a sore throat has started. Here are tips on how to cure sore throat at home.

Saltwater Gargles

Salt water gargling is very simple yet one of the best home remedies for throat pain. Saltwater possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties by which it kills the causative microbe and soothes the throat pain.

A saltwater gargling solution can be easily prepared by adding half a teaspoon of salt to a full glass of warm water. Gargle while the solution is warm, repeating it every three hours. Gargling with salt water reduces swelling, clears throat discomfort,, and removes mucus if a sore throat is present.

Baking Soda Gargles

Baking soda gargles can also be used as effective home remedies for sore throat, just similar to saltwater. Being antibacterial and anti-antifungal, Baking soda kills bacteria and other microbes and also prevents yeast and fungi growth. This helps in soothing the pain and discomfort of the throat.

To prepare the gargling solution, mix a ratio of ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with ⅛ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup water. This gargle can be used 3-4 times a day. After gargling, rinse the temut well with plain water and avoid accidental swallowing of this solution. 

Turmeric

Having anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions, turmeric is often counted as one of the most effective herbal treatments for sore throat. Curcumin in turmeric helps to kill various bacteria and viruses that usually cause a sore throat and also thereby reduces the pain and swelling in the throat.

Turmeric can be used in various ways to help heal sore throats. Turmeric water is prepared by adding 2 pinches of turmeric powder to a glass of boiling water, and simmering for 2 minutes helps to soothe sore pain. Having this at bedtime and in the morning heals the sore throat fast. For gargling, one can prepare the solution by mixing a teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a glass of hot water and use this when warm. 

Turmeric milk is a simple yet tasty drink that soothes throat pain. To prepare this, add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of milk and boil it. Adding a teaspoon of honey improves its benefits and taste.

Lemon

Lemons are a great choice of Natural remedies for sore throat. Being a rich source of vitamin C and various powerful antioxidants, lemon fights inflammation and improves immunity. 

To prepare lemon water, add half a lemon to a glass of water and add a teaspoon of honey or a pinch of salt based on taste preference. Drinking lemon water increases saliva production thus, mucous membranes moist and soothe the throat. Instead of lemon water, adding a few drops of lemon juice to hot tea is also remedial.

Garlic

Garlic releases a compound called allicin when crushed. Allicin has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Because of this, it is often used as effective sore throat remedies without medicine. Chewing raw garlic releases allicin, which easily fights sore throat. Adding crushed garlic to hot beverages like tea is also considered beneficial. Another easy remedy to fight sore through is mixing crushed garlic with honey and consuming it.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds are a very reliable choice of Natural remedies for sore throat that are found in most Indian households. The mucilage in fenugreek, along with its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, soothes the sore throat and breaks down mucus. Thereby it relieves the pain, inflammation, and irritation from the throat. 

Fenugreek can be used in a number of ways to cure sore throat. Fenugreek tea can be prepared by boiling 1-2 teaspoons of fenugreek in a cup of water for around 10-15 mins. Siping this while still warm after straining out the seeds soothes the throat easily. You may add honey as per your taste. This drink can be used 2-3 times a day. This tea can also be used for gargling by adding some lukewarm water.

To use fenugreek seed oil for inhalation, add a couple drops of fenugreek seed oil to a bowl of boiling water. Inhale the steam through the nostrils and exhale through the mouth. Repeating this up to 4 times a day soothes the throat.

Ginger

Ginger is considered one of the best home remedies for sore throat. Ginger contains gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory and potential antimicrobial action, with which it kills the microbes and reduces inflammation. The antioxidants in ginger promote faster healing of the throat. 

Ginger can be used either freshly or as dried ginger powder to heal the throat. Raw ginger juice can be obtained by crushing ginger after removing its peel. Otherwise, one can crush the fresh ginger to obtain its juice. If this juice feels too spicy for intolerance, one can mix it with honey, which adds many benefits. Ginger juice dried ginger powder can also be mixed with hot tea.

Licorice

Licorice, often called Mulethi in India, is also a herbal home remedy for sore throat. Licorice has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects along with aspirin-like properties, because of which it easily helps to relieve the pain of sore throat. 

Licorice water made by boiling ground licorice root in hot water is effectively used for gargling to heal the pain and reduce infection and inflammation. Consuming water prepared by boiling licorice sticks also has a similar healing action.

However, pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid licorice.

Get Easy Relief for Sore Throat!

Although home remedies for sore throat can give relief to symptoms of sore throat, these are not the ultimate cure for sore throat. When used at the beginning or during the onset of sore throat, home remedies can be effective. However, if the symptoms are gradually progressing, one must consult a specialist doctor without hesitation to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Leaving the condition untreated for a longer period can worsen it. 

With several years of expertise, our panel of ENT specialists or Otolaryngologists at Apollo Spectra are committed to providing the best possible cure. Book your appointment today to visit your nearest Apollo Spectra for an easy cure for sore throat.