6 home remedies for a sore throat

A sore throat is a nuisance that in most cases is accompanied by irritation and itching and that occurs more intensely when swallowing food or liquids. In addition, depending on the cause, it can manifest itself along with other symptoms, such as fever , red and swollen tonsils, headaches, general malaise, nasal congestion, among others. Faced with this type of ailment, it is best to act quickly and try to get relief by following the recommended medical treatment in each case and using other natural treatments that help combat it from the comfort of home.

In this post, we are going to show which are the most effective home remedies for a sore throat and how they should be used to start feeling good as soon as possible.

Causes of a sore throat

Among the most common causes of sore throat, are those that we detail below:

• Viral infections : Pain is usually caused by the virus that causes a cold, the flu, or mononucleosis.
• Bacterial infections : the pain occurs as a result of an infection caused by a bacterium that affects the pharynx ( pharyngitis ), larynx (laryngitis) or tonsils (tonsillitis).
• Allergies to substances such as dust, pollen, animal hair, to the consumption of certain foods or medicines, etc.
• Breathing through the mouth , which causes dry mouth and possible throat discomfort.
• The smoking .
• Being exposed for prolonged periods to air conditioners or heaters .
• Gastroesophageal reflux , which can cause burning, irritation and pain in the throat.

Best home remedies for a sore throat

Next we will see the best natural remedies to eliminate a sore throat.

Infusions for a sore throat

One of the main recommendations when you suffer from a sore and sore throat , especially due to some type of viral infection, is to increase your fluid intake to eliminate viruses more quickly . And for this, the infusions that are prepared with medicinal herbs are a very good option; those that can be more soothing are the following:

• Thyme: it is a plant with antiseptic properties, so it is excellent for reducing sore throats. It can be of great help when discomfort is accompanied in addition to coughing or hoarseness.Preparation: 1 small tablespoon of thyme should be added for each cup of water, boil for about 3 minutes and let it rest well covered for 10 more minutes. Then add some freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of honey to enhance the flavor.
• Honey Lemon Tea: This is one of the best home remedies for a sore throat and also one of the most widely used. On the one hand, lemon is a disinfectant and very rich in vitamin C , a nutrient that helps increase the body’s defenses. On the other, honey is antibacterial and a great remedy for the treatment of colds, flu, angina, sinusitis , etc. Preparation: in a saucepan, add 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir and bring to a boil. It should be taken several times a day in small sips to notice the improvement.
• Chamomile: it is an herb with a very powerful bactericidal action and also has analgesic properties, being a good ally to relieve throat irritation and discomfort. Preparation: bring the equivalent of 1 cup of water to a boil and add a chamomile tea bag. Cover and let it rest for about 10 minutes. You can also add a little honey and lemon juice to enhance its effects.
• Ginger tea : this root of oriental origin is a great anti-inflammatory and natural expectorant that can be of great help to relieve a sore throat and other symptoms of the cold, such as coughs and congestion. Preparation: make a ginger tea by boiling 2 slices of ginger for about 10 to 15 minutes. After this time, strain and add 1 tablespoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice.

Gargle of water and salt

Another way to cure a sore throat with home remedies is to gargle with a mixture of water and salt several times a day . Salt is antiseptic and disinfectant and, therefore, can soothe discomfort and itchy throat, as well as fight the microorganisms or allergens that are causing the symptoms. These gargles are also good for loosening thick mucus and fighting congestion.

In a saucepan, the equivalent of 1 cup of water should be heated. Before it comes to a boil, remove from heat and pour into a glass. Add 1 tablespoon of salt, stir and use the preparation to gargle for about 15 to 20 seconds.

Clove

Clove has antibacterial properties, which contribute to the healing of infection related to a sore throat . Apart from this, it also helps to calm that annoying itchy and scratchy feeling.

Add 2 or 3 cloves to boiling water, strain the preparation and when it is tempered, gargle with it.

Apple vinager

Apple cider vinegar has a high level of acidity that reduces the pH of the tissues and manages to eliminate the bacteria that can cause a sore throat . On the other hand, it helps to expel phlegm and strengthens the immune system .

To use it as a natural remedy for a sore throat, you can mix ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar with the same amount of water and gargle with the preparation obtained. Another option is to dilute 1 or 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 1 glass of water, stir and drink little by little twice a day.

Carrot and mint juice

This natural juice combines the vitamin C of the carrot, which is very effective to increase the defenses, with the expectorant properties of the mint, so it can offer very good results.

The preparation consists of blending 1 carrot, 4 mint leaves, the juice of ½ lemon and ½ glass of water. It is best to drink it warm and in the morning.

Hot compress application

Placing hot compresses on the affected area is one of the most traditional home remedies for a sore throat . It can help reduce inflammation and relax the area thanks to the heat.

You can place a cloth moistened with hot water on the throat or make a chamomile poultice by boiling 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile leaves in 2 cups of water. When it has cooked for 5 minutes, dip the cloth in the preparation, drain and place on the neck to reduce discomfort.

Other tips to cure a sore throat

• Drink plenty of water during the day and comforting liquids such as natural juices and herbal teas.
• Eat hot chicken or vegetable soups .
• Take food and drinks at a medium temperature, which is neither too hot nor too cold.
• Avoid eating very spicy or strong foods while the discomfort lasts.
• Avoid tobacco or frequent spaces with a lot of smoke.
• Use a humidifier at home to keep the throat moist and pain relief.
• Cover your neck well if it is very cold.
• It is important to see a doctor if the sore throat does not go away or is accompanied by other symptoms that may indicate an infection or other pathology.