Sore throat is characterized by itchiness, irritation, and pain of the throat. The pain in the throat will prevent you from swallowing foods and liquids. This is the reason why many are looking for effective remedies for sore throat. A sore throat may also be a sign of other underlying disease caused by a virus, but most of it is not serious and will not require you to go to a doctor or hospital. This throat condition can be very painful and might give you a hard time sleeping, so it is useful to look for a home remedy to ease the pain.
1. Use of Honey
Honey is known for its antibacterial properties that you can use to treat sore throat. You can make a mixture of tea and honey or ingest it on its own. There is a study shown that honey is very effective in taming night cough compared to over the counter cough suppressants. There is another research link honey in wound healing, so it can easily cure inflamed throat.
2. Use of Salt and Water
The use of salt and water is an ancient remedy for sore throat. The antibacterial property of salt can aid in killing bacteria present in your throat. You can make a saltwater solution by using a glass of lukewarm water and ½ teaspoon of salt. You just need to gargle the saltwater solution to soothe swelling as well as to clean the throat. You can do it every three hours or as needed.
3. Use of Chamomile Tea
You can prepare a chamomile tea as an effective sore throat medicine. Chamomile has long been used by traditional medicine because of its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant content. Aside from drinking the tea, some studies show that it can relieve cold symptoms like sore throat by inhaling the steam. The antioxidant properties of chamomile can stimulate an immune system response to aid the body to fight the infection.
4. Use of Peppermint
Peppermint oil is known as breath freshener because it can fight a bacterium that causes bad breath. You need to dilute the peppermint oil and spray in your throat to reduce pain and cough. Its menthol content can tame cough and soothe pain in the throat and promotes healing because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Although it is one of the most effective remedies for sore throat, essential oil should not be ingested without mixing it with a carrier oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil. To make a spray, you need five drops of the peppermint oil and an ounce of your chosen carrier oil.
5. Use of Fenugreek
In case you have access to fenugreek, you can take advantage of its many benefits. It is available in diverse forms such as seed, oil, or as a tea. The best way is by drinking a fenugreek tea to treat sore throat.
Some researches provide information on the healing properties of fenugreek by fighting bacteria that cause inflammation of the throat. However, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, pregnant women with sore throat must avoid Fenugreek.
6. Use of Licorice
Licorice is another traditional medicine that has long been known to provide relief to a sore throat. The research found out its efficacy when mixed with water and use as a gargle. However, it is not a recommended sore throat medicine for pregnant and lactating women.
7. Use of Apple Cider
Apple cider vinegar is now gaining popularity because of its antibacterial properties that are being utilized for many purposes. The AVC is very acidic and can aid in breaking down mucous within the throat and kill the bacteria. Once you feel slight pain or irritation in your throat, you can make a mixture of a cup of water with 2 tablespoons of ACV and gargle. You need to drink water in between each gargle.
8. Use of Garlic
Garlic is one of the best remedies for sore throat because of its allicin content which is known as an organosulfur that can aid to fight bacterial infection. Fresh garlic in your salad is one of the most effective ways to take advantage of its antimicrobial properties.