Sore throat is a common ailment faced by almost all of us. It is basically an itchy, burning and scratchy sensation in the throat. It is accompanied by tenderness in the neck, slight body pain, coughing, sneezing, fever and pain while swallowing. Sore throats are mostly caused due to viruses.
Simple mechanical causes like sleeping with an open mouth can cause painful and itchy throats too. Though a sore throat causes much irritation and discomfort, you need not worry. It can be easily treated at home with the help of these simple home remedies, tried and tested since ages. So follow these handy tips and say goodbye to sore throat.
Best 16 Remedies For Sore Throat
1. Gargle With Fenugreek Tea
Fenugreek tea gargle is a very effective remedy for sour throat. Two tablespoonful seeds should be taken and put in a quart of water. This should be allowed to simmer for half an hour on a low flame and then cooled down. This preparation should then be strained and used as a gargle [1].
2. Drink Lemon And Honey
A solution of lemon and honey mixed in warm water helps to keep the throat moist and cures a scratchy throat .Keep sipping this mixture several times a day for relief [2].
3. Use Mango Bark To Clear The Throat
Mango bark can also be used to prepare a liquid for gargling by mixing 10 ml of extract with 125 ml of water [3].
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is said to be a surprisingly palatable cure that works wonders in case of sore throat . Mix 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces hot water. Now sip the hot liquid as often as needed [4].
5. Go Herbal And Use Sage
Sage, a curative herb, is a great sore throat gargle. Simply mix 1 teaspoon in a cup of boiling water. Let it boil for ten minutes, strain and then add a little apple cider vinegar and honey. Gargle with this preparation 3 times a day [5].
6. Drink Cinnamon Tea For Calming The Throat
Many ayurvedic doctors stand by cinnamon to cure sore throat. Boil an inch of cinnamon stick in 2 cups of water. Now strain the mixture and add a teaspoon of honey to it. Drink this preparation several times a day for fast results [6].
7. The Traditional Salt Water Gargle
Use salt water as a gargle by adding half a teaspoon salt to every cup of warm water. It provides relief by cutting phlegm and reducing inflammation in the throat [7].
8. Turmeric Has Magical Effects On The Throat
Turmeric has immense health benefits and has been used in ayurveda since time immemorial. Turmeric powder, when mixed with hot milk makes a magically soothing drink for sore throat also.
This is one remedy which must have surely been advised by your granny some time or the other. Yes, it really works! Simply mix 1 teaspoon turmeric powder and a teaspoon ground pepper with a glass of hot milk and see the irritation vanish in no time. It is more effective when had before going to bed [8].
9. Perform Jal Niti To Clear The Nasal Passage
Doctors say that a sore throat is basically caused by postnatal drip and a dry throat. This mostly happens when one sleeps with the mouth open and the nasal passages are blocked. Jal niti is a safe and effective yoga technique. In this technique lukewarm water is poured into one nostril and made to leave through the other. It clears the nasal passage and hence cures sore throat [9].
10. Keep The Throat Hydrated With Hot Water
Keeping the throat hydrated helps to fight the infection faster so drink lots of water (preferably warm) and other soothing liquids.
Water lubricates the throat and hence prevents it from drying out and becoming itchy. Hot water is even more effective as it coats the tissues of the throat to simulate a hot pack effect [10].
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11. Raspberry Tea To Cure An Itchy Throat
Herbal teas like green tea, raspberry tea and lemon tea are also effective in calming the throat. To make raspberry tea, pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 teaspoon dried raspberry leaves and let it steep for 10 minutes. Then strain and sip. You may also add sugar, if desired, for taste. This relieves the throat and also helps to cure the fever associated with it. This tea may also be used as a gargle [11].
12. Horseradish Cocktail
The horseradish cocktail also, an age old Russian remedy, also provides a great cure for sore throat. One tablespoon grated horseradish should be combined with 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon ground cloves. This should be mixed with a glass of hot water and sipped slowly [12].
13. Onion And Garlic
Sipping clear soups made form onion and garlic are an excellent cure for all ailments related to the throat.They are easy to prepare and effective too. Adding pepper to this soup is also beneficial. Garlic can also be chewed raw. Its juice acts like cough drops and cures sore throat quickly [13].
14. Mulethi
Mulethi or licorice is another valuable ayurvedic medicine for irritation in the throat. Boil a Mulethi stick or Mulethi kwath with a cup of boiling water. Now sip this mixture slowly [14].
15. Take Steam To Fight Infection
Steam inhalation is an ancient remedy to cure sore throat which has now been proven scientifically. Scientific studies claim that steam can shorten the duration of infection. Facial steamers, which are easily available in the market, are a convenient way to inhale steam.
You can also try the traditional way of steaming. Sit over a bowl of steaming water with your head covered with a towel, to trap the steam. You may also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for added benefits. Steam also helps to clear the nasal passage [15].
16. Suck On Hard Candy
Now this is sure to be the most delightful remedy for curing sore throat. Jokes apart, doctors really claim that sugar helps to cure a sore throat. Apart from that candies help to keep the throat and mouth moist and helps reduce the discomfort. You can opt for citrus candies like lemon and orange for more relief. The vitamin c present in these provides immunity to fight infection [16].
The above mentioned tips are sure to help you in curing sore throat at home. All these tips are simple to follow and effective. However, you must not consume any foods that you are allergic to. Food items containing honey must not be given to children below 2 years as honey carries a bacterium which may cause food poisoning and allergic reactions in infants.
