A sore throat is one of those annoying things that we all get from time to time. Sometimes it’s a symptom of something more serious, but for the most part, it can be treated at home. Here are some at-home remedies that have worked well for me:
Gargling warm salt water may ease soreness and swelling
Gargling warm salt water may ease soreness and swelling. Gargling helps to remove excess mucus from the throat, which can help reduce soreness and swelling. You should use about a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water for gargling.
If you want to add a little something extra to your gargle, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or turmeric powder for some extra kick!
A cool mist humidifier can help with stuffy sinuses
If you’re feeling stuffy, a cool mist humidifier can help. In addition to easing congestion, these devices can also help with dry skin and chapped lips. They are especially effective if you have a cold or the flu, as they can reduce nasal irritation and increase mucus production (in other words, making it easier for your body to cough up that nasty phlegm). Using distilled water in your humidifier is recommended so that minerals don’t build up on its internal parts leading to clogs or poor performance. You could even make your own DIY version by filling a small container halfway with water (leaving room for it to bubble up) and putting it near where you spend most of your time at home!
Drink a lot of fluids to soothe your throat
- Drink a lot of fluids to soothe your throat. Drinking water, especially warm or room-temperature water, can help you feel better. If you’re sore and thirsty, drink more than usual to help your body fight infection and rehydrate after a cold or flu. The trick is to avoid drinking too much fluid at once when your throat is already hurting—a big glass of ice water may actually send more discomfort through your nasal passage and throat. Be sure to keep sipping slowly throughout the day instead!
If you have any questions about how much liquid is enough for you as an individual (and based on whether or not this soreness is related to a cold), ask someone who knows about such things: A doctor may recommend extra amounts of certain liquids depending upon their diagnosis; but otherwise, just remember that if something doesn’t feel right—like unusual discomfort while swallowing—you should probably stop drinking immediately!
Chamomile tea can help you rest better
Chamomile tea is another home remedy that can help you rest better. Chamomile has been used for centuries to treat insomnia, nervousness, and stress-related disorders. The herb is believed to help relax the body so it can fall asleep easier. It’s also thought to have sedative properties that may reduce irritation in your throat while you’re trying to get some shut-eye.
You can make chamomile tea using either dried flowers or fresh leaves; just follow these easy steps:
- Pour boiling water over 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers (or 2 tablespoons of fresh). Cover and steep for 5 minutes before straining into a cup with honey and lemon juice added for sweetness and extra throat relief.
- Make an even stronger batch by adding 1 teaspoon each of honey and freshly grated ginger root before serving hot; this combination has been known to soothe sore throats fast!
Eat a popsicle or ice cream to help with chronic pain
- Popsicles or ice cream can help with the pain. Ice cream is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, which are both important for the health of your teeth and bones. It’s also an excellent treat when you have a sore throat because it helps numb the pain.
- Use popsicles as part of your treatment plan for chronic illnesses such as arthritis or gout states Healthline.com. The popsicle sticks themselves could irritate your throat if they’re not made with soft plastic, so use popsicle molds instead if you have any available in your kitchen cabinet.
OTC medications are not always needed for sore throats.
If you’re worried about your sore throat and are looking to buy over-the-counter medications (OTCs), keep in mind that OTC medications can come with side effects, be expensive, and aren’t always needed for a sore throat.
When used as directed, OTCs can help treat symptoms of the common cold and flu. However, there are some downsides: OTCs may cause dependency or allergic reactions in some people. They can also make certain conditions worse—for example, if you have high blood pressure or heart disease and take an antihistamine such as Benadryl® or generic diphenhydramine (the active ingredient in many sleep aids). And if you don’t follow directions carefully when taking ibuprofen (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®), it could cause serious liver damage over time because these painkillers contain acetaminophen.”
Conclusion
We hope this list of at-home remedies has helped you feel better. If none of these work for you, or if your sore throat is severe, we encourage you to seek medical care.
