10 Sore Throat Remedies
Sore throats can be a downer. Colds, losing your voice, allergies, smoking or dry air can cause sore throats to occur on occasion. However, viruses or bacteria are the cause of most sore throats and are typically the first sign of a cold coming on. Typically, a sore throat caused by a virus can resolve itself on its own. This is the most common cause of a cold or flu.
Should you just let it pass until it feels better? You can do that but there are a few beneficial remedies to ease the uncomfortable feeling of a sore throat and potentially heal it faster. Let’s take a look at some common sore throat remedies.
Sore Throat Remedy #1: Popsicles
Along with cough drops, popsicles help loosen the mucus and enhances saliva production. The coldness of the Popsicle provides temporary relief by numbing the area of an achy throat and provide temporary relief. Be sure to find popsicles that are lower in sugar, because excessive amounts of sugar can lower the immune system and actually make it more difficult to fight off the virus.
You can even make popsicles at home by blending fruits such as strawberries and bananas with yogurt and freezing them in popsicle molds. This would provide necessary antioxidants as well as probiotics to help fight off the virus.
Sore Throat Remedy #2: Cough Drops
A throat lozenge is a small medicated tablet that dissolves slowly in the mouth and can temporarily stop coughs or soothe the irritated tissues of the throat. When sucking on cough drops, the mouth begins to stimulate saliva production, which keeps the throat moist.
Ones that contain menthol and eucalyptus have a cooling and numbing effect that will benefit a throat that is sore more than ordinary cough drops. Consume them as directed, because some of the side effects of eating too many cough drops include rapid or shallow breathing, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and rapid heart beat or dizziness.
Sore Throat Remedy #3: Fluids
Making sure you are drinking plenty of fluids when your throat is sore or when you feel sick. This keeps your mucous membranes moist and better able to fight the infection and bacteria. When you are sick with a sore throat, staying hydrated can help ease congestion and make the mucus secretions more thin.
If the sore throat is accompanied by a fever, it may cause dehydration so replenishing with fluid is an important step. Water is the best option but other options such as watered down fruit juice or chicken broth are good as well.
Sore Throat Remedy #4: Saltwater Gargle
Several studies have suggested that adding salt to water and gargling several times throughout the day can help loosen up mucus and relieve the swelling in the throat. Add one teaspoon of salt to one cup of water, mix it in a cup then gargle it for 10-20 seconds and spit it out. Keep repeating until the cup of water is gone.
This will loosen up the mucus and flush out any bacteria or irritants that are in your throat.
Sore Throat Remedy #5: Tea
Tea is a great remedy for any sickness. Some teas are best for healing a sore throat. These include licorice root tea, chamomile tea, turmeric tea and green tea. Boil some water, grab your favorite tea, add a little bit of honey and you got a soothing relief for your sore throat.
Many people find that tea is very soothing because of the warmth, flavor and aroma that the herbal infusion gives off. Many teas also have antioxidants that help fight off illnesses, such as colds or viruses. The antioxidants may boost the immune system and promote healing in tissues due to their anti-inflammatory effects on pain and swelling.
Sore Throat Remedy #6: Chicken Soup
Nothing beats a cup of mom’s homemade chicken soup or even when it comes from a can! The sodium in the broth provides anti-inflammatory properties while soothing your throat. At times, it’s hard to eat food when your throat is so sore but chicken soup will be easier to go down and provides nutrients you need during that time.
Chicken has a natural amino acid, called cysteine, which is similar to the acetylcysteine that doctors prescribe for bronchitis or respiratory infections. This helps thin mucus and makes it easier to eliminate form the body. Throwing in some curry powder, chili peppers, garlic and pungent spices can also make expelling mucus easier.
Sore Throat Remedy #7: Rest
Adequate rest is very important during any sickness. When your body is under an infection, your body needs rest and the energy to fight that infection. Go to bed earlier than usual and if you can, take a nap during the day. The doctor can prescribe as many medications as you need, but rest will always be included.
It is not advised to continue intense physical activity or undergo extreme physical stressors while fighting off a cold. This can exacerbate the issue.
Sore Throat Remedy #8: Humidifier
During the dry or flu seasons, sore throats are very common and a great remedy is to add moisture to the air. One way is by using a humidifier. A humidifier can make your throat less sore, make it easier to breathe and calm your symptoms. It helps to alleviate dry skin, eyes and nasal passages.
Since humidity will make you feel warmer, the thermostat can be set to a lower temperature, which can also prevent dry skin and dehydration.
Sore Throat Remedy #9: Honey
There is some evidence that a spoonful of honey helps with sore throats. The thick, syrupy texture helps soothe your throat and may even act as a cough suppressant. Honey also has antimicrobial properties that help during sickness.
It has the ability to draw water out of inflamed tissues, because it is a hypertonic osmotic. This can reduce swelling and discomfort.
Sore Throat Remedy #10: Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as Advil or Aleve, can relieve some of the swelling associated with a sore throat. Make sure you follow the directions on the label. They are considered analgesics, or painkillers.
If you feel a fever or cold coming on as well, taking NSAIDs can help reduce those symptoms as well. If you have other medical problems and need to take other medications, check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter drugs.
