Home Remedy for Sore Throat

By - 2007-01-31 - Viewed 11923 times. Find more articles like this in our Pain and Pain Management category.

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Sore throats are often associated with a cold or the flu. But, truth is, there are many other things that can cause a sore throat, like allergies, nasal infections, acid reflux, cigarette smoke, pollution, dry air, or even cheering too loud at a concert.

When the mucous membranes of your repertory airway become dry or inflamed, the result is a throat that feels scratchy, dry, hot, and raw.

When you have a sore throat, simply swallowing can be excruciating. Sore throats can also make talking difficult. Lucky, there are some good soothing home remedies for sore throat pain. 

Drink Something Warm

Drinking something warm is one of the best remedies for a sore throat. When your throat is sore, warm liquid just feels good going down. And the liquid will help to rehydrate dry mucous membranes, which might help speed up your recovery.

You can drink any warm beverage you like, although it might be best if you steer clear of caffeinated beverages. Herbal teas, decaffeinated coffee, chicken broth, and warm water with lemon and honey are all options.

And, as a bonus, if you're congested, breathing in the steam from a hot beverage will help you breathe easier.

If breathing through your mouth because your nose is blocked is giving you a sore throat open your nasal passages with a decongestant nasal spray such as Afrin.

Gargle With Warm Salt Water - Gargling with warm salt water three or four time a day will ease your sore throat pain and rehydrate dry tissues.

Add about half a teaspoon of salt to a full cup of warm water. Gargle for several seconds, then spit. Repeat one or two more times. When you're done, your throat will feel much better.

Chamomile tea - Steep 1 teaspoon dried chamomile in 1 cup of hot water. Strain. Let it cool to lukewarm and gargle as needed.

Spirits - Add a spoonful of bourbon or whiskey to a large glass of warm water and gargle can help numb a sore throat.

Acetaminophen - An over-the-counter pain reliever, like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin (no one under age 21 should be given aspirin because of the risk of Reye's syndrome) will help ease sore throat pain.

Honeysuckle tea - Bring one quart (about 1 litre) of water to a boil. Add one cup of honeysuckle flowers (not the leaves), cover and steep for 10 minutes then strain. Up to four cups a day.

Lemon, apple cider vinegar, cayenne, and honey - Add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper, the juice of 1/4 lemon, and one teaspoon of honey to a cup of hot water. Stir well and drink up to 3 -4 cups per day.

Dry air will irritate your sore throat - Using a humidifier will add moisture to the air and reduce the irritation. If possible, keep a humidifier running in your office at work. At home, place your humidifier in the room where you'll be spending the most time. If your sore throat is keeping you awake, having a humidifier in your bedroom at night might help you sleep better.

Candies - Sucking on a hard candy will stimulate saliva production, which will help moisten your dry, irritated throat.

More home remedies for helping cure a sore throat can be found at Sore Throat Cures.

Most sore throats are a sign that you may be catching a cold or flu and disapear within a few days. If however the symptoms persist the visit your doctor to rule out a more serious condition.

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