Sore throat symptoms can be really tough and rough. The sides of your neck are sore, swollen and painful. When you try to swallow, your saliva goes down like sandpaper against the sides of your tonsils.
Your throat itches so much and when you try to cough to ease the pain, you wince in more pain. Sometimes it comes with fever and headache. Every single time, your mind is preoccupied with how to make that lump at the back of your throat go away. Yes, I can understand.
While there are now a number of over-the-counter medications to treat sore throats, you can attest to the fact that nothing beats nature. And of course, nature has blessed us with a number of things present in our kitchens that can help alleviate this problem quick and fast. Let me take you through a number of these natural home remedies to sore throats now.
1. SALT
Salt water is a great home remedy for sore throat, as it can reduce swelling and calm inflammation and irritation. What warm salty water does when you gargle it is, it helps to draw infections or irritants from inside the tonsils to the surface of your throat, where your body is better able to deal with them.
HOW DO YOU USE SALTY WATER TO COMBAT SORE THROAT?
Dissolve 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass cup of warm water and gargle every hour or two.
2. TUMERIC
Some spices you have in your kitchen are more medicinal than you can imagine. One of them is tumeric.
Tumeric is known to have the potential to prevent cancer or brain diseases and also to combat inflammation. These anti-inflammatory powers are able to get rid of your sore throat.
HOW DO YOU USE TUMERIC TO COMBAT SORE THROAT?
Add a few dashes to your herbal tea or salt-water and gargle. Pour the residue out of your mouth and repeat.
3. HONEY
Honey is one of the most popular ingredients in cough syrups and teas. You might have wondered why. This is because of its antibacterial properties. It can also greatly help with your sore throat. Not only is its sweetness a big plus but when you coat your throat with honey, it will help reduce irritation to a great extent.
HOW DO YOU USE HONEY TO COMBAT SORE THROAT?
Add a tablespoon of honey to a glass cup of warm water or tea and sip away. Repeat until you feel your symptoms ease up.
4. BAKING SODA
Gargling with baking soda and salt water mixture can also help relieve a sore throat. This mixture solution will kill bacteria and prevent the growth of fungi.
HOW DO YOU USE BAKING SODA WATER TO COMBAT SORE THROAT?
Get a cup of warm water, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Gargle the solution while gently swishing.
Use the rinse three or four times a day and follow up by rinsing your mouth with plain water.
5. GARLIC
Garlic has natural antibacterial properties as well. It contains allicin, a compound known for its ability to fight off infections, Garlic can help prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections, and these same respiratory tract infections are the ones that may potentially cause a sore throat.
HOW DO YOU USE GARLIC TO COMBAT SORE THROAT?
Simply try chewing a garlic clove or add a teaspoon of garlic powder in warm water and gargle.
NB: You may want to brush your teeth afterward to protect them from enzymes and improve your breath.
6. CAYENNE PEPPER OR HOT SAUCE
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a natural compound known for blocking pain receptors.
HOW DO YOU USE CAYENNE PEPPER OR HOT SAUCE TO COMBAT SORE THROAT?
Start with a light sprinkle of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce, as both can be very hot. Mix with warm water and honey and sip slowly. Keep in mind that an initial burning sensation is common.Do not use if you have open sores in your mouth.
7. ICY COLD ORANGE JUICE
Drinking orange juice with ice can also soothe a sore throat by numbing the area while also providing vitamin C.
Simply add some ice cubes in a glass of cold orange juice and sip down your throat. Allow the ice to act on the surface of your throat for better impact.
8. REST
At the end of the day, resting up may be just what you need. If you feel a sore throat coming on, try to take it easy and ensure you’re getting enough sleep.
Sleep loss can increase your risk of developing an infection. So, try to get some rest.
PS: If symptoms persist after three days, you might have to go see your doctor.
