Sore Throat Home Remedies

Various natural remedies can soothe sore throat pain and other symptoms. Some familiar options include warm liquids with honey and lemon juice, gargling with salt water, and using over-the-counter medications. There are also some lesser-known remedies, such as slippery elm leaves and sage.

Sore throats can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, tonsillitis, or pain following tonsillectomies. It’s important to note that while this article discusses home remedies for pain relief, conditions like strep throat may require antibiotics for treatment. The remedies mentioned here are not meant to cure bacterial infections, but rather to provide temporary pain relief.

Sage/echinacea throat spray

A 2009 study found that an echinacea/sage throat spray was as effective as a spray containing numbing agents to relieve throat pain.

• Sage has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, while echinacea can boost the immune system.
• Combined, these herbs make an effective throat spray for fast pain relief.

Apple cider vinegar

Vinegar is acidic and can kill throat bacteria, as well as coat and soothe the throat. It may also help loosen phlegm.

• Use as a gargle by mixing 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water.
• You can also combine it with salt to make a saltwater vinegar gargle.
• Another option is to add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of honey to your tea.

Raw garlic

Garlic has antiseptic properties and may relieve sore throat pain caused by bacterial infections.

• Crushed raw garlic releases a compound called allicin, which has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
• The most effective way to use garlic for a sore throat is to chew on a raw clove or suck on a slice for 15 minutes.
• You can also mince the raw garlic and mix it with honey or olive oil for easier ingestion.

QUESTION

Throat Coat tea

Throat Coat is an herbal tea designed to relieve sore throat.

• Throat Coat tea contains licorice root, elm inner bark, marshmallow root, and licorice root aqueous dry extract.
• A study showed that it reduced sore throat pain for 30 minutes after consumption.

Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint has decongestant properties and may soothe a sore throat and ease a dry cough.

• Drink peppermint tea, use a diffuser with peppermint oil, or apply diluted peppermint essential oil to the chest.

Licorice

Licorice gargle has been shown to reduce postoperative sore throat pain.

• Licorice root may also help loosen congestion and reduce inflammation.
• It can be used as a gargle, chewed, or consumed as tea.

Marshmallow root

Marshmallow root is a demulcent that can coat and soothe a sore throat. It may also help with coughing and mucus.

• Marshmallow root can be taken as a tea.

Slippery elm

Slippery elm is believed to help coat the throat and relieve irritation by forming a protective film.

• Using slippery elm lozenges can prolong the pain-relieving effects.
• It may also be consumed as a tea.

Frozen foods

Eating frozen foods like popsicles or sorbet can alleviate sore throat symptoms.

• Cold temperatures can quickly relieve throat pain, and these softer foods are easier to swallow.
• Non-dairy options are preferred to avoid further irritation.
• Try low-fat ice cream without any added chips, nuts, or chunks.

Honey

Honey can be added to hot water or tea with lemon juice to soothe a sore throat.

• Honey has antibacterial properties and may help ease infection-related sore throat.
• It can also help reduce coughing.
• Do not give honey to children under 1 year old.

Eat chicken soup

Chicken soup can help moisten the throat, thin sinus mucus, and provide hydration.

• Hot soup can be soothing and may contain anti-inflammatory substances.
• Stick with low sodium options.

Warm saltwater gargle

Rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater can help cleanse the throat and loosen phlegm.

• Gargle frequently to relieve throat irritation caused by postnasal drip.
• It may even help prevent upper respiratory tract infections.

Cayenne pepper gargle

Gargling with cayenne pepper mixed with water can reduce inflammation and clear throat infections.

• It may sting and burn the mouth and throat, so be cautious.
• Avoid using if there are open sores in the throat.

Drink warm liquids

• Warm liquids like caffeine-free tea with honey and lemon juice, warm water with lemon and honey, or warm soup broth can soothe a sore throat.
• They can also thin sinus mucus and keep you hydrated.
• Chamomile tea can be relaxing.

From

Cold and Flu Resources

• What Your Mucus Says About Your Health
• Cold and Flu Symptoms Across the U.S.
• An Inside Look at How Germs Spread