Natural Remedies for a Sore Throat
Having a sore throat can be pretty inconvenient, if it lasts more than a couple of days do seek doctor's assistance.
However, if you don't have other symptoms, such as fever or persistent cough, you can try natural remedies to relieve the feeling of dryness and pain in the back of your throat and be ready to continue with your day. Of course, you have plenty of pharmaceuticals available in the market today, from antibacterial lozenges to cough syrups. Still, the problem with those is that they target only a few of the causes of sore throats. Natural remedies can be a quick and easy solution because there is a high possibility you already have the ingredients at home, as some of them are frequently used in households. They are also perfectly safe for you and don't pose any severe side effects to your overall health.
Which natural remedies can help with a sore throat?
1) Salt water
The first and the easiest is salt water! Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water. Gargling this solution several times a day can help you dislodge mucus in the throat and flush out the irritants.
2) Ginger, honey, and lemon water
Each of these ingredients is effective if taken separately, especially the honey, which has strong natural antibacterial properties, but the combination of all three does wonders for your sore throat. Here is how you can use it: First, peel the ginger and grate it into a teapot. Then pour 1 cup of boiling water over the grated ginger and steep for three minutes. Next, put the lemon juice and honey in a large mug and pour the ginger tea over.
3) Turmeric powder
We have all heard about this beautiful bright and golden powder that helps with various health problems, plus adds a nice spice to our homemade dishes. As it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, it is an easy at-home solution for throat soreness. Turmeric tea preparation is quite simple, and you can always customize it to your taste. For the basic tea, all you have to do is boil 3-4 cups of water on the stove, add 2 tbsp of turmeric powder, stir, and let simmer for 5-10 mins. In the end, you can add some honey, milk of choice, or lemon juice before serving.
4) Herbal tea
Warm herbal tea will help you relax the sore throat muscles and give you instant relief.
- Camomile tea
This tea is known for soothing inflammation in your mouth and throat. Aside from drinking the tea, you can also use it as a gargle.
- Sage tea
To make a tea, add a handful of sage leaves and stems to boiling water. Turn off the heat and cover the pot. Let it steep for 20 minutes and enjoy it.
- Hollyhock tea
Studies show that the roots may help ease inflammation and irritation of the throat, usually caused by cold and chronic coughs. In addition, the plant contains natural mucus, which will create a protective layer on your throat, thus reducing irritation.
Besides the root, you can also use the flowers and the seeds. Boil some water, leave it out to cool down, and pour over some hollyhock root. Let it infuse for about 2 hours before drinking.
Bonus tips:
Sucking on lozenges and hard candy can also help relieve soreness, stimulating salivation and reducing dryness.
Hot chicken or vegetable soup will warm you up and help relaxing tightness in your throat.
Boost your overall immunity! Taking supplements that help your immune system stay strong, especially during hard times, and a healthy balanced diet will help prevent health issues, including sore throat, caused mainly by various viruses and bacteria.
*Content and products on Holistic Living are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
