7 Effective Natural Remedies To Cure Your Sore Throat!

Last Updated on January 14, 2021

We all know too well that annoying feeling of itchiness and irritation on the throat. And we also know that overnight, the symptoms will get worse and eventually you will have to deal with a very specific throat pain that makes you have trouble swallowing food, liquids, or even your own saliva.

A sore throat is often caused by a viral infection and is one of the most common symptoms of a cold or the flu. It can also be caused by bacteria such as streptococcus (strep throat) or other rare diseases. Did you know that this symptom is a natural response of your body to deal with the viral infection? It’s true.

The way in which your immune system fights the virus or bacteria leads to inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes in your throat. Hence the irritation, pain, and overall discomfort.

This is exactly the kind of symptom that makes you hesitant. You know that it isn’t a serious condition and that your body will resolve it, but at the same time, you feel weak enough to be compelled to go to a doctor and get your sore throat remedies. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of sore throat quickly using natural products available at any supermarket. Read on!

1. Saltwater

Yes, saltwater can help soothe your throat pain. But not if you drink it. Gargling salt water helps kill bacteria in the throat and releases the mucus out of the inflamed tissue, noticeably relieving the discomfort.

Simply add half-teaspoon of salt to a full glass of warm water and stir it well. Gargle with that solution for about half a minute and spit it out. As unpleasant as the taste in your mouth may be, you should do this multiple times a day (at least five).

2. Garlic

This world-famous seasoning (every household has garlic cloves or garlic powder in its kitchen) provides a huge list of health benefits and has been used as a home remedy for a really long time.

Helping your body fight off infections is among those benefits. Garlic contains a compound called allicin that has been scientifically proven to be capable of preventing the common cold and effectively treating bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.

If you don’t like the intense taste of raw garlic, don’t worry. You don’t need to suck on a whole clove. Just add a few extra garlic cloves to a bowl of chicken soup, for example, to get its additional benefits.

3. Stay hydrated

You have been hearing these words from your doctor forever. And for a good reason. Dehydration causes your body to stop producing enough saliva and mucus to keep your throat properly lubricated, thus making the inflammation even worse.

Water is the best choice – you can also drink lemon water; the vitamin C and antioxidants present in lemons will assist the healing process.

It is even better if you alternate it with warm soups and teas (we suggest peppermint or chamomile tea due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties). Be careful, because your throat is very sensitive and can easily be burned if you drink something extremely hot.

4. Hot shower

Breathing in the steam from a warm shower will reduce the inflammation of the throat and act as a pain reliever. Take deep breaths while in the shower for better results.

This should be done a couple of times a day, so if you don’t want to take many showers you can use a large bowl. Fill the bowl with hot water, put it over the table and use a towel to cover your head and lean into the bowl. Again, take deep breaths to breathe in the steam.

On the other hand, dry air can irritate an already sore throat even more. So, depending on the climate of your city, it might be worth buying a humidifier.

5. Honey

Everybody loves honey. It is a sweetener used in all kinds of recipes and is a great ally for when you need to treat a sore throat at home. Add a tablespoon of honey to your warm tea to enjoy a tasty drink that will also make you feel a lot better.

If besides having a sore throat you are also suffering from an aggressive cough that won’t let you fall asleep, you will be glad to know that honey is a great cough suppressant. In fact, according to a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in 2007, it may even be more effective than other common over-the-counter cough suppressants.

6. Essential oils

Essential oils are also frequently used as an alternative sore throat treatment. They can either be used aromatically by diffusing them into the air or topically by diluting them with another oil.

It is worth mentioning that at no time should these oils be ingested and that they should always be bought from reputable sources since they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always be safe when using essential oils because they present a series of risks when poorly handled.

Essential oils that can be used as sore throat remedies include thyme, lavender, bitter orange, sage, tea tree, lemon, ginger, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, and echinacea.

7. Apple cider vinegar

Besides being used in salad dressings or incorporated somewhere along the cooking process, Apple cider vinegar is also known for its use as a traditional remedy to promote weight loss, control blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and treat skin disorders. And some people claim that it can also be used to treat a sore throat.

Allegedly, its acidic nature can help break down mucus in the throat and prevent bacteria from spreading. But, there is no sufficient scientific evidence that supports those claims. What research has found is that apple cider vinegar does, in fact, contain antibacterial properties. However, as we have already mentioned, most sore throats are caused by a virus and not bacteria.