Sore throat can be irritating and painful; it can make swallowing difficult and can even interfere with sleep. When you feel a sore throat coming on, you may want to try some natural home remedies to soothe the pain and inflammation. Here are seven home remedies for a sore throat:
Here are 7 home remedies to heal a burning sensation in throat:
1. Salt water gargle: Gargling with salt water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to relieve a sore throat. The salt helps to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. To make a salt water gargle, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Gargle for 30 seconds and then spit out the water. Repeat every 2-3 hours as needed.
2. Honey: Honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help to soothe a sore throat. To use honey for a sore throat, take a spoonful of honey straight or add it to a cup of tea. You can also mix honey with lemon juice and warm water to make a gargle.
3. Lemon juice: Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C, which can help to boost the immune system and fight infection. To use lemon juice for a sore throat, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a glass of warm water. You can also add a little bit of honey to the mixture to make it more palatable.
4. Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that can help to soothe a sore throat. To use ginger for a sore throat, chew on a piece of fresh ginger or add it to a cup of tea. You can also make a ginger gargle by steeping a few slices of fresh ginger in hot water for 10 minutes.
5. Marshmallow root: Marshmallow root is a herb that has been used for centuries to treat sore throats. It has a soothing effect on the mucous membranes in the throat and can help to reduce inflammation. To use marshmallow root for a sore throat, make a tea by steeping a teaspoon of dried marshmallow root in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. You can also find marshmallow root lozenges at most health food stores.
6. Slippery elm: Slippery elm is another herb that has been used to treat sore throats for centuries. It has a thick, mucilaginous texture that coats the throat and soothes inflammation. To use slippery elm for a sore throat, mix a teaspoon of powdered slippery elm in a glass of warm water. You can also find slippery elm lozenges at most health food stores.
7. Chamomile: Chamomile is a herb that has calming and relaxing properties. It can also help to reduce inflammation. To use chamomile for a sore throat, make a tea by steeping a teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. You can also find chamomile lozenges at most health food stores.
In addition to using these home remedies, it is also important to stay hydrated when you have a sore throat. Drinking plenty of fluids will help to keep your throat moist and reduce inflammation. You should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as both of these can irritate your throat.
If your sore throat is severe or does not improve after a few days, you should see a doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing your sore throat, such as strep throat or mononucleosis.
