Do you suffer from a sore throat? This condition is not a disease but a symptom. Sore throat is usually caused by a cold, bacteria, or viral infection but can also result from fatigue, smoking, nasopharyngitis, an allergic reaction, or prolonged exposure to dry air.
The common symptoms of a sore throat include redness, ear pain, difficulty swallowing, a feeling of a lump in the throat, hoarseness, swollen lymph nodes, pain or burning in the throat. The burning sensation, the irritation, and the pain sometimes make it difficult to talk.
Try these 20 most effective natural remedies to cure your sore throat at home!
Common Symptoms of a Sore throat
The symptoms of sore throats may vary due to different causes. However, there are some common symptoms of a sore throat.
- Fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and body pain.
- A cough, nasal obstruction, runny nose, and sneezing.
- Extreme fatigue, difficulty in swallowing and talking.
- Swelling of the throat and hoarseness.
It is not that you will suffer all the above symptoms at the same time. Based on all these symptoms, you may have one or more.
Common Causes of a Sore Throat
Sore throats are not caused only by viral infections, but there are many other reasons.
Viral infections
The virus is the most common cause of a sore throat. A variety of viral infections can cause a sore throat.
Laryngitis will cause a sore throat and make your voice hoarse. Mononucleosis, also called kissing disease, will cause a sore throat with swollen neck glands accompanied by temperature. You should avoid kissing and sharing utensils to stop this condition.
Bacterial diseases
Bacteria can cause many diseases, including fever, cough, and sore throat. For example, strep throat or tonsillitis is caused by streptococcus bacteria.
Bacteria can also cause a sore throat. Tonsils are located on both sides of the throat. Although they help fight the disease, sometimes they can also get inflammation. This will lead to sore throat and fever.
Other reasons for a sore throat
In addition to bacterial and viral diseases, some other reasons may also cause a sore throat.
- Environmental factors such as smoking, pollution, low humidity, dust, and pet dander can cause allergic reactions, including a sore throat.
- Gastroesophageal reflux infection(GERD) will make Stomach acid back into the throat. This will lead to a sore throat and acid reflux.
- The pressure on the throat, including speaking for a long time or screaming, can harm the throat.
- Sometimes, extreme fatigue or throat injury can also cause a sore throat.
- In extremely uncommon cases, a sore throat may be an indication of HIV or even throat cancer.
20 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of a Sore Throat
1. Gargle with saltwater
This is a proven home remedy that can help soothe an itchy and sore throat. Salt is a mild antiseptic that helps soften the throat and flush out viruses from the back of the throat, tonsils, and adenoids. In addition, gargling with salt water can help reduce swelling and neutralizes acids in the throat.
You need to dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of hot water and gargle with this solution for about 10 to 20 seconds. Make sure to spit the mixture on, do not swallow. Repeat at least 4 or 5 times a day until relief is felt.
2. Gargle with baking soda
You can also rinse your mouth with baking soda solution. Baking soda has antibacterial and antitussive properties that can help cure sore throats. In addition, baking soda is a natural alkaline product that balances the acidic environment in the mouth.
Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda and an 8-ounce glass of water. Mix thoroughly and gargle 2-3 times a day for two days.
3. Steam
Steam can provide warm, moist air that helps reduces inflammation in the tissues of your throat. For dryness in your throat, this treatment is especially effective. You can use a steam shower or a classic hot water bowl. Both will help soothe a sore throat.
Add hot water to a bowl and place it on a flat surface. You can also add 1 drop of eucalyptus oil to increase the effect.
Lean on the bowl and make sure your nose and throat can get steam from the water. Do not let your face near the bowl; otherwise, the hot steam will burn your face.
Cover your face with a towel to prevent steam from escaping.
Stay for about 5-10 minutes, and then remove the towel. Repeat this process after a few seconds of rest. You can do this 3-4 times a day.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent natural expectorant that helps loosen phlegm to relieve sore throats. Moreover, ACV can also be a natural immune-stimulating agent that helps prevent sore throats caused by viral and bacterial diseases. In addition, the acidity that balances the pH levels of your throat environment makes it hostile for microbes to live.
Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey to a cup of hot water. Mix well and drink this solution 2-3 times a day. You can also add 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar to a glass of water and gargle several times every day.
5. Honey
Honey has antibacterial and antitussive properties that can help accelerate the healing of a sore throat, swelling, and inflamed tissue. Multiple studies have shown that honey can effectively relieve sore throat and cough. In addition, Honey can help extract water from inflamed tissue, reducing swelling and pain.
You can add 2 teaspoons of honey to a cup of hot water and drink. You can also add 2 teaspoons of honey and the juice of half a freshly squeezed lemon into a cup of hot water. Mix well and have it.
6.Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is a traditional Chinese medicine that can effectively treat sore throat. The leaves and flowers of Honeysuckle have antibacterial properties that can help remove sore throats, coughs, and other signs of the flu. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation of the tissue in the throat.
To make Honeysuckle tea, you can use fresh honeysuckle or dried herbs. Add 2 cups of fresh honeysuckle flowers or leaves to 4-5 cups of water. Boil for about 10-15 minutes.
Alternately, you can add 1 tablespoon of dehydrated honeysuckle to 1 cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. You can also add 1 teaspoon of honey or 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Then drink this tea after filtering.
7. Ginger
Ginger has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help reduce the swelling of the throat tissues. Moreover, it is a natural analgesic that reduces sore throat. In addition, it is an expectorant that can loosen phlegm and mucus.
Boil water in a saucepan and add the ginger.
Simmer for about 10-15 minutes and add 1-2 teaspoons of Honey. Mix well and drink this ginger tea.
8.Pomegranates
Pomegranates have excellent astringent properties that help to reduce swelling. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the redness and pain in your throat. Not only that, it is a natural antioxidant that makes this fruit a treasure for health!
Gargling with pomegranate juice can help soothe a sore throat. You can also make pomegranate tea for more health benefits.
Prepare a pomegranate and get the rinds.
Pour water into the pot and heat it to boiling point.
Add pomegranate zest and continue to boil for several minutes.
Simmer for about 10-15 minutes and drink this tea or use it to gargle.
9. Sage grass
Sage grass is among the most effective treatments for sore throats. It has astringent properties that can help reduces inflammation. The phenolic acids in the sage grass have antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can soothe a sore throat.
Put 2 tablespoons of fresh sage leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried sage leaves in a cup. Pour boiling water and dip for 10-15 minutes.
Filter the tea and add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of lemon. Mix well and drink this tea. You can also gargle with this tea.
10. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and is safe to take every day. Vitamin C can help strengthen the immune system and heal inflamed throat tissue. Whether your sore throat is caused by a cold, flu, or sore throat, this vitamin can help reduce inflammation and relieve the pain of the throat.
For a sore throat, take a supplement at least three times a day. You can place it in a glass of water and gargle.
11. Lemon
This is a natural and effective remedy for sore throat. Lemon is rich in vitamin C that can help reduce inflammation. In addition, its acidic nature makes your throat hostile to the development of bacteria.
Add 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to a cup of hot water and drink this juice 2-3 times every day.
12. Moisten the air in the house
You can install a humidifier in your room. The moist air will prevent the drying of your throat. If you don’t have a humidifier, you can put a bowl of water on the bedside every night.
13. Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke
Cigarette smoke is very irritating to the throat and can cause itching, swelling, and pain in the throat. In addition, it also has a great deal of damage to the lungs.
If you smoke, try to stop smoking. If you don’t smoke, you’re better to avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.
14. Breathing with your nose
The mucous membranes in the nasal cavity can effectively moisten the air inhaling the lungs and improve your sore throat.
You only need to breathe through the nose instead of breathing through your mouth.
15. Change your toothbrush
If your sore throat is recurrent, this may be caused by your toothbrush. Over time, bacteria will accumulate on the bristles of the brush. When you brush your teeth, the bacteria will enter your body by small wounds you inflict upon you while brushing and cause infection. At this time, you need to replace a new toothbrush.
16.Herbal teas
Herbal teas are perfect for relieving a sore throat. These herbs include sage, eucalyptus, licorice root, slippery elm, peppermint, marshmallow root, etc.
17. Spicy Teas
Spices such as ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and garlic have antibacterial and antifungal properties that help you fight germs. In addition, it can help loosen your phlegm to provide you with relief from pain and congestion.
18. Garlic
Garlic has strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help fight infections. In addition, it can also enhance your immunity and fight colds.
19.Hot Soups
Hot soup does not only help relieve sore throat but also provides you with enough moisture to lubricate the vocal cords.
Chicken soup is the best remedy to soothe a sore throat. You can also add some spices like garlic, ginger, cinnamon, or clove soups to eliminate inflammation and relieve pain.
20. Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle such as getting enough sleep and adopting a varied and balanced diet can effectively help boost your immunity.
You should eat more garlic, ginger, shiitake mushrooms, fruits, and vegetables rich in antioxidants.
Drink at least 2 liters of fluid a day to soothe your throat. In addition, herbal teas can also help relieve pain.
Fatigue and nervousness can cause a sore throat. If you suffer from this condition, you better take a break.
What is the meaning of a sore throat with a cough?
Sometimes, a sore throat accompanied by a cough might be the earliest indication of a cold. A viral infection usually causes this. You may have other symptoms such as fever and a runny nose.
What is the meaning of a sore throat without a cough?
For those who have a sore throat but no cough, this could be due to causes other than bacterial or viral diseases.
For example, hot foods may cause heartburn or acid reflux where goes backward. This can cause mild burns in the throat area and sore throat without coughing. In addition, air pollution or smoking can also cause a sore throat that does not accompany coughing.
In such cases, avoiding smoking, spicy foods, or other similar reasons for throat pain can help reduce a sore throat quickly.
What is the meaning of Sore throat with a high fever?
It may be due to strep throat for those who have sore throats and high fever for more than 24 hours. Strep throat is a serious bacterial disease. You need to see your doctor as soon as possible.
What is the meaning of a Sore throat with blood in phlegm?
This is another serious condition that requires prompt treatment. Sometimes, a sore throat may be accompanied by a runny nose and coughing. If the nasal discharge is green or yellow with blood in phlegm, you may be experiencing sinus disease.
The more serious illness could be a tumor in the throat, tongue, or larynx. At this time, your sore throat may accompany other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, earache, neck lumps, and unexplained weight loss. Therefore, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.
How long does a sore throat last?
The duration of a sore throat depends on the exact causes.
Sore throats caused by environmental factors such as pollution or smoking will always exist if you stay in such an environment. When you remove the surrounding pollutants, you will also reduce a sore throat.
If your sore throat is caused by a virus such as a cold, it will disappear within 5-7 days. For this sore throat, no special medication is usually required. You can relieve symptoms with natural remedies such as drinking plenty of water and taking more rest.
Suppose your sore throat is due to bacterial diseases, such as strep throat. The sore throat will continue until you get the treatment that is needed. You need to go to the hospital immediately. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to relieve your sore throat.
When to see your doctor?
If you suffer from symptoms including difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, bloody sputum, joint pain, earache, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, bloody sputum, joint pain, earache, or high fever. Or, your sore throat is very severe and lasts for more than seven days.
