By definition, a sore throat is a pain, irritation, or itchiness in the throat. According to the National Institute of Health, around 13 million visits to the doctor are only due to sore throat each year. Medically speaking, a sore throat is due to an immune system response to viral and infectious bacteria. It is characterized by pain in the throat followed by irritation and itching. Sore throat is classified as Pharyngitis, Tonsillitis, and Laryngitis. For ages, people have been using natural remedies for the treatment of sore throat at home. In this article, we are going to mention some of the well-tried and tested natural remedies that can fix your sore throat in no time.
Mostly, sore throat is due to environmental factors, such as a cold breeze, change of weather, or the start of the spring season. Besides that, common causes of the sore throat also include the common cold, chickenpox, and mumps. Other causes include mononucleosis, measles, allergy, and influenza. Symptoms of sore throat include scratchy and dry throat, cough, and swollen glands.
Home remedies for sore throat:
Home remedy is medication prepared at home and have no authentic medical supervision. Since ages, people have been practicing the art of home remedies to cure diseases. For this purpose, they use different herbs, plants, and fruits to ease the symptoms and relieve themselves. Some of the home remedies actually work while rest may cause worse conditions. Following are remedies you can practice at home to cure a sore throat.
Marshmallow root:
Marshmallow plant has been used to treat sore throat since the middle ages. Its root contains a substance known as mucilage that lubricates the throat when you swallow it. Besides that, its mild laxative properties soothe the mucous membranes that line the respiratory tract.
To prepare this home remedy, take a jar of cold water, and add marshmallow roots in it. Submerge the roots into the jar for at least 8 hours. Then, sip it throughout the day to ease the pain.
Apple cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is another natural ingredient that has been used to treat sore throat for centuries. Oxymel, a combination of apple cider vinegar and honey, is vital in treating flu and sore throat. Apple cider vinegar has anti-bacterial property. It makes acidic coating in the throat and kills the germs.
All you have to do is to mix apple cider vinegar and honey in warm water. You can consume this mixture to minimize the pain.
Salt Water Gargle:
Saltwater gargle is one of the most famous natural home remedies to cure a sore throat. Basically, salt helps to kill unwanted microbes in your throat and ease the pain. It is actually one of the simplest and effective home remedies for the treatment of sore throat. All you have to do is add 1 tablespoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds, once an hour.
Licorice Root:
Licorice root is basically native to South Asia and Europe and has been in use for centuries to treat sore throat. It is actually a flowering plant that belongs to the family of beans (Fabaceae). Glycyrrhizin is an active compound present in licorice. It has similar properties as aspirin. Studies have found that licorice reduces throat pain due to breathing tube removal. One study has found that gargling with licorice water before surgery reduces the sore throat by 50%. So, in a way, its a pretty magical root when it comes to the treatment of your sore throat.
Peppermint essential oil:
Peppermint is famous for its ability to freshen the breath. Its essential oil can work wonders in treating sore throat. Basically, peppermint oil thins out the mucus and cleanse our throat. Therefore, it’s one of the most effective natural home remedies for the treatment of sore throat and dry cough. Moreover, peppermint has significant anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties which promotes healing and keeps us safe from several diseases. So, you can use peppermint oil for the effective treatment of sore throat.
Well, the question is how to use it? Basically, peppermint oil or any other essential oil is too strong to use. So, you have to add a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil in it to dilute it. In the case of peppermint oil, you have to mix 5 drops of peppermint essential oil with one ounce of carrier oil (your choice). You can use the mixture to massage the throat and neck area to get some relief. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t ingest any essential oil in their pure form.
Lemon Water:
Yellow-colored lemon contains vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant. It is a refreshing beverage that increases the amount of saliva. It also keeps your membrane moist. Lemon water makes the throat acidic and thus, kills the bacteria. Combining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in one cup of warm water will ease the swollen throat. Add honey to this mixture to increase its benefits.
Ginger root tea:
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects that help to ease throat pain. It kills bacteria responsible for the illness. Ginger is rich in phytonutrients and bioactive compounds such as gingerols and shogaols. Bioactive compounds boost immunity against infection.
Mix 1 tablespoon of powdered ginger in one cup of warm water. Sip this mixture 3 times a day to ease the pain. You can also add honey in it as a sweetener.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is a spice having antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It is a natural remedy used to ease a sore throat. It can be used as a tea or add in other beverages to help to reduce sore throat.
Coconut oil:
Coconut oil is one of the best ways to ease sore throat because it lubricates the mucous membrane. Studies have found that it reduces inflammation and pain.
Coconut oil may add to tea or soup. A Spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth for at least 10 minutes remove toxins. If you’re uncomfortable with this home remedy, you can apply coconut oil around your throat. This will also ease your pain.
Fenugreek:
Fenugreek is a natural remedy to relieve throat pain. It can be consumed as seed, tea, and oil. Researches have found that fenugreek can kill bacteria that cause inflammation and irritation. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, pregnant women should avoid fenugreek.
To prepare this home remedy, boil fenugreek seeds and strain the water. Gargle with this water 3 times a day to minimize the pain.
Cayenne Pepper:
You actually won’t believe this one but cayenne pepper has marvelous properties. It contains a compound known as Capsaicin. Capsaicin blocks pain receptors. Cayenne pepper soothes the sore throat and reduces swelling. Furthermore, its antibacterial property helps to kill the bacteria that cause irritation. You can mix powdered cayenne pepper with honey and eat this mixture.
Sage and Echinacea:
Sage is a herb having several medicinal uses. It helps to relieve a sore throat. Echinacea is also a herb that fights against bacteria and reduces inflammation. Sage and echinacea spray is effective at reducing throat pain. Following is the recipe for sage echinacea throat spray.
Place sage and echinacea is boiled water for 30 minutes. Pour mixture and add liquor in it. Spray it into the throat after every two hours.
Chamomile tea:
Chamomile is a plant that promotes restful sleep. Studies have found that chamomile helps fight against infectious disease. The best way to intake chamomile is to use it as tea. Chamomile tea is important for healing sore throat.
When to Contact a Doctor:
Sore throat improves by the home treatment. But you must see your doctor if you experience severe sore throat with a high fever. You should also see your doctor if you have difficulty sleeping because of your sore throat or your throat is blocked by swollen tonsils.
Conclusion:
A sore throat is an irritation and swelling in your throat due to viral infection. Sore throat is caused by bacteria and other environmental changes. You can cure sore throat at home. Home remedies for a sore throat include cinnamon, cayenne pepper, chamomile tea, and many more. But if you experience severe pain and fever, you must see your doctor.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/sore-throat#home-remedies
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318631
https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/sore-throat-natural-remedies
https://www.medicinenet.com/sore_throat_home_remedies_and_treatment/article.htm
