A sore throat is painful irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. The most common cause of a sore throat, also called pharyngitis is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Sore throat can be also caused by bacterial and fungal infections, as well as smoking, acid reflux, excessive shouting, allergy, or dry air.
Sore throat can be very painful and uncomfortable. You can try to ease the pain at home with some of the best natural remedies described below.
1. Salt Water
The best way to get rid of the sore throat is gargling with salt water. Salt works has antiseptic properties and reduces inflammation, giving you instant relief.
How to use it:
Mix ½ tsp. of salt in a glass of warm water. You can add some honey for a better taste. Gargle with the solution. Do not swallow it. Spit the water out after gargling. Do this method 4 times a day for better results.
2. Slippery Elm
Slippery elm relieves soreness and reduces irritation.
How to use it:
Mix 1 tsp. inner barks of slippery elm with 2 cups of boiling water, then let it steep for a few minutes, and strain the solution.Drink it slowly while it is still warm. If you can’t find the herb, you can also use slippery elm in capsule form from any drug store.
3. Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help treat or prevent sore throats.
How to use it:
Eat one raw garlic clove daily. Raw garlic releases the chemical known as allicin that kills the bacteria that causes the sore throat. If you don’t like the taste, you can take garlic pills or garlic oil. Just add a few drops of garlic oil to one-fourth cup of water and gargle with it once a day.
4. Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root contains mucilage, the substance that coats the throat and soothes a sore throat.
How to use it:
Add 1 tbsp. of dried marshmallow root to 1 cup of boiling water and steep it for about half an hour. Strain the solution, add some honey if you like and drink it. Have 3 cups of this herbal tea in a day.
Note: This remedy is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, or people who are diabetic.
5. Fenugreek
Fenugreek gives you instant relief and eases the sore throat pain and inflammation.
How to use it:
Prepare a gargle solution by mixing 2 tbsp. of fenugreek seeds to 6 cups of water. Boil the mixture for about half an hour. Leave it on for a while on a room temperature and then strain it.Gargle with this solution 3-4 times a day.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and can be very helpful for treating a sore throat.
How to use it:
Mix 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar with 1 tsp. of lemon juice and honey in a cup of warm water. Drink this mixture slowly. Do this two or three times a day. You can also make a gargle solution with apple cider vinegar. Just, mix 1 tsp. of salt and 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar in one cup of warm water. Gargle with the solution 5-6 times a day.
7. Lemon
Use lemons to get relief from a sore throat as they help remove mucus.
How to use it:
Prepare hot lemonade with some honey. Use a juice from half a lemon and 1 tsp. of honey in one cup of warm water. Drink it slowly. You can also gargle with freshly pressed lemon juice diluted with an equal amount of warm water.
