Table of Contents
Introduction
Sore throat is an annoying ailment, but almost always not worrying; for this reason, in most cases, it is not necessary to visit the doctor. However, this does not mean that you have to endure the pain while waiting for it to pass stoically. Fortunately, there are many self-help strategies to improve the situation.
Natural remedies for a sore throat.
What does it depend on
A sore throat is a sign of many conditions, including the common cold, seasonal allergies, acid reflux, or plain dry air. Regardless, it can be painful and uncomfortable. However, some natural remedies for a sore throat can mitigate the discomfort. Nevertheless, when the condition does not resolve itself or other disorders are present, it is still essential to seek the doctor’s advice.
Gargling with salt water
Saltwater gargles are excellent natural remedies for sore throats, as they help both soothe inflammation and eliminate the pathogens that may have caused the problem ( viruses and bacteria ) and mucus. In addition, a study published the previous year in Public Health confirmed that saltwater gargles help reduce viral load in people with upper respiratory infections, especially if done within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
How to proceed:
To gargle with salt water, mix a cup of warm water with half a teaspoon of salt. Take a sip (without swallowing), then rinse with the mixture for four or five seconds before spitting it out. Repeat several times. It is also possible to use regular table salt because the essential characteristic of the mixture is salinity, which can eliminate debris and kill bacteria and viruses.
Drink an adequate amount of water
In case of a sore throat, it is essential to drink water and stay hydrated: in fact, the more water you drink, the more mucus and saliva will produce, which cover the throat and respiratory tract, protecting them. Therefore, hydration is essential: some people have a sore throat because they only drink one glass of water daily.
Sip hot tea
According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking warm liquids such as tea can help soothe a sore throat. Better to opt for caffeine-free tea because caffeine can dehydrate, potentially worsening symptoms. These teas are good options because they boast soothing and anti-inflammatory properties: chamomile tea; peppermint; _ with cloves; raspberry; liquorice root.
Note: add a slice of lemon to the tea because this fruit helps loosen mucus and is rich in vitamin C and immune system ally.
Suck on the appropriate tablets
Many over-the-counter lozenges can use for sore throats. Particularly effective are those containing capital, menthol or honey as the main ingredient. In some cases, cough lozenges are also effective in soothing an inflamed throat. Be warned, though, because according to the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, there is a link between overuse of menthol cough lozenges and chronic sore throat.
Take a spoonful of honey
Honey is an effective home remedy for sore throats because it acts as an antiseptic, which means it stops or slows the growth of germs. In fact, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, adding honey to your “medical arsenal” for sick days may help improve symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
Of course, the idea is to take a spoonful of pure honey so as not to dilute it and make it adhere well to the throat. However, it is also okay to mix it into a hot drink, such as tea.
The power of honey can increase by combining it with ginger and garlic’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
For example, a May 2019 study published in the Journal of Advances in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences showed that combining honey with garlic extract and ginger extract served as an effective treatment for sore throat. However, don’t give honey to babies under one, as the ingredient links to a toxic disease called botulism in babies.
Use a humidifier or purifier
Both air purifiers and humidifiers are excellent natural remedies for sore throats, especially in arid environments and during the winter months. Humidifiers are helpful because they moisten the air you breathe, eliminating dryness that can irritate and inflame the throat.
However, there are little things to keep in mind when using a humidifier: always use a cool-mist humidifier; use it only in short periods so that it does not create mould in the rooms; clean and dry the humidifier every day; use distilled water instead of tap water.
Air purifiers can decrease the number of pollutants in the air, which can help reduce symptoms caused by allergies. You can put the air purifier next to your bed to work while you sleep for the best results. Also, remember to regularly clean and replace air filters as needed in your heating and cooling systems. And, avoid ozone-generating air filters and electronic air filters because they emit ozone, harmful to humans.\
