A sore throat can make us remember all the times we took our health for granted. When a sore throat interferes with our ability to eat, drink, talk, and sleep, we want nothing but the pain and irritation to go away as soon as possible.
However, sore throat is the first sign of an impending flu or cold. This is why it is important to treat the inflammation and pain associated with sore throats as quickly as possible. Even though there are plenty of OTC medicines for sore throat treatment, natural sore throat remedies are always effective to ease the discomfort, pain, and swelling of a sore throat.
Here are the six most effective sore throat remedies to treat the pain and inflammation as soon as possible.
Warm Liquids
Warm liquids like chicken soup or chamomile tea will soothe a sore throat. These warm drinks help lubricate the throat and promote salivation. Hot drinks also have a special sensory impact and relaxes you physically and mentally. This placebo effect efficiently treats and soothes pain. Warm liquids will also clear your mucous membranes and reduce coughs. They help soothe the back of the throat and cause muscle relaxation.
Honey
Honey has exceptional anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties. The thick syrup is pleasant to taste and smell and nature’s best remedy for sore throat. Honey is very effective in decreasing throat inflammation and irritation. Here are different methods of how you can take honey to soothe a sore throat.
· Take 1 teaspoon of honey for sore throat.
· Dilute half a teaspoon of honey in warm water. You can either drink this water or gargle with it.
· Mix 1 teaspoon of honey in herbal tea or warm lemon water and sip on it.
· Lick a teaspoon of honey before going to bed, as it will give your sore throat relief as you sleep.
Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation is best for sinus congestion or cough, but it is also one of the most common sore throat remedies. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or a vaporizer device can effectively help with congestion, ease the mucous congestion in the sinuses and lungs, and soothe a sore throat. You can also run hot water in a sink, cover your head with a towel, lean into the sink, and breathe in the steam. Do this for several minutes to ease the sore throat. Alternatively, boil water in a pan and add a tablespoon of any menthol ointment. Inhale the steam filled with menthol decongestant aroma, and you will start feeling better in just a couple of minutes.
Salt Water Gargles
Saltwater gargles typically come first to mind when we are dealing with sore throats. Warm salt water can effectively reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing. Furthermore, salt also prevents infection and the growth of bacteria in your mouth and throat, making it one of the best sore throat remedies. Here is how you can use salt water to help ease a sore throat.
· Add half a teaspoon of table salt to 8 ounces of warm water.
· Stir until salt dissolves in the water.
· Gargle with the warm salt water for several seconds, then spit it out.
· Repeat a couple of times, and do this remedy every day until all the pain and inflammation goes away.
Try OTC Pain Relievers
Most of the time, sore throat is caused by viral or bacterial infections. We cannot treat viruses with antibiotics, but OTC NSAIDs, such as Advil or Aleve, can help reduce the pain and swelling. These pain relievers also treat the soreness and scratchiness in your throat. Other flue and cold products offer sore throat relieving ingredients that can break up congestion, treat cough, and alleviate pain and inflammation in your throat. However, make sure that you are aware of other symptoms, along with sore throat, before treating it with OTC remedies.
Baking Soda
Baking soda kills bacteria in your throat and prevents it from spreading and causing more damage. Baking soda also breaks up the mucous in your throat, as its alkaline effect neutralizes the mouth acids. Furthermore, baking soda protects the throat against inflammation and promotes lubrication. Add half a teaspoon of baking soda to warm water, and use this mixture to gargle after every few hours for a couple of days. You will begin to see its effects in no time.
Conclusion
How long your sore throat lasts depends on what is causing it. We recommend our readers consider all symptoms that appear alongside a sore throat and then treat it with appropriate medicines and remedies.
At Health One Family Medicine, we offer primary care services to all those who are suffering from chronic conditions. Contact us now for an appointment.
