A sore throat can occur due to various causes such as tonsillitis, allergies, flu, and common colds. Even though this condition is not dangerous, it is very uncomfortable. This is especially true when coupled with other symptoms like a cough and nasal congestion. Nonetheless, you can take various products to relieve your discomforts. If medications are unavailable, you can always use these natural remedies for a sore throat.
1. Chamomile Tea
Because of chamomile’s astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, drinking this tea can soothe a scratchy throat. But, that’s not all. Chamomile tea has other therapeutic benefits.
According to a study, this flavorful beverage can also strengthen your immune system and fight bacterial infections. The best part is that drinking chamomile tea can help you sleep. Remember, getting a lot of rest is necessary to help your body recover and get stronger as soon as possible.
2. Ginger and Lemon Tea
The combination of ginger and lemon is one of the best natural remedies for a sore throat. As you know, the yellow spice is widely-known for its strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce pain and swelling. When you add lemon to the tea, you will not only enhance the drink’s flavor. You are also increasing its therapeutic effects.
Basically, lemon juice is a natural astringent. As such, this citrus fruit can shrink the swollen tissues of your throat. Furthermore, vitamin C can increase your white blood cells. This effect can help speed-up your healing process, especially if you have a respiratory infection.
3. Cloves
The clove is another kitchen ingredient you can use to lessen the swelling of your throat. Aside from the spice’s anti-inflammatory effects, it is also a natural pain reliever and antibacterial agent.
To use this remedy, you can place cloves at the back of your mouth. Chewing the spice will also unleash its oil and healing agents. Another option is to add powdered cloves (1 to 3 teaspoons) in a glass of water and gargle the mixture.
4. Peppermint Oil
Another way to relieve a scratchy throat is through essential oils like peppermint. As you know, the menthol in this plant provides a cooling sensation that can help reduce soreness and nasal congestion. Additionally, peppermint has antimicrobial properties that can fight bacteria or viruses.
One way to use peppermint oil is to spray it on your throat. But, essential oils are potent products. You can create a diluted solution by adding five drops of peppermint oil with an ounce of carrier oil like olive or coconut oil. Moreover, do not ingest essential oils unless indicated on the product’s label.
5. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus is one of the most popular natural remedies for a sore throat. Like peppermint, this aromatic oil also has a cooling effect that can soothe the symptoms of the common colds or flu.
The best way to reap the oil’s therapeutic benefits is through deep breathing. You can do this by using an oil diffuser. Another effective method is to add a few drops of the oil in a hot bowl of water and inhale the steam.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another popular product with a long list of healing abilities. One, in particular, is the condiment’s acidic nature that can break down mucus and create an unfriendly environment for the bacteria. The vinegar also has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce pain and swelling.
The best way to use apple cider vinegar for a sore throat is to dilute one to two tablespoons in a cup of warm water and gargle the solution.
7. Salt Water
In this list of natural remedies for a sore throat, gargling with salt water is probably the most popular therapy.
As you know, salt can kill the bacteria in your throat. A saline solution can also draw out the excess water in your inflamed tissues, which reduces your pain and swelling. Lastly, this home remedy can also break down the mucus and flush it out of your body. You can also add some baking soda to strengthen the solution.
8. Hot Sauce
The last in this list is quite extraordinary but effective. As you know, hot sauce specifically red chili peppers have capsaicin, a substance with strong anti-inflammatory effects. But, there’s more. If you’ve tried eating spicy foods, you know their effectiveness in relieving your nasal congestion.
You can do this natural treatment by swallowing about 20 drops of hot sauce. However, do not consume chili or hot sauce if your mouth has open sores.
Sources:
- Chamomile (NCBI)
- Antibacterial Properties of Chamomile (Science Daily)
- Ginger (NCBI)
- Eucalyptus Oil (NCBI)
