Sore throats go hand in hand with the cold season. As winter creeps upon us, we must prepare for these irritating maladies that leave us with burning, aching throats.
There are countless causes of sore throats ranging from bacterial and viral infections to occasional irritations and even allergies. However, all of these factors are made more potent by the cold, and thus avoiding sore throats becomes even harder than you would expect. So, the next best thing is to know how to treat sore throats effectively.
Here are the best methods we found for treating a sore throat, all of which can be accessed from the comfort of your home.
1. Use Honey
Honey is a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial substance with medicinal effects that are highly effective in fighting body infections. People use honey as it has a natural delicious sweetness to combine with other ingredients to soothe and treat sore throats. To make it effective in treating sore throats, honey can be taken raw or combined with warm water, natural herbs, vinegar, or even apple cider to treat sore throats.
However, children below 1 year are advised to avoid honey. The gastrointestinal tracts of such infants are yet to acquire healthy bacteria to fight germs that sometimes occur in honey such as botulism spores.
People with low-sugar diets may also want to avoid honey because it is a rich source of sugar and is packed with calories. Honey is a form of sugar and contains 17.3g of carbohydrates per tablespoon.
2. Drinking Hot Fluids Mixed with Lemon and Ginger
Lemon water mixed with ginger is a refreshing beverage that reduces pain caused by sore throats. The combined concussion is used to treat sore throats that occur due to the flu or cold.
Lemon contains powerful antioxidants and vitamin C concentrates. These compounds in lemon juice are used to fight inflammation that leads to sore and painful throat infections.
Additionally, ginger has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects used to help fight infection, minimize inflammation, and relieve painful sore throats.
Ginger root tea mixed with hot water, lemon water, and honey is effective in treating sore throats as it kills viruses and infectious bacteria that cause respiratory illnesses.
The following recipe can be used to make lemon and ginger tea mixed with honey:
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh ginger root, about a centimeter
- 1 liter of water
- 2 lemon fruits nicely squeezed into lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of honey
Directions:
- Peel the ginger root and grate it into a bowl
- Boil the 1 liter of water until it comes to a boil
- Add the grated ginger into the boiling water, add garlic and ginger and cover to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour it into a cap and add 2 tablespoons of honey as a sweetener, then stir to perfectly combine.
3. Gargle Saltwater
Gargling salt water is the most common remedy for getting rid of a sore throat. Salt is used to kill harmful microbes found in the throat. Gargling the saltwater helps to pull out water found on the throat tissues, reducing swelling and inflammation.
One is advised to use a tablespoon of salt by dissolving and stirring in a glass of warm water before use. Gargling hourly reduces the swelling, easing throat discomfort.
4. Sage and Echinacea
Sage, is a popular Mediterranean herb used for cooking and medicinal use. Additionally, Echinacea is a traditional medicinal herb used to treat respiratory illnesses, fight bacterial infections, and reduce inflammation.
Sage and Echinacea spray is an effective home remedy for treating sore throats as it is an antiseptic medication treatment for painful sore throats.
5. Chicken Soup
Chicken broth makes a raw sore throat treatment remedy to use at home. The soup allows the person to get more fluids that are effective to ease the discomfort.
Adding natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as garlic, and ginger. Cinnamon, and peppermint in the soup add more flavor and favorable compounds for fighting the bacteria.
The active bioactive compounds provide additional benefits of soothing sore throats, easing the healing process of the sore throat.
6. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water and healthy fluids frequently help to keep the throat moist. Drinking fluids and getting enough rest helps to prevent dehydration, making a person avoid getting sore throats. It is advisable to avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can dehydrate you.
7. Use Humidifier And Avoid Irritants
Using a cool-air humidifier clears dry air which irritates sore throats. Using a clean humidifier or steamy bathroom lowers the chances of catching a bacterial infection that might lead to sore throats.
8. Sore Throat in Children and Infants
Treating sore throats among infants and children can differ from the remedies available for adults. Some of the home remedies and tips to use include:
- Wash hands using running water with antibiotic soaps frequently to avoid catching bacterial infections.
- Avoid giving acidic or spicy foods that might cause throat irritations.
- Offering healthy body fluids to keep the child hydrated.
- Keeping the child away from smoke or chemical fumes.
Conclusion
Viruses, bacterial infections, irritants, and allergies are the primary causes of sore throats.
To help treat sore throats, some of the best home remedies include herbal medicines, ginger, garlic, gargling saltwater, and more.
If you use your remedies effectively, your sore throat should get better on its own. If a sore throat doesn’t get better n its own, a trip to the doctor would be necessary.
