13 Best Sore Throat Remedies You Should Know About

Sore throat is a condition that generally occurs due to microbial infections. In this condition, the sides of the throat hurt. Sore throat is a common symptom and can be easily ameliorated with the help of some popular sore throat remedies¹.

However, it is important to acknowledge here that sometimes a sore throat can be an indication of an underlying chronic condition. If a sore throat persists for more than two days and even worsens, medical care is urgently recommended.

Are you suffering from a sore throat and looking for sore throat remedies that can help you deal with the condition? Stick to the article till the end then as we share some popular home remedies and medications.

1. Effective Sore Throat Remedies

Sore throat is an extremely common occurrence and mentioned below are some of the most effective sore throat remedies:

1.1. Tea

Raspberry, chamomile, and peppermint tea are herbal teas that are great options for relieving pain and reducing swelling and inflammation. Chamomile and peppermint tea are naturally used as sore throat remedies and relieve pain effectively.

For someone who wishes for a warm cup of non-caffeine alternative before going to bed, then these beverages are great options for you. On the other hand, clover tea and green tea are beneficial as well. They contain antimicrobial ²and antibiotic properties which help in combatting infection.

1.2. Honey

Honey is a good remedy for sore throat due to its antimicrobial qualities. Honey can kill microbes and is considered one of the best sore throat remedies available on the market.

Mix two tablespoons of honey into a glass of tea or water. Stir well and gulp it down. Honey can act as a cough suppressor³ as well. However, note, honey should not be given to infants under one.

1.3. Hot Sauce

Hot sauce, made with peppers is high in capsaicin and helps in fighting inflammation, and provides effective pain relief. Just adding a drop of hot sauce into a hot cup of water is a good remedy for a sore throat.

However, it is not appropriate to use hot sauce in case of throat pain.⁴

1.4. Lemon

Lemon juice helps in dissolving mucus, easing pain, and relieving sore throats. Vitamin C helps to boost immunity and gives more energy to fight infections.

Put a teaspoon of lemon juice in hot water to get quick relief from the cold. It also helps in boosting your immune system.⁵

1.5. Over-the-Counter Antihistamines and Pain Relievers

Moreover, acetaminophen and naproxen reduce painful symptoms of inflammation in the skin and the throat. Histamines work by fighting foreign substances. This also protects your immune system.

A sore throat can sometimes trigger symptoms like coughing pains and postural drips that can increase the severity of the problem. Antihistamines ⁶fight off these conditions and soothe throat irritation in the process.

1.6. Gargling

Saltwater can ease throat inflammation and decrease the sting. Considered to be one of the best sore throat remedies gargling helps to calm the nasal passages and dissolves the clogged mucus. The use of saltwater reduces swelling and improves throat inflammation.

Saltwater is a natural remedy for sore throats. It helps in eliminating phlegm but does not swallow salt and makes sure the gargling does not dry out the sensitive throat membranes.

When facing severe throat pain, gargle two to three times a day for the best results.

1.7. Warm and Cold Fluids

Sip warm drinks like tea or chicken soup and cold fluids like iced water and popsicles to boost your healing process. They are effective at preventing mucous membrane damage and sinus infection.

Cool temperatures help in reducing coughs and are considered one of the best sore throat remedies out there.

1.8. Rest

Resting in an appropriate position is required to heal your condition. Flatness irritates as a result of an increase in pressure on the back of the throat. Try elevating a chair or resting on a bed or mattress rather than sitting. Avoid putting too much of yourself at rest beside your voice and your body. Try raising your bed or raising one to a chair to relax.

1.9. Hot Toddy

A hot toddy is a beverage produced of water, whiskey, honey, and liqueur.

Herbs and spices like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg can be added too. Doctors suggest that this beverage might help in relieving irritation and inflammation of the throat membranes.

1.10. Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is essential to alleviate constipation, thin mucous secretions, and keep the throat moist. Keep hydrated to minimize congestion and thin the mucus.

1.11. Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar is acidic kills bacteria and coats the throat to relieve pain. They may also help to relieve phlegm which irritates the throat.

[ To know more about the amazing benefits of apple cider vinegar, click here]

1.12. Raw Garlic

Garlic is antiseptic and can help to fight bacterial infections from the inside. This will help to relieve the sore throat and is one of the most effective sore throat remedies.

1.13. Zinc Lozenges

Zinc lozenges can reduce the severity of cold symptoms including sore throat effectively.

Apart from the above-mentioned sore throat remedies, you can follow these additional steps as well:

• Use a humidifier in your house
• You can try salting to get rid of viruses and relieve the clogging mucus.
• You can take over-the-counter allergy medication to alleviate the inflammation.
• Using sage/echinacea throat spray
• Practicing acupuncture
• Taking steam or hot baths can soothe an irritated throat too
• Alternative medicines like herbal lozenges, herbal sprays, and teas can now be purchased online which can help in reducing loosening mucus, swollen glands, and other symptoms. They have natural antibacterial properties which are widely used to soothe a sore throat. However, more research needs to be done to fully solidify the claims. You can ask your medical advisor to recommend you some alternative medicines.

2. When Should I See the Doctor?

Sore throat, when caused due to bacterial infections, can be painful and antibiotics are recommended in this case to heal the condition. You can use the home remedies like warm water, and apple cider vinegar to boost the healing process and ease throat pain.

If you experience symptoms that last for more than 48 hours make an appointment with your doctor and get your sore throat medically reviewed.

A swab is used to collect a sample of your throat and send it to a lab to undergo a biopsy before transport. If it is the bacteria in the throat that causes the sore throat, your doctor may prescribe antiviral antibiotics based on the health conditions or symptoms of the patient. Take the prescribed medications seriously and accept the provided medical advice for disease control.

3. What to Avoid for Sore Throat?

Doctors recommend avoiding foods that are hard to swallow and sticking with soup and soft foods until the sore throat pain has resolved.

Adults are advised to use acetaminophen and ibuprofen, however, many people use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin for children or teenagers to treat sore throats as well. These medications should not be used unless prescribed.

Do not give cold or cough medicine to children under the age of 4. For children older than 3 years consult with their pediatrician to find the dosage that will work best for them. Never give aspirin to children under six months of age as it can cause Reye’s syndrome which causes swelling of the liver brain and liver.

Now there you go, a list of some of the most effective sore throat remedies that you can use for treating sore throat. Many herbal remedies are available to help with throat problems. Sore throats are the outcome of microbial infections or can be caused due to inflammation of the neck after the tonsillectomy.

Many trusted home remedies are available to help with throat problems and the treatments listed on this page are some of the most effective ones. A painful throat usually will last three days and does not require medical care, according to experts.

However, consulting your medical advisor is important if the condition worsens.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

4.1. How do I get rid of a sore throat quickly?

You can get rid of a sore throat by following some remedies, taking mild medication like cough syrup, and seeking a doctor’s help.

4.2. How long will a sore throat last?

Sore throats are commonly caused by microbial infections and they resolve on their own between 3 to 8 days.

4.3. What drink helps a sore throat?

4.4. What to avoid eating during sore throat?

Avoid eating dry snacks, hard textured food, and drinks, during sore throat as it can cause irritation and inflammation to your throat. For example- crackers, crusty bread, sodas, coffee, spicy seasonings, and other food can be harsh on your throat.

4.5. Is sore throat serious?

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2. Cowan, Marjorie Murphy. “Plant products as antimicrobial agents.” Clinical microbiology reviews 12.4 (1999): 564-582. ↩︎
3. De Blasio, Francesco, et al. “Cough management: a practical approach.” Cough 7 (2011): 1-12. ↩︎
4. Swain, Santosh Kumar, et al. “An unusual cause of throat pain: A case report.” Indian J Public Health 10.11 (2019): 1029-31. ↩︎
5. Van Schoor, Roslynn. “Boosting your immune system.” SA Pharmacist’s Assistant 19.3 (2019): 31-32. ↩︎
6. Church, Martin K., and Diana S. Church. “Pharmacology of antihistamines.” Indian journal of dermatology 58.3 (2013): 219-224. ↩︎

Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by ayeshayusuf