Sore throats usually start as an itchy feeling and escalate to severe pain every time you swallow. Even if you treat your cough and cold symptoms with over-the-counter medications, rest, and drinking plenty of fluids, you can use both natural and over-the-counter remedies for sore throat relief.
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Method 1 of 2: With Products That Can Be Purchased Without a Prescription
Step 1. Immediately start smoking the zinc gluconate lozenge
Research shows that the lozenge can reduce the duration of colds by half when taken from the first signs of colds. Lozenges can also reduce inflammation, tightness, and soreness.
If you wait more than two days after you start to catch a cold, a zinc lozenge probably won't help. Try lozenges and other over-the-counter throat sprays
Step 2. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and pain
Aspirin and ibuprofen will reduce pain for 4-12 hours at a time. Ask your doctor before you take these medicines if you are also taking blood thinners or other medicines.
Step 3. Take a menthol lozenge
The mint mixture will reduce pain and soothe your throat. Look for ones that are low in sugar, as sugar can cause inflammation.
Step 4. Purchase an over-the-counter throat spray
Look for one that contains an active ingredient called phenol. This chemical is a local anesthetic that will numb the sore throat for several hours.
Step 5. Drink cough syrup
Choose one that contains a nightly formula or one that doesn't cause drowsiness. The cough syrup will coat your throat, reducing inflammation and numbing the pain for an hour or two.
- Choose a cough syrup that also treats your other cold symptoms.
- Use according to the directions on the package, reducing the dose according to age and duration of colds.
- Do not take anti-inflammatory drugs at the same time as cough syrups, because most cough syrups already contain anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Step 6. Talk to your doctor about strong numbing solutions that should be purchased by prescription
If pain in your throat is interfering with your sleep or activities, a lidocaine hydrochloride mouthwash may work. Mix the mouthwash with water and use it like you would a regular mouthwash.
- Try to concentrate the mouthwash in your throat by tilting your head back.
- Eat before you use the mouthwash and avoid eating anything after for 30 minutes. This mouthwash is strong enough that it can numb your gums and tongue as well.
Method 2 of 2: Sore Throat Naturally
Step 1. Place two whole cloves in your mouth
Cloves are available on the spice rack at your local grocery store. Suck both cloves until soft, then chew until smooth, and swallow.
- The chemical eugenol in cloves numbs your throat and mouth as a natural pain reliever.
- Do not replace whole cloves with clove oil or clove powder.
Step 2. Drink chamomile tea
If you can, buy whole chamomile flowers or teas that contain chamomile powder. Soak in hot water for 10 minutes, then drink.
- Chamomile can slightly numb a sore throat, and it also contains anti-seizure properties to relieve coughs.
- Repeat as often as you want until your throat feels better.
Step 3. Keep your throat moist by drinking plenty of fluids, eating soups, and using fresheners
This product won't numb your throat, but it can reduce discomfort and speed up healing time.
