Sore throats can be caused by allergies, talking or shouting too much, pollution, or a respiratory infection. Just as there are many different causes of a sore throat, so there are many treatments that can be used. If you're fed up with sore throats, there are many home remedies and over-the-counter medications that you can try.
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Method 1 of 4: By Drinking Liquids
Step 1. Keep the body hydrated
Drink plenty of water and other fluids designed to replenish nutrients in the body. Sports drinks are usually a good choice. Sports drinks can hydrate the body quickly and are available in a variety of delicious flavors.
Drinking plenty of fluids can also help clear the thin layer of mucus or other allergens that may be lining the throat and causing inflammation and pain
Step 2. Drink orange juice
Orange juice is rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Vitamin C is important for healthy bones, muscles and blood vessels.
Many people believe vitamin C supplements are helpful, but there are no medical studies that prove that vitamin C can actually affect the duration of the common cold
Step 3. Try hot tea
Chamomile tea, mixed with a little honey and lemon, is a great way to soothe your throat. The department store also sells a variety of teas specifically designed to treat throat irritation. Most teas are as effective as regular chamomile tea (with honey and lemon).
Step 4. Drink hot soup
Chicken soup is a classic home remedy for sore throats. Soup contains many nutrients and can soothe the throat. Opt for broth-based soups. Coarse soups can irritate the throat even more.
Step 5. Make a “hot toddy”
Most of the time, you just have to wait for the sore throat to go away on its own. For a temporary relief from the pain, try a hot toddy. Choose a hot drink that you like, such as coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate, or just hot water with lemon or honey. Many people also add cinnamon. What makes a hot toddy effective is the alcohol which is then added. Traditional hot toddy uses whiskey, brandy or rum. The warm liquid will soothe the throat. Alcohol will distract you from all problems.
Step 6. Try the garlic broth
Many people believe that garlic has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Many people also believe that garlic can help boost the immune system. While there is no solid evidence to support the theory, there are many holistic practitioners who advocate garlic broth.
- Peel and crush 2 cloves of garlic. Pour 240 ml of boiling water. Add salt to enhance the taste.
- If you prefer the taste of ginger to garlic, feel free to replace the garlic with ginger. Ginger helps relieve sinuses and throat.
Method 2 of 4: With Home Remedies
Step 1. Gargle with warm salt water
Dissolve 1 tsp (5 g) of salt in 240 ml of warm water. Gargle with salt water four times a day. Do not drink, because it can quickly cause the body to become dehydrated.
- Don't just rinse the salt water in your mouth. Be sure to run the salt water all the way to the back of your mouth, and let the salt do its work.
- Gara absorbs all the moisture present in the inflamed throat tissue. Bad bacteria need moisture to live. So, the salt will relieve inflammation in the back of the throat as well as attack the source of the problem.
- You can also gargle with Listerine. The antiseptic content in Listerine which is intended to kill plaque and bad bacteria in the mouth can also help fight infections in the throat. It will sting at first, but you will quickly feel better.
Step 2. Apply honey and red chili on the throat
Mix a little honey and red chili. Use a cotton swab to apply the mixture to the back of the throat. Red chili is a natural anti-inflammatory, which can relieve swelling in the throat. Honey helps the red chilies stick to the back of the throat.
Step 3. Make a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash at home
Hydrogen peroxide can be purchased at any convenience store or pharmacy. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic that can kill most bacteria that irritate the throat. Pour a capful of a bottle full of hydrogen peroxide, and mix it with 1 tablespoon of water and a little lemon juice for flavor. Put it in your mouth, and squirt it all over your mouth. Make sure the solution hits the back of the throat. Spit it out after a minute.
Step 4. Apply balsam (vapor rub) on the nose or chest
Most balms are designed to help clear congestion in the nose. The mint contained in the balm can also help relieve a sore throat. Purchase the balm at any convenience store or pharmacy.
Step 5. Eat marshmallows
This may seem strange at first. For centuries, people have used marshmallows to relieve sore throats. The gelatin content in marshmallows coats the back of the throat, thus protecting it from other irritants.
Step 6. Soothe your throat with a warm compress
Wrap a warm compress, such as a warm heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm wet towel, on the outside of your throat. We often relieve sore throats from within, but forget that we can also help reduce pain and irritation from the outside.
Step 7. Use a humidifier
A humidifier increases the humidity of the air. If your throat is dry and itchy, a humidifier can make you more comfortable. Install a humidifier in the bedroom at night to help you sleep. Longer hot showers can also be done. The moist air from hot water in the bathroom is the same as that produced by a humidifier.
Method 3 of 4: With Over-the-counter Medicines
Step 1. Take over-the-counter pain relievers
Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can be used. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil or Aleve, may already be in your medicine cabinet, and can help relieve swelling in your throat.
Step 2. Buy cough syrup
Cough syrup is not only for coughing, but also most throat problems. Be aware of the side effects of cough syrup. Many formulas cause drowsiness. If you are going to work, are going to drive, or operate heavy machinery, choose a formula that does not cause drowsiness.
Step 3. Purchase a throat antiseptic spray
Most throat sprays contain acetaminophen, which numbs the throat and reduces pain-causing swelling.
Step 4. Try a throat lozenge
Like antiseptic sprays, there are many "cough gums" that also contain low doses of acetaminophen, which can relieve swelling and numb the back of the throat. Cough gum is available in a variety of flavors and strengths. Try a few different types to find the one you like best. Be sure to read the directions on the package to find out how much in one day can be safely consumed.
Method 4 of 4: With Precautions
Step 1. Avoid pollution and other allergens
Stay indoors if there is smoke outside. Limit outdoor activities during the months when common allergens, such as pollen and ragweed, fill the air.
Step 2. Limit speaking
When speaking, air enters through the throat. This added activity can further irritate the throat, making inflammation worse.
Step 3. Choose foods that are easy to swallow
Try frozen yogurt, ice cream, or popsicles. It will cool and clear the throat at the same time.
Step 4. Don't smoke
Tar and cigarette smoke can further irritate the throat wall. If you have frequent sore throats and suspect that smoking is the cause, see your doctor. Consider quitting smoking.
Step 5. Seek medical help if:
- Condition did not improve after 2 days.
- There is a fever, swollen glands, or white patches form in the throat. These are all possible signs of streptococcal pharyngitis.
- The inside of the throat is blistered or bleeding.
- Sore throat with abdominal pain. Those may be signs of an acid reflux problem.
