The burning sensation, irritation, and pain that accompany a sore throat can sometimes make it difficult to even speak or swallow food. Here are some tips to relieve these discomforts.    

1.Salt water or baking soda gargling

Gargling with salt water is an effective home remedy that helps relieve a sore throat. The salt acts as a mild antiseptic while helping to extract water from the lining of the throat. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of hot water, gargle with this solution and spit it out, several times a day. You can also gargle with a solution of water and baking soda. 

2.Honey  

Thanks to its antibacterial and coughing properties, honey can accelerate the healing of sore throats. Honey also exerts hypertonic and osmotic action, that is, it extracts water from inflamed tissues, reducing swelling and pain. Add a few teaspoons in a cup of hot water, or in an infusion.

3. Vitamin C

Without being a cure-all, some supplements can help boost your immune system, help inflamed throat tissue to heal and provide pain relief. Whether your sore throat is caused by a cold, flu or sore throat, vitamin C can help boost the immune system and fight infection. You can also take natural vitamin C in the form of acerola.

4. garlic

In addition to having many health benefits, garlic may also help fight infection better. Dried garlic has powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

5. Zinc to speed up the healing of a sore throat 

In one study, participants who took a lozenge containing about 13 mg of zinc every two hours saw their viral sore throat heal three to four days sooner than those who did not. not. However, zinc could compromise immunity, hence the importance of not taking it in the long term.

6.The soup made from chicken broth, garlic, herbs and vegetables

Consume lean broth based soup made with vegetables or chicken, garlic, herbs and vegetables. Garlic fights inflammation and strengthens the immune system, the warm liquid soothes the throat, while vegetables provide certain nutrients that can promote healing. 

7. Use horehound  

Horehound reduces swelling in irritated throat tissues, in addition to clearing mucus and making it easier to drain.. White horehound was already used in Antiquity to relieve coughs and as an antidote to certain poisons. Infuse 10 teaspoons of the chopped plant in 2 cups of boiling water for 2 minutes, then extract the liquid absorbed by the horehound.

8. Drink plenty of water and hot drinks

Drink at least 2 liters of fluid a day to soothe your throat. Hot drinks like soups and herbal teas can also provide great relief and soothe pain..  

9.Change your toothbrush if your sore throat recurs

If your sore throat recurs, get a new toothbrush. Over time, bacteria build up on the brush bristles and could re-enter your system through small wounds., and infect you again. A study published in the journal ACS Environmental Science & Technology has shown that triclosan (endocrine disruptor), a substance found in toothpaste, accumulates dangerously on our toothbrushes. 

10.Rest and healthy food

Like colds and the flu, nervous tension and fatigue can lead to a sore throat. Take a rest! To stimulate your immune system, it is recommended to have a healthy lifestyle, including getting enough sleep and adopting a varied and balanced diet. In cooking, use garlic, ginger, shiitake and reishi mushrooms, as well as fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants that help boost immunity.

Finally, always consult a pharmacist or doctor before resorting to natural remedies or supplements. A healthcare professional will be able to tell you the best treatments and remedies to use, taking into account your symptoms, your condition, the medications you are taking and your state of health.

Marie-Eve Wilson-Jamin

Read also: Medical treatments for a sore throat