Home remedies for a sore throat – teas, potions and rinses that really help

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A sore throat can be very unpleasant. The main symptoms are pain and irritation in the throat, especially when swallowing. A sore throat occurs as part of the body’s immune response to viral or bacterial infections. The natural immune response leads to inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes in the throat. Fortunately, there are some natural remedies that can help relieve a sore throat.

1. Herbs such as sage, mint, echinacea and fenugreek can help with a sore throat
2. For gargling during an infection, potions based on water, salt and baking soda are recommended
3. If you have problems with recurring sore throats, keep your home moist and stop smoking
4. Find out what else can help you get rid of a sore throat with home remedies
5. You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page

Home remedies for a sore throat – sage and echinacea

Sage is a popular herb in cooking, but it also has several medicinal uses. Medicinal sage (Salvia officinalis), although native to the Mediterranean, is cultivated all over the world.

Sage can help with a wide range of inflammation, and controlled research suggests it can help soothe a sore throat. In one 2009 study published in the European Journal of Medical Research, a spray of sage and echinacea was slightly more effective at reducing a sore throat than a spray of chlorhexidine and lidocaine. Moreover, no treatment has caused any negative side effects.

Echinacea (Echinacea) is another herb that people use in traditional medicine. According to research published in Phytotherapy Research in 2018, it can fight bacteria, reduce inflammation and help treat respiratory diseases.

Throat spray with sage and echinacea

Follow this recipe to make a sage throat spray at home:

Ingredients: 1 teaspoon of ground sage (ground sage you can buy HERE), 1 teaspoon of ground Echinacea, 1/2 cup of water

Preparation:

1. Boil the water.
2. Place the sage and echinacea in a small jar and then pour boiling water over it.
3. Leave for 30 minutes.
4. Pour the mixture through a strainer. If desired, add 1/2 cup of strong liqueur.
5. Place the mixture in a small spray bottle and sprinkle the throat every 2 hours or as needed.

See also: They were used by cosmonauts and Olympic champions. “Plant enhancers” work on the body and mind

Home remedies for a sore throat – fenugreek

Fenugreek has many health benefits. It also has many forms. You can eat fenugreek seeds, apply topical oil, or drink fenugreek tea. Fenugreek tea is a natural remedy for a sore throat.

Studies (such as those published in the Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences in 2018) show the healing properties of fenugreek. It can relieve pain and kill bacteria that cause irritation or inflammation. Fenugreek is also an effective antifungal agent. However, researchers believe pregnant women should avoid fenugreek.

You can buy ground fenugreek at medonetmarket.pl.

Also read: Fenugreek for hair – use, rub, contraindications

Home remedies for a sore throat – gargling with salt water

Gargling with salt water (gargling with salt) is a well-known natural remedy for sore throat relief. Salt helps reduce swelling by drawing water out of the throat tissue. It can also help kill harmful germs in the throat.

It is recommended to combine 1 cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of salt and mix until dissolved. Gargle with this mixture once an hour for 30 seconds.

Home remedies for a sore throat – gargling with baking soda

While the throat is used more often, gargling with baking soda mixed with salt water can also help soothe a sore throat. Rinsing with this solution can kill bacteria and prevent the growth of yeasts and fungi.

The National Cancer Institute recommends gargling with a combination of 1 cup of warm water, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. If necessary, they recommend using a rinse every three hours.

Also read: Healing properties of baking soda

Home remedies for a sore throat – marshmallow

Since ancient times, people have used marshmallow extracts (Althaea), to treat a sore throat and other conditions.

Its root contains a gelatin-like substance, i.e. mucus that covers the throat when swallowed. Scientists have tested lozenges containing marshmallow root on animals and found them to be effective and non-toxic, even in very high doses. It can also help ease a dry cough, similar to research published in Complementary Medicine Research in 2019.

Marshmallow root infusion for a sore throat

Here’s a recipe for a cold infusion of marshmallow root to soothe a sore throat:

Ingredients: 1 liter of cold water, approx. 28 g of dried marshmallow root

Preparation:

1. Fill the jar with cold water.
2. Place the marshmallow root in the gauze and tie it into a bundle.
3. Lower the bundle into the water until it is completely submerged.
4. Place the knotted end of the bundle over the rim of the jar, put the lid on the jar and screw it on.
5. Infuse overnight or for at least 8 hours, then remove the bundle.
6. Pour the desired amount into the glass. Optionally, a sweetener can be added.
7. When the infusion is ready, drink it throughout the day to reduce symptoms of a sore throat.

See also: Marshmallow syrup – leaflet, composition, properties, indications, reviews

Home remedies for a sore throat – honey

Honey is a sweetener that people often combine with other natural ingredients to soothe a sore throat. People use honey as a medicine because it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, as confirmed by research published in 2018 in the journal Molecules.

What’s more, in addition to helping fight infection and relieving pain, honey can also improve the taste of certain medications. Honey can be especially effective when combined with warm water and apple cider vinegar or herbs.

As for the type of honey, some people choose raw honey or manuka honey. Try very healthy honey with thyme and coltsfoot, turmeric and cayenne pepper from the Sadowskie Apiary.

However, children under the age of 1 should avoid honey. Their gut has not yet acquired the healthy bacteria that can fight off some germs, such as botulinum spores, which are sometimes found in honey. In addition, people who avoid sugar or follow a low-carb diet may want to choose a different remedy as honey is a form of sugar and contains 17,3 g of carbohydrate per tablespoon.

Also check: Sweetener not so sweet

Home remedies for a sore throat – apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural health tonic. It has been the basic ingredient of folk medicine for centuries. Its main active ingredient, acetic acid, helps fight bacteria. Interestingly, the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine, prescribed a combination of apple cider vinegar and honey, called oximel, to treat flu symptoms such as cough and sore throat.

To ease a sore throat, drink 1 cup of warm water mixed with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and optionally 1 tablespoon of honey.

However, there are dangers with apple cider vinegar including tooth decay and digestive problems.

You can find apple cider vinegar in supermarkets, health food stores, and on the Internet. On medonetmarket.pl you will find, among others organic apple cider vinegar from the Szczepanówka farm.

Also read: What to do when the intestines are sick? Find out where digestive problems are coming from

Home remedies for a sore throat – licorice root

Smooth licorice (Glycyrrhiza gabra), comes from Europe and South Asia. It is best known for its sweet taste and is also used in traditional medicine.

It has aspirin-like properties that can help reduce a sore throat. It also has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, according to research published in 2015 in “Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B”. However, there is no research on its ability to relieve a sore throat associated with the disease.

Research like the one published in 2016 in the European Journal of Anaesthesiology showed that after surgery, licorice can significantly reduce sore throats caused by removal of the breathing tube.

In turn, one study published in the scientific journal Anesthesia & Analgesia in 2013 showed that rinsing with licorice water before surgery reduces the risk of a sore throat by 50%. compared to rinsing with sugar water.

To make licorice tea, combine the ground licorice root with hot water, let it sit for 5 minutes, then strain before drinking.

Licorice root tea is also available in natural grocery stores and on the Internet. You can buy Pukka Three Licorice licorice tea at Medonet Market.

Also check: Tracheotomy – what is it? Indications and complications

Home remedies for a sore throat – ginger root tea

Ginger is a spice with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe a sore throat. Some laboratory studies (such as those published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2013) have shown that ginger extract can kill some bacteria and viruses that cause respiratory disease. It can also reduce inflammation in people with tuberculosis, which is a lung disease.

Ginger tea is available in most markets and online retailers. You can also make your own from fresh ginger.

Ginger root tea for a sore throat

Follow this recipe to make ginger root tea at home:

Ingredients: fresh ginger root, 1 l of water, approx. 21 g of honey or any sweetener, squeezed lemon juice

Preparation:

1. Peel the ginger root and mash it in a small bowl.
2. Boil water in a large saucepan, then remove from heat.
3. Pour 1 tablespoon of grated ginger into a saucepan and cover with a lid.
4. Set aside for 10 minutes.
5. Add sweetener and lemon juice, then mix everything.

Ginger root tea works well warmed when needed or served cold.

Home remedies for a sore throat – chamomile tea

Chamomile is a daisy-like plant that people have used for medicinal purposes since ancient times.

Some studies (such as those published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine in 2017) suggest that chamomile tea promotes restful sleep, which is important for treatment effects. Another study published in the Journal of AOAC International in 2015 found chamomile to help fight infections and reduce pain.

Chamomile tea has a pleasant, mild aroma and flavor. Like other herbal teas, chamomile is caffeine-free.

Chamomile tea is widely available in grocery stores and on the Internet.

Also check: How to fall asleep quickly? Ways to fall asleep quickly

Home remedies for a sore throat – peppermint tea

Peppermint tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds and soothes the throat. Mint can also slightly numb the throat, thereby relieving pain.

Mint tea is caffeine-free and its naturally sweet flavor often requires no additional sweetener. There are many herbal teas with peppermint available in stores and on the Internet.

To make peppermint tea at home, brew the fresh peppermint leaves in boiling water for 3-5 minutes and then strain.

Home remedies for a sore throat – coconut oil

Coconut oil is a versatile product with many health benefits.

Animal studies (such as those published in Medical Principles and Practice in 2011) suggest that it may help fight infections and reduce inflammation in vulnerable areas.

Coconut oil is also very soothing as it helps lubricate the mucous membranes of the throat.

How To Use Coconut Oil?

1. Add a spoon to hot tea or hot cocoa.
2. Add a spoon to the soup.
3. Put the spoon in your mouth, allowing it to melt and cover your throat.

However, it is recommended that you limit your coconut oil intake to about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) per day as higher doses may have a laxative effect. When using coconut oil for the first time, it’s better to start with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) at a time to minimize any potential side effects.

See also: Laxatives – to take or not?

Home remedies for a sore throat – lemon water

Lemon water is a refreshing drink that can also reduce a sore throat that occurs with a cold or flu.

Lemon contains vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants. These compounds fight inflammation and reduce oxidative stress, which are common markers of disease, as confirmed in a 2019 study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity.

Lemon also increases the amount of saliva your body produces, which can help keep your mucous membranes moist.

It’s worth trying to combine lemon with warm water and a little honey or salt water to maximize its benefits.

Also read: Is drinking lemon water on an empty stomach?

Homemade remedies for a sore throat – cinnamon

Cinnamon is a fragrant and delicious spice that is high in antioxidants. It may also provide antibacterial benefits, according to a 2018 study published in the journal Microbial Pathogenesis.

In Chinese medicine, cinnamon is a traditional remedy for colds, flu and sore throats. You can buy cinnamon tea from most grocery stores, in both herbal and regular varieties, and online. You can also add cinnamon to herbal or black tea.

Another option is to prepare cinnamon almond milk, which can be especially soothing for a sore throat.

Cinnamon almond milk for a sore throat

Follow this recipe to make cinnamon and almond milk at home:

Ingredients: 1 cup of almond milk, 1/2 teaspoon (2,5 ml) of ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon (0,6 ml) of baking soda, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of honey or any sweetener

Preparation

1. Add cinnamon and baking soda to a saucepan and mix.
2. Add the almond milk and mix again until the ingredients combine well.
3. Heat the mixture until it starts to boil, then take it off the heat.
4. Finally, add honey or sweetener.

See also: Cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels

Home remedies for a sore throat – cayenne pepper or hot sauce

Often used as a pain reliever, cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a natural compound known to block pain receptors.

While it hasn’t been scientifically proven, consuming cayenne pepper mixed with warm water and honey can help soothe a sore throat. However, keep in mind that the initial burning sensation is common. You should not take cayenne pepper if you have open sores in your mouth. It’s better to start with a few drops of hot sauce or a little cayenne pepper as both can be very spicy.

Also check: Spicy spices can extend life

Home remedies for a sore throat – chicken soup

Chicken soup is a well-known natural remedy for colds and sore throats. It is also a dish that allows sufferers to replenish their fluids.

It is good to add garlic to the broth. Garlic, along with the results of a study published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine in 2014, contains bioactive compounds that may also have health benefits during illness.

Home remedies for a sore throat – plenty of fluids

While swallowing can be uncomfortable, drinking plenty of water or other fluids will eventually make our throat feel better. It is important that the mucous membranes of the throat are moistened so that they can heal.

In this case, it is recommended to drink tea, herbal infusions, water or other drinks at any temperature that is most convenient for us.

Also read: Why does the body need water?

Home remedies for a sore throat – herbal lozenges

Teas, infusions, and other drinks are soothing and moisturizing, but sometimes sucking on a lozenge can also be calming.

There are herbal throat lozenges you can buy at intenet stores and some natural grocery stores. People can also make homemade throat lozenges to use some of the aforementioned herbs.

For example, red elm is a popular herb for lozenges. It contains mucus that coats and soothes the throat, just like marshmallow root.

It’s a good idea to make the lozenges ahead of time so you have them on hand when you develop a sore throat. You can buy Whole Blue tablets for relieving sore throat and vocal cords HERE.

Home remedies for a sore throat – air humidifier

Breathing dry air can negatively affect the throat, irritating it. An air humidifier moisturizes the nose and throat, making breathing much more comfortable. It’s a good idea to add a few drops of essential oil for a soothing throat aromatherapy session.

Let’s turn on the humidifier at night while we are asleep to keep the room moisturized while our body rests and works to regenerate itself.

See also: Cough inhalations

Home remedies for a sore throat – stop smoking

If we smoke, there are many reasons to stop smoking, including relieving a sore throat. Inhaling cigarette, cigar or pipe smoke can cause a dry, irritated and swollen throat, as well as a cough which can also irritate the throat.

The substances in the smoke irritate the tissues, and the heat generated by these tobacco products also leads to a sore throat.

Moreover, secondhand smoke can also cause a sore throat, so avoid being around anyone who smokes if you suffer from a sore throat.

Also check: How to Quit Smoking Successfully? Doctor: there are two clinics all over Poland

Home remedies for a sore throat – eating cold

Some people find relief by sucking on or eating ice cream. If we have enlarged lymph nodes, ice packs can also help. However, never put ice directly on your skin. Let’s put a T-shirt or a clean cloth between the skin and the ice.

Home remedies for a sore throat – medications

Over-the-counter medications can also help relieve a sore throat, including:

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs relieve inflammation and sore throat without causing stomach discomfort. Two common types are ibuprofen and aspirin;
2. sprays: lidocaine sprays and other anesthetic throat sprays can effectively reduce sore throat;
3. lozenges: throat lozenges containing lidocaine or other types of anesthetic drugs can help soothe a sore throat.

Also read: How to take medications effectively?

Home remedies for a sore throat for babies and children

A sore throat in babies and toddlers is definitely not fun, but the good news is that they’re rarely in and of themselves a sign of danger. Even so, treatments for a sore throat may be different in infants and children. Here are some tips and remedies.

1. Place the humidifier in the baby’s room. Moisture in the air can help ease the pain of a sore throat.
2. Keep your children hydrated by encouraging them to drink as much fluid as possible. Avoid juices or ice cream with lots of citrus.
3. Children under 5 should not be given hard cough candies or anything else that may present a choking hazard. Be careful when giving cough drops to children under 10 years old.
4. Do not give honey to children under the age of 1 year.