12 Sore Throat Home Remedies and for Kids – Quick Relief

In case you are experiencing throat discomfort, you better know you are having s pharyngitis (sore throat). You might feel sore throat pain as itchiness or irritation in your throat. This throat condition may also make it difficult for you to swallow food and liquids. A sore throat is usually caused by a viral infection. In this article, we will discuss home remedies for sore throat.

Generally, people do not need to see a doctor to treat a sore throat. Unfortunately, the pain you experience from a sore throat can interfere with your sleep as well as your ability to focus on your daily activities. Anyway, there are easy ways to soothe a sore throat and reduce itchiness and irritation.

Type of Sore Throats

Laryngitis – Redness, swelling, and pain in the voice box (larynx). A sore throat caused by overuse of the vocal cords or from bacterial or viral infections in the throat is called laryngitis.
Pharyngitis – The term pharyngitis refers to inflammation of the pharynx. Pharyngitis is a common type of sore throat during cold months. Pharyngitis is caused by bacterial and viral infections in the throat.
Tonsillitis – Infected tonsils are known as tonsillitis. Swelling and redness of the tonsils are symptoms of the infection. Tonsils are soft tissues found at the back of the mouth.

The main symptoms of a sore throat

Irritation
scratchy
burning
pain
dry
raw
tender

A sore throat causes discomfort when you swallow food or while talking.

Other symptoms that may join a main sore throat

coughing
sneezing
hoarse voice
swollen glands in the neck
nasal congestion
trouble in swallowing
fever
chills
running nose
appetite loss
a headache
body pain

Causes of a Sore Throat

Sore throats are most commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections or are caused by injuries to the throat.

List of Sore Throat Causes

Common colds
Influenza
mononucleosis
mumps
chickenpox
measles
strep throat
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
dry air
smoke and air pollution
allergies
chemicals
Injury
tumor in the throat

12 Best Sore Throat Home Remedies

Listed below are some effective home remedies you can use on a sore throat:

1. Saltwater

Gargle with Salt Water to cure sore throat — Gargle with salt water to cure a sore throat

You know that saltwater kills bacteria in the throat and prevents them from growing. When you gargle with saltwater, you can maintain your throat’s cleanliness and kill bacteria. Additionally, saltwater relieves pain caused by a sore throat.

In a cup of warm water, mix 1 teaspoon of salt and gargle as often as you wish. The most effective way to gain results from saltwater gargling is to repeat it every three hours.

2. Honey

Honey is a great home remedy for sore throats. Even dry cough and other illnesses can be cured with it.

Honey is an easy way to treat a sore throat. Allow raw honey to flow through your throat as you swallow it. Alternatively, you can mix honey with your regular tea (without milk) and drink it.

Sore throats and dry coughs can be effectively treated with honey.

3. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile Tea for sore throat — Treat a sore throat with Chamomile Tea

The natural properties of chamomile tea provide a soothing effect on the throat.

Sore throat infections are traditionally treated with chamomile tea. This is due to its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antioxidant properties. Chamomile tea helps your body fight infections, including sore throats, by boosting the immune system.

By inhaling steam from chamomile tea or by drinking tea made with chamomile, you can relieve your sore throat.

Several studies have shown that inhaling chamomile tea helps soothe a sore throat.

Here is a complete guide if you want to learn how to grow chamomile plants.

4. Baking soda gargle

Baking soda mixed with salt in warm water can also be used as a gargle. Curing a sore throat with this is effective. Gargling with baking soda and salt also prevents the growth of yeast and fungi, while killing any bacteria present in the throat.

In a cup of warm water, combine 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gargle every three hours for best results.

5. Peppermint

peppermint cures sore throat — A sore throat can be treated with peppermint

A sore throat is relieved with the cooling effect produced by peppermint. Peppermint contains menthol, which plays a major role in its cooling effect as well as in curing sore throats. Peppermint’s menthol thins mucus present in your throat, making you feel better.

Peppermint is a well-known anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial herb that is useful in the treatment of sore throats.

Peppermint comes in a variety of forms to treat sore throats, including rubs, syrups, lozenges, and inhalations.

6. Marshmallow root

Marshmallow root herb has been used for ages to treat a variety of ailments. This herb contains a mucus-like substance. Marshmallow root helps to coat the inner region of the throat and soothe it.

Boil a few dried marshmallow roots in a bowl of water to make a cup of tea. Sip the tea slowly. Repeat a few times a day. Sore throat symptoms such as irritation and itching will quickly disappear.

According to some studies, taking marshmallow root in some individuals can reduce blood sugar levels. It is therefore advisable that diabetes patients avoid taking marshmallow root in any form for any ailment. If you wish to take marshmallow root, consult your doctor first.

7. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek Seeds cures sore throat — Drink Fenugreek Seeds te for a sore throat

Fenugreek Seeds are well known as a natural home remedy for sore throats. Since it has healing properties, this herb is used for many other ailments as well. Fenugreek seeds are anti-inflammatory and antifungal. Fenugreek seeds have been shown to have healing powers in humans in numerous studies.

One of the easiest ways to treat a sore throat is to drink Fenugreek tea. A sore throat can also be relieved by eating Fenugreek seeds directly.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, pregnant women should not use Fenugreek seeds to treat a sore throat.

8. Licorice root

It has been traditional to use licorice root for treating sore throats for a long time. Gargling with it has been found to be effective. It soothes the throat and removes any irritation or pain.

Pregnant mothers should avoid using licorice roots. As a precaution, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health advises pregnant and nursing mothers to stay away from licorice root.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar

Again, here comes the Apple cider vinegar which is handy for curing a sore throat. Apple cider vinegar is an effective antibacterial remedy for a variety of ailments, especially for sore throats. This natural antimicrobial effect breaks down mucus and prevents bacteria from spreading further in the throat.

Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and gargle for a few minutes. It is best to do this every few hours to relieve a sore throat as quickly as possible. In between, be sure to drink a lot of warm water.

10. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)

The slippery elm is similar to a marshmallow. It contains a mucus-like substance. By mixing it with water, you can form a smooth gel. Drinking it soothes a sore throat and reduces pain and irritation.

Ulmus rubra - Slippery Elm for sore throat — Ulmus rubra – Slippery Elm for a sore throat

Put the powdered bark of slippery elm in a bowl of water and boil it. Stir it well to make a smooth gel, and then drink it. Repeat it three times daily.

A slippery elm lozenge is also available at the pharmacy or in the shops. To get rid of a sore throat, take a few slippery elms lozenges a day.

11. Cayenne Pepper or Hot Sauce

Cayenne pepper is famous for its painkilling properties. The capsaicin in this contains pain-blocking properties. Taking cayenne pepper relieves pain caused by a sore throat.

Mix cayenne pepper with warm water and add a little honey to it. You can drink the solution to relieve pain caused by a sore throat. The sensation of burning may occur initially, but do not be alarmed because it is quite normal.

Do not use cayenne pepper home remedy if you have sores in your mouth.

12. Garlic

Garlic is an herb that is freely available and rich in antibacterial properties. Garlic contains an organosulfur compound called allicin which fights infections effectively.

You can ease a sore throat by munching raw garlic cloves. Alternatively, add garlic to your diet daily to get antimicrobial elements into your system. In tradition, garlic is used for many healings and for the prevention of ailments by taking it with a diet.

Further, garlic intake regularly prevents many ailments beforehand, according to studies.

Sore Throat Tea Recipe

Here’s a delicious tea recipe that will cure your sore throat. In this tea, the ingredients work together to fight a sore throat and give you faster relief.

Sore throat tea is made from peppermint, honey, ginger, lemon, and garlic, all of which have antimicrobial properties. These anti-microbial properties kill and prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.

Menthol, with its anti-inflammatory properties, helps to reduce swelling. It soothes the throat. Meanwhile, honey is a soothing agent for sore throats as it coats the mucous membranes. Furthermore, lemon combined with vitamin C helps boost the immune system for faster healing.

The following is the complete powerful sore throat tea recipe:

Ingredients:

1 Tea sachet (Peppermint flavored)
Few fresh Peppermint leaves (if peppermint flavored tea sachet not available)
8 ginger slices
Fresh juice from a 1/4 of a lemon
Little honey
5 garlic cloves

Peel off the skin from the garlic cloves. Smash them with the back of the knife to release the essential oil.

Put the peppermint, crushed garlic, and ginger slices in a bowl of four cups of water and let steep for ten minutes. You will need to dip the tea sachet in it several times in order to get the tea to dissolve. Also, add the lemon and honey for a richer taste.

It is easy to make and effective for sore throats. Make and drink this tea as soon as you notice symptoms of a sore throat. Drink about three cups a day. The tea could even be stored in the thermos flask for consumption throughout the day.

Home remedies for Sore Throat in infants and children

The presence of sore throats in children and infants makes them restless. Fortunately, sore throats in children and infants do not usually require medical treatment.

Here are some tips on how to treat a sore throat in children and infants.

Ensure there is enough moisture in the air in the room. Moisture soothes a sore throat and relieves pain.
Keep children well hydrated and encourage them to drink more water.
Be sure to avoid citrus juice or fruit that has a high citrus content.
Children under one year of age should not be given honey to treat a sore throat.
Never, hesitate to consult a doctor for a severe condition of sore throat.

Sore Throat Prevention

Prevention is better than cure. Everyone knows this, but no one takes action. Here are a few tips to prevent sore throat infection:

Do not come into contact with people who have an infectious illness, such as strep throat.
Keep your hands clean by washing them frequently.
Spices and acidic foods should be avoided.
Stay away from smoke, chemicals, and fumes that cause inflammation.

Over-the-counter Sore throat treatments

Here are a few of the over-the-counter options if a sore throat is bothersome. The over-the-counter remedies are mild and can be helpful.

Try Acetaminophen from pharmacies. They are effective for children as well.

Try lozenges to soothe the throat. Be careful giving to young children. Because lozenges can choke their throat. Children under the age of 5 should not be given lozenges.

If you need pain relief, try numbing sprays from the pharmacy.

Another way to soothe a sore throat is with eucalyptus. Eucalyptus cough syrups or lozenges may be helpful. You can also use essential oils to treat sore throats and coughs.

When to see a doctor

unbearable sore throat pain
difficulty in swallowing
trouble in breathing or pain while breathing
difficulty in opening your mouth
fever
stiff neck
an earache
presence of blood in your saliva or phlegm
prolonged a sore throat

Takeaway

Infections caused by conditions including diphtheria, whooping cough, and strep throat account for a small percentage of sore throats.

When you have a severe sore throat infection, swollen tonsils blocking your throat, and symptoms of fever, you should consult your doctor

Be sure to drink plenty of water and fluids that are not citric or acidic. These home remedies for sore throat will provide you with faster relief.

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