Research shows that sore throat is the 2nd most common infection seen by doctors. If not relieved in due time, sore throat can turn into strep throat. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control state that the latter condition also comes with fever, swollen tonsils and possibly even a rash. With these key factors in mind, what can we do to treat sore throat and prevent strep throat? With the help of the natural ingredients in the home remedies for sore throat for kids and adults listed below, you can get safe relief in no time.
Experiment with these home remedies for sore throat to get natural relief.
1. Garlic Cloves
Garlic is among the most effective home remedies for sore throat you can try. It is rich in allicin, the active ingredient that supplies its antibacterial properties. As a result, garlic fights the bacteria causing your sore throat and paves the way to safe recovery.
Instructions
- Slice 1 clove of garlic in ½.
- Take each piece and place them on the left and right sides of your mouth.
- Suck and gnaw on the pieces of garlic to release the allicin.
- Repeat 1-2 times a day when experiencing a sore throat.
2. Ginger Root
Oleoresin is an active constituent that possesses antitussive properties. It can be found in ginger, making this root not only one of the great home remedies for sore throat, but also for coughing. In addition to this, ginger root has plenty of antioxidants that aid in the process.
Instructions
- Cut a 2-inch piece of ginger root into very small slices.
- Crush these with a mortar and pestle.
- Bring 2-3 cups of water to a boil
- Allow to boil for 5 minutes.
- Strain, add honey to sweeten the tea and drink warm.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Not all home remedies for sore throat involve drinking or eating ingredients. This is the case for hydrogen peroxide, a common household staple that can be gargled to soothe a sore throat. It effectively kills infection like few other ingredients do.
Instructions
- Use 1 cap each of 3%, food grade hydrogen peroxide and warm water in a cup.
- Gargle for 20 seconds.
- Spit in a sink or trash can.
4. Salt Water
Even though almost everyone is aware that salt water is one of the top home remedies for sore throat, did you know that studies back it up? Gargling with salt water has expectorant and antiseptic properties that can benefit the whole family. Moreover, it’s among the home remedies for sore throat during pregnancy.
Instructions
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 glass of warm water.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Gargle for ½ minute at a time.
- Swish drinking water after you gargle.
5. Slippery Elm
The mucilage in slippery elm helps soothe sore throats. This compound helps relieve the discomfort associated with sore throat while fighting the inflammation and infection. You can brew some slippery elm tea to treat your sickness.
Instructions
- Prepare 1 teaspoon of slippery elm powder.
- Boil 1 cup of water.
- Put the powder in the water.
- Mix well and sip after a meal.
6. Steam Session
One of the best home remedies for sore throat and stuffy nose that ease congestion is steam. This solution is easy to prepare and is definitely worth the effort. It will soothe your throat and clear up your nasal passages if needed.
Instructions
- Boil 3-4 liters of water and pour them in a big bowl.
- Place a towel over your head and gently bend over the bowl.
- Inhale the steam deeply.
- Repeat 2-3 times a day for the best impact.
7. Peppermint Tea
The active ingredient in peppermint is menthol, a compound that helps relieve multiple health issues. From sore throats to heartburn, peppermint has proven antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that promote safe treatment.
Instructions
- Heat up 1 cup of water.
- Put 1 tablespoon of mint leaves in the water.
- Wait 30 minutes for it to steep.
- Drink 3 times a day to relieve a sore throat.
8. Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root is yet another one of the home remedies for sore throat backed up by research for its effectiveness. It succeeds in soothing the throat through antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s best to make licorice root tea for absorbing these properties and its glycyrrhizin content (a potent demulcent).
Instructions
- Add 2 tablespoons of dried licorice root to 1 glass of boiled water.
- Steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink twice a day to soothe a sore throat.
9. Chamomile Tea
Results from studies have revealed that chamomile tea steam can help with cold-related symptoms. One of the reasons is that chamomile contains a good amount of flavonoids, as well as bisabolol. This active constituent offers anti-inflammatory benefits that are necessary for relieving sore throat symptoms.
Instructions
- Boil 1 cup of water.
- Put 2 teaspoons of chamomile in it.
- Steep for 5-10 minutes and strain.
- Drink 60 minutes before sleeping.
- Repeat nightly for as long as you have a sore throat.
10. Baking Soda Gargle
You know that gargling with baking soda is one of the home remedies for sore throat you can rely on when even the National Cancer Institute supports it. This antibacterial solution fights the infection and helps you get back to a pain-free throat.
Instructions
- Heat 1 cup of water until it is a bit warm.
- Add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda.
- Put in 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
- Stir thoroughly.
- Gargle two times one after the other 3 times every day.
11. Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea contains an abundance of antioxidants, as well as a series of strong anti-inflammatory compounds. From cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde or cinnamate, this spice tackles inflammation and bacteria safely and naturally.
Instructions
- Take 1 cup of fresh water.
- Add 2 cinnamon sticks.
- Boil them together for 3 minutes.
- Take out the sticks.
- Add 1 teaspoon of herbal tea.
- Steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink 2 times daily.
12. Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is one of the most powerful herbal home remedies for sore throat. Like quite a few others on this list, it has been used for centuries and in Chinese healing for its properties. It attacks bacteria, soothes inflammation and reduces swollen tissues.
Instructions
- Simmer 2 cups of honeysuckle (leaves and flowers) in 1 quart of fresh water.
- Do this for 10 minutes.
- Strain and optionally add honey for flavoring.
- Drink 2-3 times a day if you’re struggling with a sore throat.
13. Cayenne
Cayenne peppers are reputed for their active ingredient – capsaicin. This substance gives it anti-inflammatory properties that greatly help you overcome a sore throat. Cayenne pepper powder is best used with honey when treating sore throat symptoms.
Instructions
- Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to 1 cup of boiling water.
- Add 1 teaspoon of honey to the boiling liquid.
- Chill until warm.
- Mix well.
- Drink 1-2 times a day for sore throat relief.
14. Sage
Sage is among the astringent home remedies for sore throat. In other words, it reduces swollen tissues caused by sore throat. Moreover, sage contains phenolic acids, compounds that have antibacterial benefits for the human body.
Instructions
- Put 2 teaspoons of sage in a cup.
- Boil 1 cup of water.
- Pour the water over the sage.
- Steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain and gargle 2-3 times every day.
15. Honey
Definitely one of the most common home remedies for sore throat and cough is honey. But what most don’t know is that studies have proven honey’s effectiveness for midnight coughing. Not only is this antibacterial agent great at treating them, but it was even better at doing so than many over-the-counter cough medications.
Instructions
- Swallow 1 teaspoon of honey before you go to bed at night.
- Repeat 2-3 times throughout the day when your throat hurts the most.
* Do not give honey to children that are under the age of 2.
16. Fenugreek
The antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties of fenugreek have been studied and proven by specialists. Brewing fenugreek seed tea is easy, and it’s a healthy way to loosen the pain that comes with a sore throat.
Instructions
- Boil 1 cup of water.
- Add 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds.
- Steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain the seeds and drink the tea while warm.
- Repeat this remedy 2-3 times a day, using 1 cup of water for every teaspoon of fenugreek seeds you use.
17. Pomegranates
What could you want more than a delicious fruit that’s packed with astringents and antioxidants? This is why pomegranates might be on the top of your shopping list when confronting a sore throat. It’s simple to make pomegranate juice, and the results will bring you great relief.
Instructions
- Wash and peel 1 pomegranate.
- Boil 4 cups of water with the pomegranate rinds for 20 minutes.
- Drink this tea 3 times a day.
- Boost the effects by gargling with the pomegranate tea 2-3 times throughout the day.
18. Marshmallow Herb
The last of our home remedies for sore throat is also of herbal origin. Marshmallow root is another ingredient that contains mucilage, a trustworthy component for soothing throats in pain. You can make marshmallow root tea for easy consumption.
Instructions
- Boil 3 cups of water to make enough marshmallow root tea for the whole day.
- Add 3 teaspoons of dried marshmallow herb.
- Steep for 30-40 minutes.
- Strain and drink 1 cup 3 times a day. Re-heat before you drink, if necessary.
* We do not recommend consuming marshmallow herb if you are diabetic. Talk to your doctor about using this herb if you have this condition.
Conclusion
To wrap up our home remedies for sore throat, we generally recommend that you try 3-4 to find the most effective ingredient for you. All the same, sore throat might be a symptom of a more complex health issue that requires medical treatment. In this regard, we recommend that you speak to your doctor if your sore throat does not subside after using these remedies for several days. You can continue taking your favorite remedy as complementary treatment for what your doctor prescribes. Additionally, please take note of all our infant and pregnancy-related precautions described in our guide.
How did your experience with these remedies go? Let’s talk about it in the comment section.
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