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Natural Remedies To Help With A Sore Throat

Sore throats are the worst! They are irritating and painful with every swallow. Sore throats can be caused by number of factors.

For instance, viral infections, bacterial infections, and allergies can all cause a sore throat. So anyone can be affected by a sore throat anytime of the year.

And if the sore throat is a viral infection it cannot be cured with antibiotics. However, there are many natural remedies that can be used to help sooth a sore throat without over using over the counter drugs.

Some of them include:

Salt Water

Salt water is a great when you have a sore throat. It reduces swelling in the throat and loosens mucus. It also flushes out bacteria so you can get relief for the discomfort of a sore throat.

Tip: Mix salt and warm water and gargle for 30 seconds.

Licorice Root

Licorice root has been used as an old remedy to help with the uneasiness of having a sore throat.

Tip: Mix it in your tea or can mix it with warm water and gargle.

Slippery Elm

Slippery Elm has been used for many years by the Native Americans as an old remedy. It helps relieve coughs and sore throats.

Tip: Mix with water which forms a gel that coats and soothes the throat.

Honey

Honey has been proven to help with infections and sore throats. It also helps in speeding the healing process when you are not feeling well.

Tip: Mix it into your tea or take it on its own.

Sage

Sage has been demonstrated to show great relief when it comes to a sore throat. Sage is even found in medicated drugs that help people who are suffering from a sore throat.

Tip: Can be used as a spray or you can use it by putting it in your tea or mix it in warm liquids.

Echinacea

Echinacea is known to boost the immune system and relieve the symptoms of having a sore throat.

Tip: Can be found at a pharmacy in the form of a tablet.

Humidifier

A humidifier adds moisture into the air which soothes a swollen nose or throat.

Tip: If you do not have a humidifier, take a long steam shower and breathe deeply.

Frozen Treats

Frozen treats don't just taste good, but they are great if you are experiencing a sore throat. It helps numb the throat which will help with the pain.

Tip: Any frozen treats will do the trick.

Whiskey

Whiskey is one of those old remedies that does the trick. It numbs the throat, soothes the irritation and helps you sleep. It is recommended before bed.

Tip: Add some honey, a little whiskey and warm it up.

Apple Cider Vinegar

The high level of acidity that apple cider vinegar has helps kill off bacteria. This will help for a faster recovery from a sore throat.

Tip: Mix with honey and warm water.

Garlic

Garlic does wonder! The garlic contains allicin which kills off the bacteria that cause a sore throat.

Tip: Suck on a fresh clove of garlic.

Cayenne

Cayenne is a home remedy that a lot of people use as they are convinced that it helps with a sore throat. The chemical called capsaicin helps with temporarily relieving pain.

Tip: Mix warm water, cayenne and a little bit of honey.

Cloves

Cloves have been used as an old traditional Chinese medicine which helps with sore throats. It helps ease the pain in the mouth and throat. It also acts as a pain killer because it contains eugenol.

Tip: Chew on a whole clover.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a natural remedy that is used to kill off bacteria and acts as a natural painkiller. As a bonus, it contains elements that can help you rest.

Tip: Drink it before you sleep.

Ginger

Ginger is packed with properties that take away the pain of having a sore throat. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory and fights off bacteria.

Tip: Drink it – mix ginger, honey, and hot water.

Lemon

The astringent juice that the lemon contains help shrinks swollen throat tissue and the acid also kills the bacteria.

Tip: Mix a lemon with warm water and drink.

Wheatgrass Juice

Wheatgrass juice is filled with chlorophyll. This is a rich liquid that helps stop the growth of bacteria and eases the pain of a sore throat.

Tip: Rinse and spit.

Green Tea

Green tea is a natural remedy that is known to fight off infections and kills bacteria. This helps the pain of a sore throat.

Tip: Gargle with some warm green tea.

However, sometimes natural remedies cannot do the trick with regards to helping with a sore throat. This means that sometimes you need to turn to over the counter drugs found at your local pharmacy or see your doctor.

Anti-Inflammatory

An anti-inflammatory is an over the counter drug. For example, Advil and Aleve. They help you feel better and reduce some swelling.

Tip: Always read the label before you use over the counter drugs.

Lozenges

Lozenges help keep your throat soothed. It also increases saliva which helps with the rawness and irritation that a sore throat can cause.

Tip: Choose the lozenges that say "numb out"

When to Call the Doctor?

Unfortunately, sometimes home remedies and over the counter drugs do not work. And if you find that your sore throat symptoms are getting worse or if you have had the sore throat for over 2 weeks; it would be a good idea to make an appointment with your family doctor.

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