7 Best Home Remedies for Sore Throat

One of the worst symptoms of the common cold and the flu is undoubtedly the sore throat. You feel dryness, irritation and sometimes even pain, especially when you swallow.

You find it difficult to speak too and this is also really frustrating. How can you get effective and lasting relief? Check out the best sore throat remedies that anyone can prepare at home.

There’s no need to run to the pharmacy when you are ill.

1. Baking Soda Gargle

This is one of the simplest and most effective sore threat remedies around. Baking soda soothes the irritation and relieves the pain. It also helps to get rid of the bacteria causing the problem.

• Dissolve one tablespoon of baking soda into a glass of lukewarm water. Mix the solution very well.
• Take a big sip and gargle for as long as you can.
• Try not to eat or drink anything for at least half an hour after the treatment.
• Use this remedy four to six times a day.

2. Bee Honey

The medicinal properties of honey have been known for thousands of years. It is used for treating all kinds of symptoms and sore throat is no exception.

In addition to fighting the bacteria which cause the problem, it has a potent soothing effect. Besides, the sugar in it will give you a pleasant energy boost for fighting the cold or flu.

• Take a tablespoon of honey after every meal. Do not dissolve it in tea or another drink as some of the valuable properties may be lost.
• Avoid eating or drinking for about 30 minutes after taking the remedy to get the best possible result.

3. Ginger Tea

This is undoubtedly one of the best sore throat remedies. The best part is that it works to fight off all other cold and flu symptoms. It helps to bring fever down. With it, you can get better more quickly. The important thing is to prepare the tea well.

• Peel fresh ginger root and cut six thin slices.
• Boil the slices in two cups of water for fifteen minutes.
• Remove the ready tea from the heat and pour it into a cup. Add a bit of freshly squeezed lemon juice and/or honey for flavoring.
• Drink the tea while it is still warm.
• Four cups per day will be perfectly sufficient to give you the health benefits which you expect.

4. Garlic Cloves

Yes, raw garlic is actually among the most effective sore throat remedies, believe it or not. It has potent antibacterial properties so it is an effective treatment rather than a simple symptom reliever.

Besides, garlic is rich in antioxidants which help to boost immunity. This is how you will get rid of the cold or flu more quickly.

• Peel one or two garlic cloves after finishing your meal and chew them slowly so that the juice can cover your throat.
• If the garlic is too spicy for you, take small bites. Avoid drinking water or eating another food while chewing it to get the best result.

5. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

Thanks to its natural properties, lemon juice helps to fight the bacteria causing sore throat. Furthermore, it is one of the best natural sources of vitamin C. As you know, this powerful antioxidant works wonders when it comes to stimulating the immune system.

It will help you to get fully cured in little time. Follow the instructions for preparing and taking the juice to get the best possible result.

• Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a cup. Add a small amount of water at room temperature, if you find it too bitter. It’s best if you don’t exceed the 1 to 1 ratio.
• Ideally, you should not sweeten the juice or add any other ingredients for flavor and aroma.
• Use this sore throat remedy at least four times a day.

6. Licorice Root

Many people know about this home remedy from their grandma, but there is actually plenty of scientific evidence about its pain-relieving properties. Some of the studies have actually involved patients who have undergone surgery.

Hence, you can have complete piece of mind that licorice root works. It’s very easy to take too.

• Cut a piece of licorice root and chew it. The pieces should be neither too small nor too big. It should be comfortable to chew in your mouth and have a sufficient amount of the juice necessary for alleviating the store throat symptoms.
• Refrain from eating or drinking for about half an hour after the treatment to make the most out of it.
• Chew licorice root three to four times per day.

7. Slippery Elm Tea

This germ is one of the most potent sore throat remedies because it works to coat the mucus membranes. This is how it naturally stops the irritation. The pain will be greatly reduced and you fill feel at ease.

• Take one slippery elm tea bag, place it in a cup and pour boiling water over it. Steep the tea for as long as suggested on the package. Remember that exceeding this time may give the tea somewhat bitter taste which you don’t want.
• Sip the tea while it is still warm. Avoid eating and drinking for thirty minutes or preferably longer after drinking the tea to prolong the effect of the film coating your throat.

You can use any combination of these natural sore throat remedies. In fact, you can use all of them together as long as you can figure out a proper schedule. It will take you a very short time to figure out what works best for you.

In addition to these remedies, which help to relieve the sore throat symptoms, in particular, you should try to get as much rest as possible. This will enable your body to fight the cold or flu and all of its symptoms more effectively.

Try to stay inside where it is warm and cozy, but remember to air the room at least twice a day. Similarly, you should drink plenty of fluids. The list includes the types of tea and the lemon juice mentioned here plus water at room temperature.