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7 Effective Natural Remedies For Sore Throat!

When you think of a quick shot remedy to a niggling sore throat – gargling immediately comes to mind! While gargling with salted lukewarm water is generally recommended, you can also replace the salt with ginger, lemon and honey and then gargle. Alternatively, along with salt, you can also add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to lukewarm water and gargle. This yellow spice is an effective antioxidant that can immediately soothe the irritation in the throat.

Before we get into other recommended and highly effective home remedies, let’s first understand some commonly observed symptoms of throat infection which eventually leads to a sore throat. They are:

  1. Throat pain and inflammation.
  2. Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck area.
  3. Swelling of tonsils.
  4. Pain in the ears.
  5. Watery eyes, running nose, fatigue and headache, to name a few.

Turmeric Milk

Grandma’s hidden remedy – Hot turmeric milk is an age-old tradition that is followed by generations in our country. Along with sore throat, it even helps in treating a persistent cold, thanks to its natural antibiotic properties. Also, read the 10 health benefits of turmeric.

Breathing through your mouth because of chronic nasal congestion may be a cause of sore throat dryness, itching in the throat. Getting yourself treated for chronic nasal congestion will go a long way to prevent recurrent episodes of sore throat.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a natural remedy for sore throats and is known to offer numerous health benefits.   You can either consume these in the seed format or use the oil form or plain and simple, sip into a nice hot piping cup of fenugreek tea. Blessed with antifungal properties, it kills bacteria that cause irritation.

Liquorice Root

For centuries, the sweet Licorice root has been used in the treatment of sore throat. One of the most recommended ways to use this root is to mix it with water and gargle with that water.

Peppermint

Peppermint not only freshens our breath but also relieves throat pain. Menthol which is its essential ingredient aids in soothing the soreness and thins the mucus. Peppermint also is high in anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and thus augments the healing process.

There is increasing evidence that a single dose of honey might reduce mucus secretion and reduce sore throat . honey showed good demulcent effect and antioxidant properties, and it increased cytokine release, which might have antimicrobial effects

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

Herbal Tea

There is nothing better than a hot cup of Herbal tea to soothe an aching throat! Just add a few shreds of ginger, a few leaves of Tulsi (Holy basil), some black peppercorns to a cup full of water and boil for 3-5 minutes. Add a spoonful of sugar or even better, add honey and consume it hot. Honey helps to moisten the throat and helps in keeping the irritation at bay.

Read More: 11 Health  Benefits of Tulsi

Lemon Water

Lemon water is not only a refreshing beverage but a delicious one too. Since it is loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants it can comfort the soreness of the throat and help in its healing. Squeeze a lemon in warm water; add a dash of honey or a pinch of salt to get instant relief from irritating throat pain.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another fragrant and delicious spice that can aid in treating a sore throat. Used in Chinese medicine, cinnamon is a traditional remedy that is known to ease throat pain. You can either consume it in the form of herbal tea or add a few sticks of cinnamon or grounded cinnamon powder to your black or herbal tea and consume to keep throat infections under control.

It is a common myth that cold causes sore throat. Sore throat is commonly caused by viruses which thrive easily in cold conditions. In fact, it is easier to get a sore throat from someone who suffers from viral sore throat sneezes indoors, than getting exposed to the cold weather.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Honey

Honey is known for its medicinal properties and amongst its many uses, it is known to be an effective home remedy for a sore throat. It is commonly found in most households and has traditionally been used to treat ailments in Indian households. It can either be consumed on its own, warm honey has shown to be more effective in some cases or mixed in with your regular cup of tea. Either way, this magical ingredient does wonders for your sore throat and will provide some much needed relief from coughing.

Also Read: The Duration Dilemma: How Long Does Strep Throat Last?

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