Homemade Remedies For Sore Throat

When we are in pain, we want relief, and we want it fast! Before exploring the very best in homemade remedies for sore throat, let’s quickly run over the most common causes of sore throats and the symptoms typically associated with sore throats.

Sore throats causes are generally limited to 1) viral and 2) bacterial infections. Non-infectious causes may also be responsible for sore throats; to a much lesser degree however.

Most common causes of sore throat include, but are not limited to:

Viral infections are responsible for more than 70% of sore throat occurrences; typically bring about the following health conditions:

• common colds (caused by rhinoviruses and coronaviruses)
• influenza (caused by RNA (ribonucleic acid) virus)
• mononucleosis (mono) – “kissing disease” (infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causing a glandular disease primarily spread through saliva)
• mumps (very contagious viral infection of the mumps virus from the genus Rubulavirus of the paramyxovirus family)
• measles (also called rubeola, is a respiratory disease caused by the Morbillivirus of the paramyxovirus family, and very contagious)
• chickenpox (airborne disease caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV),
• killer cold virus (adenovirus)
• croup (commonly known as “barking cough” is laryngotracheobronchitis which is a respiratory infection caused by the parainfluenza virus)
• laryngitis (larynx (voice box) infection)
• herpangina (painful blisters in mouth, throat, hands, feet, etc caused by the Type A of the Coxsackie virus).
• HIV (infection can cause sore throat)
• Viral tonsillitis is caused by rhinoviruses, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, enteroviruses, adenovirus and measles virus.

Bacterial causes of sore throats are:

• strep throat is caused by the streptococcus pyogenes bacteria; a contagious infection usually spread from person-to-person through saliva and respiratory droplets from sneezing. Is the most common bacterial cause of sore throat
• diphtheria is caused by the bacterium  baccorynebacterium diphtheria, aka the Klebs-Loffer bacillus. A very contagious disease which may be life-threatening. Respiratory diphtheria affects the nose, throat and tonsils, and can lead to severe breathing problems.
• whooping cough (infection of the respiratory system),
• bacterial tonsillitis is usually caused by  group A streptococcus bacteria often found inside the throat.
• epiglottitis is inflammation (caused by Haemophilus influenzae bacteria) of the epiglottis (the flap at the base of the tongue which prevents food from going into the windpipe). It is a life-threatening disease which requires immediate medical attention.  Initial symptoms are high fever and sore throat.
• uvulitis (inflammation of that dangling piece of flesh hanging from the soft palate in the back of your throat, called the uvula)
• STD’s (sexually transmitted disease) such as a) gonorrhea from the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhea and b) chlamydia trachomatis species of the chlamydia bacteria.
• chlamydia pneumoniae is a species of the chlamydia bacteria which is the major cause of pneumonia (infection of the lungs); can also cause bronchitis (inflammation or swelling of bronchial tubes) and pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx, commonly called sore throat).
• Mycoplasma pneumonia can cause pneumonia; is the least scary kind of pneumonia though. This mild case of pneumonia is aka “walking pneumonia”, and generally does not require hospitalization. An aching throat is one of its symptoms.

Non-infectious causes include but are not limited to

• irritation from alcohol
• cigarette smoke
• excessive screaming/shouting
• irritation from nasogastric tubes used to administer drugs and feed critically ill patients
• gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD – stomach contents move back up in oesophagus)
• post nasal drip (from sinusitis)
• chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS – thought to be related to previous infection, causing extreme tiredness)
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (potentially deadly skin disease resulting from allergic reaction to drugs)
• Kawasaki disease (disease giving rise to rash, glandular swelling primarily in young children)
• hay fever (allergy caused by pollen or dust)
• blood disorders leukemia (cancer of blood and bone marrow) and aplastic anaemia (bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells), oral mucositis (inflammation and ulceration of mucous membranes lining the mouth, gums, tongue and throat – often caused by cancer treatment)
• breathing in dry, cold air through the mouth in winter time
• foreign objects (chicken or fish bones for example) stuck in throat.

What are the signs and symptoms commonly experienced with a sore throat?

Depending on what caused it, the symptoms of a sore throat generally include:

• swallow with difficulty
• throat is dry (from breathing through the mouth)
• tonsils are red and swollen
• hoarse voice
• coughing and sneezing
• runny nose
• throat is sore and feels scratchy
• talking and swallowing aggravate pain
• painful swollen glands in the neck
• infants and toddlers refuse to eat
• difficulty in breathing

Symptoms of sore throat which may indicate you need medical attention are:

• fever (temp of 101 F (38 C) or higher)
• headache, abdominal pain and vomiting on top of sore throat
• tiredness
• drooling
• dehydration (dry mouth, severe weakness, sunken eyes, less urination)
• joint and muscle pain
• sore throat accompanied by earache
• blood in phlegm or saliva
• pus (yellow spots) or white patches on throat and tonsils
• severe sore throat lasting longer than one week accompanied by postnatal drip, sneezing and itchy eyes may be an allergy requiring medical attention
• hoarseness and pain lasting longer than 2 weeks may indicate throat or oral cancer
• dark red spots on roof of mouth at back near the throat
• skin rash that feels like sandpaper. It is caused by strep infection and most commonly affects children aged 4-8. Initially spreads over chest and neck, only to later spread over entire body. Condition is known as scarlet fever and successfully treated with antibiotics.

Sore throats caused by viral infections are not treatable by antibiotics; bacterial infection needs to be diagnosed before prescription medicine can be used.

My main purpose with this article is to advise on as many different home remedies for getting rid of a sore throat I can find. I however need you, my most valued reader to help…care to let us know about the most effective home remedy for a sore throat you tried? Kindly comment below…

Please be advised that I am no medical expert. Before using any of the remedies discussed here, discuss with your medical practitioner who is familiar with your general health condition. You are also not advised to take any of these remedies on top of any other medication you are currently taking. When symptoms persist, seek medical advice!

Analgesics: are defined as medicine that relieves pain. These are typically over-the-counter painkillers such as Ibrufen, Panadeine, Panadol, Tylenol, Aspirin, etc, and all are probably good when looking for home remedies for sore throat pain. Whilst these may bring temporary relief from the pain associated with a sore throat, they do not kill the viruses/bacteria responsible for the sore throat. Use painkillers only when the home/natural remedy for sore throats you apply do not take care of the pain sufficiently.

Apple cider vinegar: is one of the best home remedies for sore throats! ACV is made when crushed apples are fermented until such time that the liquid forms acetic acid (vinegar). The acidity of ACV fights infection, bringing relief from the viral or bacterial infection which causes a sore throat. You can either take as a beverage or use to gargle.

Prepare a ACV beverage by adding 1 tablespoon of ACV to 8 ounces of hot water (you can add 1 tablespoon of honey), stir and sip while still hot. Do this 3 times a day until sore throat has cleared up. For more effective treatment increase the ACV concentration by adding more to the water.

Gargle with a solution of 2 tablespoons ACV in ½ glass of warm water every hour. Optionally you may swallow the gargle; just remember to always drink a glass of plain water to wash down the vinegar through your system.

Gargle with a solution of 1 teaspoon ACV, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 3 tablespoons of honey mixed into a glass of water. Do not swallow; gargle with this solution hourly.

Taking apple cider vinegar straight is a quick home remedy for sore throats. Make sure you are near the basin, as the neat ACV may cause you to gag. Swallow a little bit of full strength ACV. If OK, wash down with a glass of plain water and continue to sip it neat followed by plain water throughout the day.

Baking soda: is another of those natural remedies for sore throat relief one can depend on to deliver real results.

Add ½ teaspoon baking soda (anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties) and ½ teaspoon table salt (salt is a great antiseptic and will also loosen phlegm) to a cup of hot (not boiling) water and stir. Keep in mind it should be gargled with while still hot; but cool enough not to burn your throat. Take a sip, lift your head and let solution drop into your throat. Leave for a few seconds before gargling; spit out. Repeat 2 more times. Do 3 times daily until pain in throat stops.

Stir 1/2 teaspoon baking soda into glass of hot water and gargle every 30 minutes. Repeat daily until sore throat clears up.

Balloon flower root: is an anti-inflammatory herbal remedy used for sore throats and coughs, thought to work by helping to eliminate phlegm and aiding the dilation of bronchial vessels. The herb has an expectorant effect often found in cough formulas; subsequently helping to get rid of whooping cough symptoms.

You can benefit from this herb by taking it as either a tea or a tincture. Prepare the tea by using 1-2 grams of dried root in a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 15 minutes and drink. Alternatively, add 10 – 30 drops of tincture to cup of juice or water up to 4 times daily.

Bayberry: for “those of you who do not know what bayberry is it is leafy evergreen bush and the bark is used for medicinal purposes to help cleanse the mucus membranes in your body so you stay healthy and strong. Bayberry is turned into herbal supplements, teas, and creams to help fight common health issues like the flu, colds, coughing, sinus congestion, sore throats, gum disease,”

Source:  http://voices.yahoo.com/health-benefits-bayberry-best-bayberry-supplements-4050345.html?cat=68

Prepare mouthwash by mixing 1 cup of either juice or water with bayberry extract (10-20 drops) or ½ teaspoon powder and gargle as often as needed.

Prepare bayberry tea by adding 1 teaspoon of dried bayberry root bark to 1 pint boiling water. Let it steep for 10 minutes. As it has a very bitter taste, you may prefer a tincture which is a solution of ½ to 1 teaspoon of bayberry added to a small glass of water, 3 times a day.

Belleric Myrobalan: is a fruit herb from India aka Terminalia Billerica, and another natural home remedy for sore throats that is worth a try. Some of the properties of the kernel of the fruit include astringent and narcotics. The pulp has expectorant properties which reduces the pain generally associated with a sore throat.

Prepare one of the great home remedies for a sore throat by mixing 2 grams of the fruit’s pulp with ¼ teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons honey and ½ tablespoon powdered long pepper and take twice daily for full benefit.

You can also consume this home remedy for a sore throat by covering fried fruit in wheat flour and roasting at low heat.

Betel leaf: (Scientifically known as Piper betle) is a home remedy for sore throat and cough, particularly popular in Asia from where it originates.

This herbal remedy, when used to cure a sore throat, is an external application of leaves on the throat. Secure the leaf in place by tying scarf round neck. Get relief from a nagging cough by using the fruit of the betel, namely berries. Crush a berry and mix with honey before consuming.

Bishop’s weed: is a plant of which the seeds are used to make medicine. It is known by many different names, including Ajava Seeds, Ajowan, Ajowan Caraway, Ajowan Seed, Ajowanj, Ajwain, Ajwan, Ameo Bastardo, Ammi Commun, Ammi Élevé, Ammi glaucifolium, Ammi Inodore, Ammi majus, Ammi Officinal, Bishop’s Flower, Bisnague, Bullwort, Carum, Espuma del Mar, Flowering Ammi, Grand Ammi, Omum, Yavani.

One of those sore throat relief remedies you can quickly prepare by adding Bishop’s weed and salt to boiling water. Gargle as often as needed until throat pain clears up.  

Black Pepper: I believe this is one of those home remedies for a sore throat that works fast!

Just add vinegar and black pepper to warm water and gargle as often as necessary for fast relief from sore throat pain. For quick relief from colds, add 2-3 black pepper corns to a glass of hot milk and drink twice daily.

For those who can stomach it, chewing black pepper may also reduce throat inflammation.

Butea: is a tree native to India (also found in Sri Lanka and Burma) which is scientifically known as Butea monosperma. Bright orange and crimson flowers led to the tree becoming popularly known as “the flame of the forest”. The leaves, seeds and gum of the Butea tree all have healing and medicinal properties.

As a home remedy that can get rid of a sore throat, the leaves are boiled in water and used as a gargle.

Candy: of the hard variety, does not cure sore throats; it merely produces saliva which lubricates a dry throat, and only for a while. Indulge your sweet tooth a bit; keeping in mind that sugar generally speaking is detrimental to good health.

I came across a recipe for honey and lemon candy drops; really does look delicious…get it here

Cardamom: is “The Queen of Spices” scientifically known as Elattaria cardamomum, and the 3^rd most expensive spice after saffron and vanilla.

Many find cardamom to be one of the most effective home remedies for extremely sore throat. Prepare by removing the seeds (has soothing effect) from 1 or 2 pods of cardamom. Sprinkle with a little black pepper (fights bacteria) and roast. Add honey and lick throughout the day.

An infusion of cardamom with cinnamon to gargle with can effectively not only bring relief to a sore throat, but may even prevent influenza.

There are no known side effects associated with cardamom.

Cayenne pepper: can be used in a few different ways to bring sore throat pain relief. Researchers believe it is the substance known as capsaicin which contains the healing properties, making cayenne pepper quite popular for treating many ailments (acne scars come to mind). It also contains vitamins A and C, carotenoids and flavonoids (anti-oxidants). Do not ingest cayenne pepper if you have any mouth sores or stomach ulcer; it will cause extreme burning sensation.

Prepare a hot beverage by stirring ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper into a cup of boiling water. Add 1 teaspoon of honey to make it more palatable. While cayenne pepper will not kill the virus responsible for the sore throat, it most certainly will bring relief from the pain associated with it.

Cayenne pepper tea is prepared in a small saucepan. Add 1 part peppermint tea, 1 part lemon tea, 1 fresh lemon’s juice, 1-2 teaspoons honey and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Mix all in saucepan and heat up till very warm before serving.

Gargling with cayenne pepper may be more up your alley. Please note that you will have to stir the mixture before every sip as the pepper tends to settle at the bottom of the glass quite quickly. Mix 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper with ¼ glass of hot water. Adding 1 tablespoon salt is optional, but probably making the gargle more effective due to its anti-bacterial property. Stir well and take sip. Gargle for at least 10 seconds before spitting out. Stir mixture, take sip again, and gargle for 10 seconds, spit out. Repeat until solution finished.

Chamomile tea: acts as a mild sedative and fights inflammation. You can either sip a cup (especially when you feel a sore throat coming on), or prepare a gargle by steeping 2 tea bags in 1 cup boiling water. Add honey for added benefit.

Use 1 teaspoon dried chamomile in 1 cup hot water. Let it cool down after straining and gargle.

Prepare poultice: brew some tea and let it cool sufficiently to soak towel in the tea. Squeeze out excess and apply to neck. Keep towel in place until cooled down. Repeat as necessary; using same batch of tea. Do however brew a fresh batch every day you decide to use this method to get relief from throat pain.

Cinnamon: is one of my personal favorites when it comes to home remedies for sore throats and coughs. Quickest method is mixing 2-3 drops of cinnamon oil with 1 teaspoon of honey. Eat 2-3 times daily as needed for quick relief from sore throat pain.

When time is on your side, cinnamon milk is prepared in a small saucepan as follows: pour ½ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/8 teaspoon baking soda in the pan and mix well. Stir 8 oz milk into the mix and stir well. Heat the mixture over medium heat to very warm, taking care not to bring it to boiling point. Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon honey. Stir until honey dissolves and drink while still warm. Dairy products may produce more mucus; refrain from taking this mixture if your sore throat is accompanied by congestion.

Many attest to the fact that this is one of the most effective home remedies for sore throats. Boil 2 sticks of cinnamon in a cup of water. Add pinch of black pepper and drink in one shot while still warm. You should experience immediate relief from this quick cure for a sore throat! Optionally you can add 2 tablespoons of honey to enhance the taste and benefit from honey’s soothing properties. Take 2-4 times daily until throats pain clears up.

Diet for sore throat: Like it or not, some foods are to be avoided when you have a sore throat as they can aggravate the condition.

Foods which are generally soft and easy to swallow include chicken soup, yogurt, puddings, ice cream, jellies, oatmeal with honey, custard, macaroni and cheese, even small pieces of banana and plenty of liquids. Make sure foods are not too hot as this can further irritate a sore throat.

Avoid foods like crackers, toast, nuts, raw veggies, fried and baked foods and spicy foods (curry). The juices of tomatoes, oranges and grapefruits are acidic and can also irritate a sore throat.

Echinacea: is an herbal treatment thought to boost the immune system; available in tea, tincture (liquid extract) and capsule form.

Produce a gargle using the tincture. Place 30 drops in your mouth and mix with saliva. Gargle and swallow. Repeat at least once every hour until sore throat subsides.

Drinking the tea also benefits a sore throat, as stated by the University of Maryland Medical Center: “One study of 95 people with early symptoms of cold and flu (such as runny nose, scratchy throat, and fever) found that those who drank several cups of echinacea tea every day for 5 days felt better sooner than those who drank tea without echinacea.”

Source: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/echinacea-000239.htm

For a maximum of 3 days, take capsules in a single dose of at least 300 mg four times a day. Ensure the label on the echinacea capsules specifically specifies that the preparation was made from the leaves and flowers of the herb, and not from the root. You can also look for “Echinacea herb” instead of “Echinacea root”.

Warning: Echinacea is not suitable for children younger than 12; is also not recommended for anyone with an auto-immune disease like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Fenugreek seeds: have been found to be a very effective home remedy for treating a sore throat, as it is antiseptic and has expectorant properties which ultimately soothe the throat. Prepare a gargle by adding 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds to a liter of cold water and simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes. Strain and let it cool down to a temperature comfortable to your throat and gargle with the tea throughout the day.

Prepare fenugreek tea by adding 1 teaspoon seeds to 1 cup boiling water. Let it steep for 15 minutes and strain. If too bitter to drink, add honey to make it more palatable. Drink the tea as hot as you can for maximum benefit.

Side effects: Ingesting fenugreek not advised for pregnant women; also not to be taken by people who have been treated for high blood sugar or cholesterol.

Garlic: is one of those excellent natural home remedies for a sore throat with both antiviral and antibacterial (allicin) properties. It also is a powerful antimicrobial agent which builds up your immune system and helps the body to fight off ailments.

Garlic tea is prepared by boiling 1 cup of water in a medium sized pot. Add 4 fresh cloves of garlic. Bring down the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool. You may want to inhale the steam as the tea cools for 5 minutes; it may very well kill some of the germs. Use cheesecloth to strain tea into a mug. Stir 1 teaspoon honey into the tea and slowly sip until finished. Drink as often as you like to get rid of your sore throat.

Use garlic as an antibiotic by preparing a garlic press (a transdermal patch if you like). Use a paper towel and put drop of oil onto it. Put some fresh garlic on oil spot and smash with a spoon (or hammer!). Fold paper towel around the smashed garlic. Put on neck around the throat; keep intact either by hand or with a scarf (keeps the smell at bay) for at least a couple of minutes, and up to 15 minutes if the smell isn’t too unbearable, or if skin does not sting. The allicin in garlic is released into the skin and is most effective the first 15 minutes of being smashed. If your skin is sensitive to garlic, move the press to a different location as soon as the garlic starts to sting, keeping this up for up for 15 minutes for maximum benefit. Throw press away when done.

Chew two cloves of raw garlic. Chew, do not bite and swallow. Chewing the garlic releases the juice which contains allicin, the “antibiotic” which neutralizes the germs responsible for your sore throat. This must be the quickest home remedy for a sore throat! Get rid of garlic breath by chewing fresh parsley, drink milk or eat yogurt.

Take 1 fresh clove of garlic and slice in half. Place a piece in each of your cheeks. Suck like candy or cough drops. Release the allicin by squeezing against the garlic with your teeth every now and then.

Garlic capsules contain a high concentration of garlic oil; may be easier to consume than raw garlic.  Dosages from 400 – 1000 mg, 4 to 6 times daily should quickly get rid of a sore throat. Take with food.

Ginger: is scientifically known as Zingiber officinale; a well-known seasoning and aromatic ingredient in ginger beer and ginger ale, as well as in herbal OTC remedies. Ginger is anti-inflammatory, and also thought to have antimicrobial properties which can prevent the growth of bacteria, fungus and other micro-organisms. Ginger is not recommended for medicinal use for pregnant women, anyone with gallstones or bleeding disorders. It may also interfere with some medications; consult with your doctor before employing ginger as a treatment.

Ginger tea, used as a sore throat treatment, can be prepared from either powdered ginger (1 teaspoon) or grated fresh ginger root (up to 2 teaspoons) added to 1 cup boiling water. Drinking 3 cups a day for a couple of days should take care of your sore throat.

Run a 3-inch section of fresh ginger root through a blender. Take the juice and mix with 3 tablespoons lime or lemon juice. Add 3 tablespoons honey. Soothe an irritated throat by sipping the mixture.

Prepare an infusion. Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add 4 slices fresh ginger root and reduce heat. Let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and let it cool down a bit. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons honey until dissolved. Some people add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; choice is yours. Get relief from throat pain by sipping the mixture as needed.

Looking for home remedies for instant sore throat relief? Boil 2-3 slices of ginger root in lemon juice. Add bit of honey. Sip the mixture while still warm for fast relief from pain and discomfort experienced when swallowing.

Using commercial ginger syrup, just add some apple cider vinegar or manuka honey and drink for instant relief from a sore throat.

Henna: leaves are used to gargle with. Scientifically known as Lawsonia inermis, this home remedy for sore throat pain comes from a small tree native to the Meditarranean and Middle East. Just boil 1-2 tablespoons of the leaves in 8 oz of water. Strain and gargle.

Herbal throat sprays: like any other home remedy used to treat a sore throat are used several times during the day for relief. The different formulas contain a variety of ingredients which may soothe a sore throat. Generally these include anti-inflammatory herbs such as chamomile, licorice, goldenseal root, forsythia, propolis, Hyssop, Sage leaf, St. John’s Wort, Echinacea, slippery elm, marshmallow, glycerin, honey, etc.

Apply as indicated on the label. These sprays only mask the pain; it does not treat the symptoms.

Holy basil: is also known as tulsi, and important in Hindu religion. The herb is known as “The Queen of Herbs” and has anti-oxidant properties. It is the main ingredient in ayurvedic cough formulas; also widely used in patented cough medicines.

Using holy basil as a home remedy for sore throat relief, some propose chewing the leaves; others recommend boiling the leaves in water, and drink the solution or gargle with it.

Honey: taken straight has antibacterial properties which will soothe a sore throat by reducing the swelling; its natural antimicrobial properties fight off infection. A home remedy for sore throat using honey is a very tasty option, and only 1 teaspoon is needed for welcome relief from the pain associated with a sore throat. You may prefer to rather add honey to hot water or herbal tea also.

Honeysuckle tea: made from the honeysuckle herb, native to China is particularly good as home remedy for sore throat with fever symptoms.

Bring 1 quart water to the boil. Remove from heat and add ½ cup honeysuckle flowers and ½ cup chrysanthemum flowers. Cover, let tea steep for 15 minutes and strain. Adding honey or lemon is optional. Drink 1-3 cups daily until sore throat clears up.

Horehound lozenges: are made from the perennial herb “horehound” which belongs to the mint family. The herb primarily acts as a respiratory stimulant, expectorant and cough suppressant. Horehound lozenges subsequently were found to work well as a home remedy for sore throat and mucus.

Add 1 tablespoon honey to a handful of chopped horehound leaves and mix together. Eat slowly for relief from a sore throat.

For an irritating cough, an infusion is prepared by adding 1 ounce of dried or fresh horehound leaves and flowers to 1 pint boiling water. Let mixture steep for 10 minutes and strain. Measure the resultant liquid and add double the amount of honey. Mix well and bottle. Soothe your cough by taking 1 teaspoon 4 times daily.

Horseradish cocktail: is apparently a Russian cure for a sore throat. Quick and easy: mix 1 teaspoon pure horseradish with 1 teaspoon ground garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon honey. Mix ingredients well and add a glass of warm water to the mixture. Drink slowly while still warm.

Hot tea: without milk/cream will soothe inflammation and increase the blood flow, thus bringing relief from pain. Adding lemon is optional but beneficial. The secret is to keep the throat area moist at all times, so drinking lots of liquids is imperative.

Humidity: is necessary to prevent the air from drying out. A blocked nose usually causes breathing through the mouth, which dries out the throat causing even more discomfort and pain. The home remedy for dry sore throat caused by a congested nose is running a humidifier. Do not sweat it if you do not have one, you can also keep the air moist by placing a large container with warm air near you. Natural evaporation will create enough moisture to ease breathing.

Juice bars: will soothe your hot throat. Do not suck them, as the strain of this action will only irritate the throat some more. Rather bite off a small piece at a time; let it melt in your mouth.

Kantakari: is an herb which produces fruit in the form of berries which are yellow or pale in color with green veins.

Prepare an extract by washing the plant before boiling it in about 2 liters of water. Keep it boiling until there is about 1 liter of water left (1/2 original volume left) and filter before gargling.

Lemon: is used as an added ingredient in many of the other remedies discussed in this article. As a home remedy for sore throat, lemon juice (1 teaspoon) is added to 1 cup of warm water. Prepare a compress by soaking a strip of cotton in the lemon and water solution. Wrap this around your neck and cover with a woolen scarf. Keep in place for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour.

Lemon and ginger: is a very effective home remedy for a sore throat and swollen glands. Both have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties; the vitamin C in lemons aids the immune system. Simply boil a few slices of ginger root in 1 cup fresh lemon juice. Add honey to taste. Sip while still warm; pain and discomfort should quickly dissipate.

Prepare an infusion: coarsely chop 3 inch piece of ginger, peel and all.  In small bowl add the ginger to ½ cup lemon juice, 2 cups boiling water and 2 tablespoons honey. Stir ingredients well and cover with plastic wrap. Strain after 10 minutes and drink either hot or cold. Optionally ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (and ginger both promote sweating which brings down the body temp) and/or pinch of cayenne pepper (boosts immune system) can be added.

Lemonade: add 1 teaspoon of honey to ½ glass of warm lemonade and drink; limiting yourself to only 1 glass a day in order to curb high sugar intake. Make your own lemonade: add boiling water to 1 tablespoon lemon juice and honey (to taste) in a mug and stir till honey dissolved. Drink once it cooled down sufficiently without burning yourself.

Licorice root: is an herbal remedy which has expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties which are great when treating the symptoms of a sore throat.  Known as a demulcent (it soothes the irritated mucous membrane in the throat), it brings welcome relief to the pain caused by a sore throat. It is commonly found as an ingredient in herbal teas.

I believe you do get licorice root in tea bag form; brewing your own by boiling 5 grams of the root in 8 oz of water for 2-3 minutes will be more beneficial however in treating a sore throat though. You can either drink the tea or gargle with it. When using either capsule or tincture form, follow dosage instructions on label of product.

Some people just chew or suck on the raw licorice root; releasing the juice which they claim soothes a sore throat. It has a natural sweet taste.

Licorice root should not be used in large amounts; is to be avoided by pregnant women and also by people with high blood pressure or heart disease.

Listerine: is claimed to give instant relief from sore throat pain. Gargle with undiluted Listerine mouthwash or take equal parts hydrogen peroxide (HP) and Listerine and gargle for 15 seconds. Do not rinse. Repeat as needed.

Warning: if you have any cavities or tooth decay, do not use HP. The HP may worsen any pain already associated with it.

Lozenges: buy some or make your own. Here follows a recipe for homemade lozenges:

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons powdered licorice root

3 tablespoons powdered slippery elm (or marshmallow root)

3 tablespoons powdered red raspberry leaves

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

10 drops scented sage, rosemary or geranium

Essential oil

Honey

Cornstarch

Mix all herbal powders. Add just enough honey to make thick paste. Add some essential oil and mix well with a fork. Break off small pieces and roll into a ball. Flatten slightly to form lozenge. Toss lozenges into bowl with some cornstarch. Let it dry for 12 hours. Store the lozenges in an airtight container and take as needed.

Mango bark: is considered the best natural home remedy for a sore throat by many. Prepare a gargle by grinding some mango bark. Collect the extract and measure the quantity. Add water 10 times the amount of the extract (1 part mango extract and 10 parts water) and gargle twice daily. You can also apply the extract to the sides of your neck where throat hurts for relief.

Marjoram: in its wild form is what we know as oregano. Sweet marjoram is the herb we refer to as marjoram. Though the herbs are different they both belong to the mint family. For our purposes of treating a sore throat, marjoram is considered.

I find it very interesting that many singers apparently drink marjoram tea to keep their voices in shape. Prepare an herbal broth by adding ½ teaspoon of dried sweet marjoram (antiseptic, tonic and sedative properties) and ½ teaspoon of dried sage (antiseptic and astringent properties) to 1 cup boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain, add pinch of salt and sip. To make the broth taste more like tea, add honey and/or lemon to taste. Drink only twice daily.

Marjoram oil can be rubbed on your neck where your throat hurts for relief from pain also. Marjoram tea with little honey and lemon is ideal for getting rid of a sore throat and reduce coughing.

Not advised for pregnant women, or people who have an iron deficiency or suffer from anemia.

Marshmallow root: grows in Europe and North America, and is commonly found in tinctures, capsules and tea forms. The roots and leaves of this herb contain polysaccharides which have antibacterial, antitussive (relieve coughing) and mucilaginous (soothes the mucus membranes in throat) properties.

Marshmallow root tea is prepared by adding 1 tablespoon of dried root to 8 oz of boiling water. Cover and let steep for 30-90 minutes. Strain and drink up to 3 times daily.

When taking tincture, 1 or 2 teaspoons up to three times a day should be sufficient.

Marshmallow root not recommended for pregnant or nursing women; also not by people with diabetes.

Orange juice: heated up in microwave with a little honey added is a great tasting remedy for your sore throat. Alternatively, 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice can also be added to warm orange juice.

Peppermint: is a herb used as flavoring agent in various consumer products. The main ingredient in peppermint is menthol which has decongestant and expectorant properties. The herb is available in tincture, tea, capsule and cream forms.

Prepare peppermint tea by adding 1 teaspoon dried leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Let tea steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink while still warm, up to 5 times daily as needed.

Not recommended for children or people who suffer from GERD (gastrointestinal reflux).

Raspberry leaf tea: has anti-inflammatory property. Tea is prepared by steeping 1 teaspoon dried crushed leaves in 1 cup of cold water for few hours. Then boil for 10 minutes and strain. Drink while still hot. Drink up to 3 large mugs a day.

Boil 2 teaspoons dried leaves in 1 cup of water for few minutes. Steep for 10 minutes, strain and let it cool sufficiently before gargling. Adding calendula flowers and sage leaves are optional; it may however enhance the effectiveness of the tea.

Sage: infusion made by adding 1 tablespoon dried sage leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain. Add 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon honey to the tea. Gargle 4 times daily.

Brew tea like above. Add 1 tablespoon sea salt (make sure it dissolves), 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and dash of cayenne pepper. Let mixture cool to room temperature and gargle as usual.

Saltwater: is one of the most well-known home remedies for a sore throat I’m sure! As easy as pie! Dissolve ½ teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water (warm water shrinks inflamed tissue). Gargle 10 seconds with each mouthful at a time, and then spit out (salt water when swallowed may upset your stomach). If mucus is a problem, gargle with a mixture of ½ cup hydrogen peroxide and ½ cup warm water. Add a little mouthwash to make it more palatable.

Sea salt: combined with other ingredients is quite a potent home remedy for a sore throat.

Combine 2 teaspoons sea salt with ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice, ½ tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a small pot. Heat the ingredients at low heat until warm only, stirring it continuously. Do not bring to simmer or boil, the heat will destroy the healing properties of the ingredients.

Gargle for at least 30 seconds with each mouthful and spit out. This mixture gets rid of the bacteria and infection in your throat; not a good idea to swallow it. When done, fill your mouth with plain yoghurt and swish around to neutralize the burning sensation caused by the cayenne pepper. Swallow the yogurt when burning sensation is gone.

Serrapeptase: is a natural anti-inflammatory pain relieving enzyme originally from silkworms, known as “The Miracle Enzyme”. I am of the opinion that this specific home remedy for a sore throat is not well-known; alternatively not enough people have used it successfully to bother with recommending it. If anyone reading this post has tried it and achieved acceptable results, please let us know…

Should you be interested in trying serrapeptase, I found this: “Take one tablet or capsule every hour on an empty stomach. At the same time chew a Serrapeptase tablet or, if capsules, break open and mix with honey and let it trickle down the throat very slowly. I personally have used this protocol and have never had to go more than one hour before it was gone.”

Source: http://www.serrapeptase.info/ear-nose-and-throat/sore-throats/sore-throats/

Slippery elm: can be used in either natural or processed form. Used naturally to get rid of a sore throat, fresh bark of the tree is dried and ground (2 tablespoons) and steeped in hot water (2 cups) to prepare a tea which can be taken up to 3 times daily. Adding honey is optional.

Tinctures can also be used 3 times a day; keeping in mind it has alcohol in it which makes it similar to commercial cough syrup. Then of course there are lozenges which can conveniently be taken anywhere. Capsules will not treat a sore throat; they are meant for digestive problems.

Make your own lozenges by mixing slippery elm powder with enough raw honey to make a thick paste. Add between 1-5 drops peppermint oil to taste. Place in air tight container and eat a spoonful 2-4 times a day until sore throat clears up.

Spirits: can numb a sore throat quite effectively. Just add 1 tablespoonful of bourbon to a glass of warm water and gargle.

Steam: away that sore throat! Put 2-3 cups of steaming hot water in a bowl and add some eucalyptus oil. Test the heat by putting your hand over the steam, if too hot, let it cool a bit. Cover your head with a towel and breathe deeply through your nose and mouth for 5-10 minutes. Do as often as needed.

Tabasco sauce: is your alternative when you do not have any cayenne pepper at hand. Gargle with 15-20 drops Tabasco sauce mixed with a glass of warm water.

Tamarind: as a home remedy for a sore throat is rich in tartaric acid, a powerful anti-oxidant. Its fruit contains volatile phytochemicals which account for its medicinal properties.

Prepare a gargle by soaking a handful of tamarind leaves in 2 glasses of water for quite a while. Strain water and gargle. Alternatively, gargle with dried powdered leaves and stir into glass of water. Gargle twice daily with tamarind until sore throat clears up.

ThroatCoat herbal tea: contains licorice root, slippery elm bark and marshmallow root; at 0 calories a delightful way to keep your sore throat moist. Pour 8 oz boiling water over 1 tea bag. Cover for 10-15 minutes. Squeeze tea bag to ensure all the goodness in your cup. Add honey if preferred. Enjoy 4-6 cups daily.

Turmeric: is a very versatile spice, not only a remedy to get rid of any sore throat. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to name just a few.

The simplest preparation is turmeric powder and raw honey mixed together to form a thick paste. Eat some of the paste every half hour.

Prepare a gargle by mixing ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon raw honey to ½ cup warm water. Gargle with each mouthful for at least 20 seconds and spit out. Repeat until mixture finished. Keep up twice daily until sore throat clears up.

Mix 1 tablespoon turmeric powder into a glass of water (as hot as you can stand drinking without burning your throat or tongue). Optionally you can stir in raw honey to taste. Make sure honey dissolved and drink this as quickly as you can, or take large gulps until finished.

I was quite surprised to learn that turmeric milk works wonders in clearing up a sore throat (amongst other ailments).

Use a small saucepan and heat up 1 cup of almond milk (or preferred milk) over medium heat. Add ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder; pinch of black pepper, ½ teaspoon raw honey (or to taste). Optionally you can add 1 green cardamom pod and ¼ inch cinnamon stick. Stir for about 2 minutes until hot. Remove the optional spices (cardamom and cinnamon) from the milk and drink while still hot.

Here is a turmeric milk recipe with different ingredients:

“The health benefits of turmeric and ginger combined with the sleep-promoting properties of milk are what make this a tried and true home remedy that will heal the body and soothe the soul.

Don’t omit the black peppercorns from the recipe. Research has found that black pepper increases the bioavailability of turmeric and helps it heal the body. In fact, one study found that turmeric and black pepper eliminated breast cancer cells when consumed together.

Ingredients
2 cups organic milk
1 tsp. turmeric powder
1/4 tsp. ginger powder
4 black peppercorns, crushed
dash of cinnamon (optional)
honey or other sweetener (optional)

Directions
Place all ingredients in a saucepan on medium heat and bring to a boil. Simmer for five minutes, stirring frequently. Sweeten to taste, preferably with a healthy sweetener like honey or erythritol. Pour into a mug and drink hot.

This drink is great on cold winter evenings before bed!”

Source: http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/turmeric-milk-recipe-for-cough-and-sore-throat.html

This video may help you even more…

Zinc lozenges: for a sore throat is highly recommended by many to soothe a sore throat. Take 1 every 2–4 hours as needed to clear up a sore throat; not for longer than 1 week though.

“How they work: These coat the throat to soothe red, raw tissue. In addition, as the zinc ions dissolve, they migrate up the nose, where they bind to and may halt the virus causing a cold. A study conducted at Wayne State University, in Detroit, showed that patients who took zinc lozenges every two to three waking hours cut the duration of a cold by almost half. And since most sore throats come with a cold, start sucking on a lozenge at the first signs of pain. Look for drops that contain zinc gluconate, which is easier on the stomach than other forms, and take them with food to reduce the risk of queasiness. 

Good to know: Because some supplements can interfere with other medications, check with your doctor first.”

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/02/16/8-sore-throat-soothers/#ixzz2RCVl29rJ

The homemade remedies for sore throat discussed here are by no means an exhaustive list…we need YOU, our valuable visitor to add your comments pertaining to what has worked for you, also what did not! We appreciate your time; please share with your friends.