We have all suffered a sore throat at some point – the distressing symptoms of irritation, itchiness and pain experienced in the throat – a guaranteed way of spoiling your day and affecting your sleep. The vast majority of sore throats are of viral origin and will need to run their course. Treatment of these is primarily symptomatic – in this article we’ll focus on just how effective natural ways to treat a sore throat are.
So, is this way the answer?
Ok, you can go down the path of over-the-counter (OTC) synthetic solutions created by an empathic pharmaceutical company and brought to you by your friendly pharmacist. Alternatively, why not consider natural solutions to deal with the uncomfortable symptoms of a sore throat – the distinct advantages of these being:
• They are entirely natural
• They do not produce any side effects
• They are inexpensive and can be used for other purposes
Natural ways to treat a sore throat – simple and effective
Without further ado, let’s look at a number of natural ways to treat a sore throat – these include:
Honey
Let’s start with a well-known remedy to ease the discomfort of a sore throat – honey. This is so effective at relieving a sore throat, that a research review in 2021 found that honey is more effective than many pharmaceutical products, including antibiotics and anti-histamines.
To use honey as a remedy for the symptoms of a sore throat consume in its pure form or alternatively in hot drinks such as hot water and lemon juice.
Saltwater gargle
A warm salt solution is one of nature’s notable healing cures and its effectiveness, when used as a gargle, in treating the symptoms of a sore throat is no exception.
To make the salt water solution – add a teaspoonful of table salt to a glass of warm water, mix thoroughly and gargle for 30 seconds. Repeat this hourly until the symptoms have eased.
Baking soda gargle
An even more effective alternative to the salt water gargle, is the baking soda gargle. This is a mixture of baking soda and salt water – in addition to relieving a sore throat this solution is additionally antibacterial and antifungal.
To use – add ½ teaspoonful of table salt and ½ teaspoonful of baking soda to a glass of warm water. Gargle with this mixture 3-4 times daily followed by rinsing the mouth with water.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea has long been used for a diverse range of medicinal purposes – this includes treating the symptoms of a sore throat. Chamomile is particularly noted for its astringent, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
An added bonus is that chamomile may boost the immune system – this will promote healing the infection that caused the sore throat in the first place.
Peppermint
As well as its well-publicized ability to freshen breath, peppermint also boasts antiviral anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties and contains menthol which is particularly soothing for the symptoms of sore throats.
There are various ways to administer peppermint including:
• Peppermint teas
• Peppermint sprays – why not make your own? All you have to do is mix a few drops of food-grade peppermint oil with 30g of a carrier oil such as olive or almond oil
Licorice root
Licorice root has been a traditional treatment for sore throat symptoms for many years.
There are several ways to enjoy the beneficial effects of licorice root including:
• Licorice root tea
• Licorice root gargle
• Licorice root lozenges
Garlic
Garlic has both antiviral and antibacterial properties that can be effective in treating a sore throat.
Either take daily garlic supplements or boost your dietary intake of garlic. Even better is chewing a fresh garlic clove.
Apple cider vinegar
Yes, once again we return to this wonderful natural product. Apple cider vinegar in addition to its pronounced antibacterial properties, also has a soothing effect on a sore throat.
To use apple cider vinegar either:
• Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a mug of warmed water and gargle
or
• Dilute apple cider vinegar and drink it
Echinacea
In addition to its well-known ability to prevent the common cold, echinacea also boasts powerful anti-inflammatory properties which can significantly reduce the symptoms of a sore throat.
Ther are a number of ways to take echinacea including:
• Liquid
• In a capsule
• As a tea
Marshmallow root
Marshmallow root – a herb – significantly contains mucilage– a mucus-like substance which has the ability to coat the inflamed mucus membrane that signifies a sore throat.
Marshmallow root may be acquired in a number of forms including:
• As a tincture
• As an herbal tea
• In capsule or dried form
Cayenne pepper
Somewhat counter-intuitively – given its ability to create a burning sensation – cayenne pepper has the pronounced ability to block pain receptors. For this reason, cayenne pepper is effective in soothing the pain associated with a sore throat.
Try mixing cayenne pepper with honey and warm water or sprinkling it on food.
Steam and air moisture
To ease a sore throat, try to avoid dry air – this will create further irritation – and try to create extra moisture.
To achieve this, consider the following ideas:
• Add just-boiled water to a large bowl, place your face over it, drape a towel over your head and breathe in the steam – do this for a good 15 minutes
• Have a particularly hot shower with any doors and windows closed. Breathe in the resultant steam
• Invest in an air humidifier – this will create additional moisture in the air you breathe
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