How To Soothe A Sore Throat At Home
A sore throat is an inflammation in the back of your throat and may make it painful for you to swallow or leave you with a scratchy feeling.
The characteristic tingle, itch, or emerging pain in your throat when you swallow is a common telltale sign.
Oftentimes, a sore throat is also a first sign that you may be coming down with a cold or flu, though it may less commonly be a sign of strep throat too.
It’s important to act quickly when you notice your throat feels sore to keep your symptoms from getting worse.
The most important thing is keeping your throat moisturized so the respiratory lining stays intact and keeps germs out. Just as your skin can get cracked and dry so can your throat.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of a sore throat, there are plenty of over-the-counter medications available to help relieve symptoms. You may also be surprised to find that your home probably contains natural sore throat remedies.
Home Remedies To Soothe A Sore Throat
Here are a few at-home remedies that can help soothe a sore throat:
1. Use A Humidifier
When you already have a sore throat that feels raw, breathing in dry air can feel extra irritating.
A room humidifier can help add moisture to the air and make it more comfortable for you to breathe.
It may be helpful to leave the humidifier on as you rest at night to keep the room from being too dry and disrupting your sleep because of the irritation in your throat.
If you don’t have a room humidifier, one alternative is to take a steamy shower and sit in the steamy bathroom for a few minutes.
2. Gargle With Saltwater
This may be a remedy you’ve heard while growing up, but it is actually a recommended method for relieving sore throats.
Gargling a warm saltwater solution can help reduce inflammation, prevent the growth of bacteria in your mouth, and also help to thin mucus.
An easy solution is to mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water (about 4 to 8 ounces). A small amount of baking soda (about ¼ teaspoon) can also be dissolved into the solution, which also helps to kill oral bacteria. Gargle the solution a few times a day and spit it out afterward.
3. Drink Enough Fluids
In general, fluids can help keep your throat moisturized and prevent further dehydration. Warm, comforting fluids like soup or tea can help soothe a sore throat.
One sore throat remedy that you probably already have the ingredients for is tea with honey. Honey is known to have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and in recent research, has even been found to be as effective as cough suppressants.
Try to choose a caffeine-free tea since you don’t want to accidentally disrupt any rest time. Chamomile and peppermint tea are naturally caffeine-free teas that also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help your body recover from a sore throat.
4. Get Plenty Of Rest
Although it may seem obvious, it is important to get enough rest when trying to recover from an inflamed throat. Not getting enough sleep can increase your risk of developing an infection.
Make sure you also rest your voice as well as much as possible. Avoid talking loudly, which may further irritate your already sore throat.
If you feel like your sore throat isn’t improving, or is getting worse, you should contact your doctor to see what further recommendations they have.
The Takeaway
Since the cold season is approaching, you might experience a painful throat more often.
Don’t worry, there are simple home remedies that can help you deal with an inflamed throat. These include gargling with salt water, avoiding dry air, hydrating properly, and getting enough rest.
If you follow these tips you might soothe your sore throat in just a few days. Stay safe!
