A sore throat is a scratchy, irritating, and itchy feeling in the throat. It can be due to various reasons like exposure to irritants (smoke, dust, chemical fumes, etc.), post-nasal drip, cough, dry mouth, strep throat and other respiratory infections.
Causes of sore throat:
A sore throat can be caused due to various reasons ranging from mild irritation in the throat to certain infections.
Here are some of the most common causes of a sore throat-
- Dehydration
- Dry mouth
- Viral infections like a cold and flu
- Post-nasal drip (flow of the mucus from the back of the nose to the throat)
- Cough
- Bacterial infections like strep throat
- Allergies
- Exposure to irritants
- Smoking, including second-hand or passive smoking
- Snoring and sleep apnea
- Mouth breathing, especially during sleep
- GERD (Gastrointestinal reflux disease)
Home remedies for sore throat:
Most of us don’t like to rely on medicines for common problems like a cold, cough and sore throat. We would rather make a kadha or herbal tea at home. Well, these remedies can be very helpful.
There are various ways by which you can ease the sore throat at home. These remedies are safe and effective. Some of the most effective home remedies for sore throat may include-
Honey
Every one of us is aware of how effective honey is in reducing sore throat and cough. It is also used in Lozenges due to its ability to reduce sore throat. Honey has a soothing property. It helps to form a coat or layer on the throat, which helps prevent further irritation and itching, thus, providing time to heal the sore throat. Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, honey can help reduce the pain and swelling caused due to a sore throat.
Mulethi (Licorice)
The sweet roots of Licorice are well known to reduce sore throat. Studies have proven the ability of Licorice to reduce the severity and frequency of sore throat. Prepare Licorice tea and drink it or use it as a gargle solution. It can help reduce sore throat.
The effects of Licorice on the sore throat are due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-building properties.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow roots are another soothing agent which helps relieve sore throat. Marshmallow contains mucilage (a mucus-like substance) which forms a protective layer on the throat and prevents itching and irritation. It is known for its inflammation-reducing property, which helps reduce the pain and swelling caused due to sore throat. It can also be used to reduce the cough.
Saltwater gargling
Saltwater helps to reduce swelling and pain in the throat. Doing saltwater gargling twice a day can help reduce the symptoms.
Turmeric milk
Drinking turmeric milk or gargling with turmeric milk helps ease a sore throat. You can also add turmeric to warm water for gargling. Curcumin present in turmeric is responsible for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Pot marigold
Also known as Calendula, pot marigold helps reduce the swelling in the mouth and throat. The flowers of pot marigold can also help fight infection and reduce inflammation in the body.
Slippery elm
Slippery elm, as the name suggests, contains a slippery substance called mucilage which helps form a protective coat on the throat. It can be effectively used to reduce sore throat and cough. It can be consumed as tea or tincture. However, pregnant women should not consume slippery elm.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a well-known spice. It not just adds taste to your food but can also act as a medicine to ease your throat pain. Cinnamon is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic (pain-reducing) properties, which can help reduce sore throat, cough, cold, and flu symptoms.
You can add cinnamon to your regular tea or other foods to reduce the sore throat and pain.
Lemon
Lemon being a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, can help ease your sore throat. It also helps reduce the swelling in the throat and kills microbes responsible for the sore throat and cough. Lemon can help you fight various infections due to its immune-building properties.
A mixture of lemon and honey is found to be more effective than most standard antibiotics in the treatment of various respiratory tract infections. You can make tea with lemon and honey or drink lemon water to reduce your symptoms.
Indian Echinacea
It is also known as “Kalmegh" or "King of Bitters". It can help reduce the duration of common illnesses like the common cold and flu and ease symptoms like sore throat and cough. It can also help boost your immunity to fight against future infections. It shows medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immune-building, and analgesic.
Warm fluids
Drink warm fluids to ease the pain and swelling. You can also drink chicken or vegetable soup seasoned with black pepper and ginger for better results. Drinking herbal tea can also be beneficial as many herbs are well-known to reduce sore throat. Some of these herbs include Tulsi, Mulethi, Peppermint, Thyme, etc.
So, next time you have a sore throat, try out these home remedies and do let us know which worked best for you in the comment section below.
