Most people lead hectic lives with demanding jobs and multiple responsibilities.You don’t have time to get sidelined by sickness and allergies. Next time you get a sore throat, don’t fret, just try a combination of one to three of these natural remedies to get your throat back into shape and get you back out on the playing field. Having a sore throat is a pain in the neck, literally. It hurts to talk, cough, or even swallow. Sore throats are caused by viral and bacterial infections, and as your body’s immune system fights against infection, the mucous membranes in your throat begin to swell and become inflamed. Unless your sore throat is severe, however, there is no reason to run to the doctor. There are plenty of ways to soothe your aching throat at home without spending tons of money. Give these natural sore throat remedies a try.
Honey
Honey, mixed with tea, hot water, apple cider vinegar, or even taken as a spoonful of pure honey by itself, helps to soothe and coat your throat. Researchers have found that honey is just as effective as over-the-counter cough suppressants for taming inflammation and stopping coughing. Honey also has antimicrobial properties that will help your throat heal faster.
Licorice Root
Studies have shown that licorice root can help alleviate sore throat pain and reduce coughing. You can find licorice root tea, or combine ground licorice root and hot water. Allow the licorice root to steep for 5 minutes, then strain the mixture and let it cool. Once it’s around room temperature, gargle for 1-2 minutes.
Marshmallow
Since the Middle Ages, sap from the root of the marshmallow plant has been used to treat sore throats. Marshmallow root tea, lozenges containing marshmallow root, and even just plain marshmallows may be effective at treating sore throats. This is because the marshmallow plant contains a substance very similar to gelatin, which helps coat the throat and ease irritation.
Peppermint
Sipping on a cup of peppermint tea 2-3 times a day can help relieve sore throats and help your body heal from anything plaguing its immune system. Peppermint tea is high in antioxidants, which help fight infection through attacking free radicals in your bloodstream. Peppermint contains anti-inflammatory compounds, which can ease throat pain. Peppermint also has a natural numbing effect, which can help soothe throat aches.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for killing bacteria. Since most sore throats are caused by viral and bacterial infections, it only makes sense that apple cider vinegar is on the list of natural remedies. Just mix in a tablespoon to a cup of warm water, add a tablespoon of honey (the sweetness will cut the acidic bite of the vinegar), and you have your very own flu and cold tonic drink, which should ease your sore throat pain at the same time.
Salt Water Gargle
A widely known folk remedy, the salt water gargle, has been shown to help kill bacteria that builds up in the throat. Most sore throats are caused by viral and bacterial infections, so gargling salt water could go a long way toward curing your sore throat. Use about ½ a teaspoon of salt with warm water once every 3-4 hours.
Fenugreek
Drinking fenugreek tea or eating fenugreek seeds can help to relieve a sore throat naturally as well. Fenugreek has anti-inflammatory effects that can ease pain and reduce swelling. Fenugreek also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help kill the infection that caused your sore throat in the first place.
Most people lead hectic lives with demanding jobs and multiple responsibilities.You don’t have time to get sidelined by sickness and allergies. Next time you get a sore throat, don’t fret—just try a combination of one to three of these natural remedies to get your throat back into shape and get you back out on the playing field.
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[Source: Authority Nutrition, Health, Healthline, WebMD]
