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Sore throats are a common ailment, especially during winter when the air is dry. Dry heat, allergies, viruses, and many other conditions can cause a sore throat. Since it isn’t always convenient to head out to the pharmacy, you may be wondering about some sore throat remedies found in your very own kitchen.
And since I can’t stand the feeling of numbing sore throat sprays, I’m always looking for gentler, simpler remedies to try. So here are 17 of the best sore throat remedies in your kitchen.
Of course, you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before trying any at-home remedies. Most of these home remedies are made from items you probably already have in your kitchen or from items that are easy to find at your local grocery store.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
According to medicinenet.com, apple cider vinegar is a good source of vitamins and has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can also help loosen up mucus, which can be a source of sore throats.
Drink or gargle with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water. If the taste bothers you, you can add honey, as well.
Baking Soda and Water
Baking soda can also break up mucus and fight bacteria. A simple sore throat remedy, similar to saltwater, is to mix a half teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water. Mix it up and gargle with the solution every few hours.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is said to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Some folks say that mixing a half teaspoon of cayenne pepper into a cup of water for a gargle can help soothe the inflammation of a sore throat.
However, This could be extremely painful if you have open sores in your mouth.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is an old-fashioned, traditional remedy. While some just love the taste of this soothing tea, many have found it to be anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antispasmodic.
In other words, it may reduce swelling, boost the immune system, and reduce coughing. Chamomile may also lubricate the throat, making it feel better.
Chicken Soup
Chicken soup isn’t just comfort food. It can help soothe your sore throat, too. The warm broth can be soothing on the throat and help drain plugged-up sinuses. The broth may also help boost the immune system and have a mild anti-inflammatory effect.
Garlic
Garlic remedies have been around since, well, vampires! But, all joking aside, this culinary delight has been used in many natural remedies over the years. When you crush garlic, it releases a chemical called allicin. Allicin is thought to be antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial.
The most effective way to get relief from garlic is to chew on a fresh clove or suck on a slice of garlic for 15 minutes. However, not everyone can stomach the strong taste and smell.
Ginger
Ginger has long been used for its anti-inflammatory and possible antimicrobial properties. These properties may mean it can soothe your throat pain. You can boil ginger to make a slightly spicy tea. After it has cooled, add honey to taste and sip.
Honey
Whenever I had a sore throat or cough as a kid, my mom would give me a whole teaspoon of honey. Let the honey coat the inside of your throat as slowly as possible for soothing relief.
You can also mix two tablespoons of honey into a glass of warm water and stir. The antibacterial properties of honey may help you fight off whatever is making your throat sore while bringing you some quick pain relief. Just remember not to give honey to infants under one year.
Hot Sauce
Capsaicin, which is what makes hot peppers hot, also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. A few drops of hot sauce in a glass of water might burn at first, but it also might provide you with some lasting pain relief, as well.
Hot Toddy
Hot Toddies are said to ease cold symptoms, including sore throats. Whiskey, lemon, honey, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and boiling water are the basis for this adults-only drink. For more about how to make it, read this article.
Ice Pop
Don’t underestimate the power of a popsicle when it comes to a sore throat. The ice pop may help numb the pain as well as hydrate you.
Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root isn’t for everyone, and it can be dangerous in large quantities, so check your with your doctor before trying this.
However, licorice root tea has been used as a sore throat remedy and is said to soothe respiratory congestion, as well. This sweet-tasting tea can be gargled or sipped.
Marshmallow Root
Popping marshmallows into your mouth won’t treat a sore throat even though they taste good. But marshmallow root, the original ingredient for marshmallows, can help.
Marshmallow root tea can coat your throat, soothing the burn. It may also relieve irritation and inflammation and soothe a cough, which can further irritate your throat.
Peppermint
The menthol naturally found in peppermint is thought to have cooling properties for a sore throat. Peppermint may be antimicrobial, as well. For a sore throat, you can sip peppermint tea or place a drop of food-grade peppermint essential oil in a half cup of water for gargling.
Saltwater
Gargling with salt water isn’t an immediate solution, but it will help over time. Mix a teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water and mix well. Gargling with the saltwater solution will help to kill bacteria and loosen up mucus.
Slippery Elm
This herb has been used in alternative medicines for centuries. When slippery elm is mixed with water, it creates a gel-like substance called mucilage. This substance can coat and soothe sore throats when you drink it in tea form.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a common kitchen spice, but it also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties. These properties may help soothe your sore throat.
Add some ground turmeric to boiling water and let it simmer. You may want to strain it before drinking. Allow the tea to cool to a comfortable temperature before sipping. You can add honey for taste.
Bonus: Water
My mom always told me to drink more water whenever I was sick. She was right, of course. Since many sore throats are due to the dry winter air, staying hydrated can really help. Sipping water throughout the day may be just the thing to ease the pain of your sore throat.
Sore throats aren’t always serious and sometimes can be easily treated with at home remedies. The Mayo Clinic gives a brief overview of sore throats and how to know when to see a doctor.
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