Relieve Sore Throats With These 7 Home Remedies

Thanks to the properties of their ingredients, these infusions can help relieve a sore throat and its associated symptoms. We tell you its benefits and how to prepare them.

Irritation and sore throats are common symptoms caused by conditions in the respiratory system or tonsils. These usually appear due to the attack of some viruses and bacteria, although one of its causes can also be acid reflux and inflammation.

This condition rarely represents serious health problems, and tends to improve with the passing of days. However, there are several natural remedies that can be used as part of your treatment.

A sore throat almost always generates an uncomfortable burning sensation that could even make it difficult to swallow food and speak. Although it is not usually a serious condition, it can present some complications if it is not treated promptly. Next, we tell you what natural remedies can alleviate the symptoms and speed up your recovery.

1. Licorice root

Licorice root contains pain relieving and anti-inflammatory agents that appear to help control irritation caused by sore throats.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of licorice root (5 gr)
• ½ cup of water (125 ml)

Preparation

• Add the licorice root in half a cup of boiling water, let it steep for 20 minutes and use the liquid to gargle.
• Repeat the remedy up to three times a day.

2. Marshmallow root for sore throats

According to an article in the Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences , the marshmallow root infusion helps to thin the mucus in the throat and slow down the bacterial growth that causes infections. In addition, it is said that it could have positive effects when the ailment is caused by excess acidic juices.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of powdered marshmallow root (5 gr)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Add the powdered marshmallow root to a cup of water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

• Consume it two or three times a day.

3. Mint infusion

According to a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine , the analgesic and anti – inflammatory properties of peppermint leaves make it a good remedy for infections that cause sore throats.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of mint leaves (10 gr)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Add the mint leaves to a cup of boiling water and wait for it to steep for 10 minutes.
• When it’s ready, pass it through a colander and consume it.
• If you like, gargle with the infusion for best results.

4. Ginger and honey tea

The properties of ginger have been used for hundreds of years as an alternative treatment for throat irritation and sensitivity. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds appear to be able to control infections and relieve inflamed tonsils.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml)
• 2 teaspoons of grated ginger (10 gr)
• 1 tablespoon of honey (25 gr)

Preparation

• Heat the cup of water and, when it boils, add the ginger and honey.
• Drink it in sips, twice a day.

5. Honey and lemon syrup for sore throats

The natural syrup of honey and lemon has expectorant and antiviral properties that help to expel the phlegm that obstructs the airways. This simple combination is said to soothe throat irritation, control coughing, and reduce the presence of infection-causing microorganisms.

Regarding honey, a study by Pediatric Reports indicates that it has antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that could be beneficial for the treatment of flu symptoms and the common cold.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of honey (50 gr)
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (20 ml)

Preparation

• Combine the two ingredients and consume them at the first sign of pain.
• If you like, add them to half a cup of warm water to facilitate their consumption.

6. Apple cider vinegar

It is said that the expectorant properties of apple cider vinegar, added to its alkaline action, facilitate the expulsion of phlegm and bacteria that generate irritation in the throat. Its acidic compounds appear to neutralize the pH of tissues and exert an antibacterial effect that controls infections.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar (20 ml)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Heat the water and mix it with the apple cider vinegar.
• Consume it on an empty stomach or use it as a gargle three times a day.

7. Thyme infusion

This natural remedy makes it easier to control congestion by removing excess mucus from the respiratory passages. In relation to this, a WebMD publication suggests that taking thyme by mouth decreases coughing in people with flu, bronchitis or respiratory infections, and helps relieve a sore throat. Although conclusive scientific evidence is still needed in this regard.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml)
• 2 teaspoons of dried thyme (10 gr)
• 1 tablespoon of honey (25 gr)

Preparation

• Heat the cup of water and add the dried thyme.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes, pass it through a strainer and sweeten with honey.
• Take a cup a day, until the pain is controlled.

As you can see, there are several natural remedies that could promote recovery from a sore throat. However, you should avoid combining several at the same time because they can cause adverse reactions. If you have questions about any of these ingredients or if symptoms do not improve after using them, it is best to consult your doctor.