Most of us suffer from a sore throat at least once a year. Whether it’s seasonal change, pollution or dietary changes, our bodies react to external or internal upheavals in different ways. One such way is a throat infection. The causes of a throat infection range from viral infections, bacterial infections, allergies, or acid reflux, to smoking and infected tonsils.
A sore throat can be a painful condition. It can result in difficulty in swallowing and talking and can make life unpleasant. Throat infections usually mean an inflamed pharynx, which is the pipe that stretches from the back of the mouth to the esophagus. While a minor sore throat is a common condition, if it persists for an unnatural duration, it can be a symptom of a more serious condition. In this case, it is advisable to see a physician. In the meantime, take a peek at these simple home remedies to soothe your sore throat.
Top 10 Home Remedies For Throat Infection
Salt Water Gargle
A tried and tested remedy to soothe a sore throat is the old salt water gargle. This simple homemade solution can provide instant relief from an aching and inflamed throat. All you need is non-iodized salt and water for this treatment. Mix about ¼ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
Then gargle using this solution. The salt water helps neutralize the acids in your throat and this can correct the pH imbalance that is caused by a throat infection. This can soothe the mucous membrane in the throat and encourage healing. Do this gargle 4 or 5 times a day, depending on your condition.
Warm Water and Honey
Another simple home remedy for throat infection is honey. Known for millennia for its healing powers, honey has been used in traditional folk remedies for treating colds, coughs and sore throats. Honey has incredible antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that make it ideal for treating respiratory infections. It also coats the throat, easing your discomfort and making swallowing a less painful. You can have honey with warm water at least 3 times a day. The warm water will keep your throat moist and hydrated.
Cayenne Pepper
For centuries, indigenous people in North America have been using cayenne pepper to help treat a myriad of illnesses and conditions. One of them is throat infection. The reason for cayenne’s effectiveness in treating sore throat is believed to be the enzyme capsaicin. This is a pain-relieving agent in cayenne pepper that prevents the passage of neurotransmitters that carry messages of pain between nerves.
Another reason is that capsaicin is believed to have antibacterial and antifungal properties that can prevent further infection. You can make a gargle of one teaspoon of cayenne pepper in one glass of warm water and take it every 15-30 minutes, depending on the intensity of your condition.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This is another folk remedy that has proven to be highly effective. Apple cider vinegar is rich in various nutrients, including malic acid, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Because of its acidic nature, the vinegar can also prevent future sore throats by creating an inhospitable environment for microbes. Traditionally, a gargle is made from the vinegar and water. Just add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to an 8-ounce glass of warm water. It is advisable to do the gargle once every hour, till the throat feels better.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is another remedy that comes from traditional knowledge. The root of ginger has been extensively used in folk remedies to treat sore throats, colds, coughs and other respiratory infections. Because ginger is naturally warming, it improves blood circulation in the body and help clear mucus build-up that may have caused or developed into a throat inflammation.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling. You can make a simple hot tea of grated ginger, water and honey, and have it twice or thrice a day.
Garlic
Another root to your rescue is garlic. This miracle herb has been used in a multitude of traditional and folk remedies for respiratory infections and afflictions for centuries. As garlic has antibacterial and antifungal properties, it can help treat a throat infection or prevent the infection from getting worse. It can also improve your immune system and help encourage recovery. You can make a tea of some cloves of garlic and water and have it at least twice a day. Add some honey if you want to improve the taste.
Herbal Teas
When you have an inflamed throat, having warm water alone can give you relief. However, to increase the chances of a speedy recovery and immediate relief, you can make simple herbal tea. There are some herbs that not only ease the irritation, but also help fight off the infection.
Some of these herbs are chamomile, calendula, mint and sage. Make sure to have the tea warm and not too hot or cool. You can add some honey to the tea to improve the taste and enhance its effectiveness.
Lemon
Some lemon zest maybe what your body needs to tide over a throat infection. Traditionally lemon and lime have been used to treat colds, coughs and other respiratory conditions because of their high vitamin C content. This means they help boost the body’s immune system and improve the chances of a speedy recovery. Lemon juice, being highly acidic, also creates an unfriendly environment for bacteria and fungus in your throat. You can have a lemon and honey tea or make a gargle or lemon juice and warm water.
Marshmallow
This is a herb that is commonly found in North America and Europe. It has been used for centuries in traditional and folk remedies to treat sore throats and throat infections. The main reason for its proven effectiveness is that the marshmallow root contains mucilage, which is a substance that relaxes mucous membranes in the throat.
You can get marshmallow root at a herbal or natural store. At home, make a simple tea of dried marshmallow root and water. After boiling the water, let it steep for up to 90 minutes and then strain the tea for consumption.
Slippery Elm
Another traditional remedy, slippery elm has been used for treating sore throats by indigenous people for centuries. Like marshmallow, this herb also contains mucilage. This material, which soothes the mucous membrane and coats the esophagus, can help relieve pain. You can make a tea of two tablespoons of slippery elm bark powder and water. Let the infusion steep for three to five minutes and then have it.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
