10 ways to relieve a sore throat
A sore throat is often the first sign of a cold coming on, a side effect of strained vocal cords, or a sign of something more serious (eg strep throat).
Regardless of the cause, your first concern should be how to get relief quickly. Most people rush to the doctor, but in fact, some of the best treatment methods are home remedies. .
Here are 10 things to try the next time you feel a sore throat.
1. Anti-inflammatory lozenges
One of the most effective remedies for a sore throat is probably already present in your home.
These are the standard anti-inflammatory lozenges that relieve pain and reduce inflammation, so they will help you feel better and swallow more easily in no time.
2. Gargling with salt water
Studies show that gargling with warm salt water several times a day can relieve inflammation in the throat by preventing the growth of harmful viruses and bacteria.
Most doctors recommend a solution of half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water. If the salty taste is too unpleasant for you, you can add a small amount of honey to make the taste more pleasant.
However, remember that water is meant for gargling, not swallowing.
3. Throat Spray
Like lozenges, drugstores offer a wide variety of throat sprays that won’t cure your cold, but will certainly relieve the pain temporarily.
They have a number of antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
4. Cough Syrup
Even if you don’t have a cough yet, the syrup will help you heal the inflammation. Like lozenges and sprays, cough syrup also offers a temporary pain-relieving effect.
If you have left for work and have to drive, be sure to choose a syrup that does not induce drowsiness. However, if a sore throat prevents you from falling asleep at night, such syrups can have an extremely beneficial effect.
5. Fluids
Hydration of the body is extremely important, especially when you are sick and have a sore throat. To make sure you are well hydrated, it is advisable to monitor your urine, which should be very light yellow and transparent.
This will help you fight off harmful viruses and bacteria more easily and your body will overcome cold symptoms. Focus mainly on water, but you can also consume other liquids such as diluted fruit juice or salted chicken broth.
6. Tea
Tired of drinking water? A warm cup of aromatic herbal tea will offer you instant relief from a sore throat.
If you choose a non-herbal tea, this can also help, as white, green and black teas contain immune-boosting antioxidants.
Whatever tea you choose, add a teaspoon of honey. It will ease your sore throat, and its antibacterial properties will help you recover faster.
7. Chicken Soup
One of the oldest home remedies for colds in Europe is chicken soup. The sodium in the broth has anti-inflammatory properties and will tone you up, making you feel good.
Soup is always useful, but when you are sick its effect is double. The liquid consistency makes it easier and painless to swallow, the liquid helps you hydrate, and the vegetables in it provide you with nutrients.
8. Rosemary
Although there is still no hard evidence, tea from the rose plant is believed to have been used for hundreds of years to treat coughs, colds and sore throats.
9. Rest
It may not be the fastest solution, but rest will certainly help you get over the infection that caused your sore throat faster.
Most of this type of inflammation is caused by viruses and until the body deals with the virus we can’t begin to do anything to heal ourselves (as the old saying goes “With medicine a cold goes away in a week, and without medicine – in seven days”).
10. Antibiotics
About 10% of sore throats are the result of bacterial infections. If your doctor detects a bacterial infection, an antibiotic may be the best solution.
Just remember that it is very important to take the medicine on schedule because otherwise it is not effective. In addition, antibiotics will not be effective if the cause of the sore throat is not bacteria but viruses.
