Sore throats can be caused by an infection, allergies, acid reflux, or other reasons. Home remedies can be used to soothe sore throats depending on the cause. You can try honey, marshmallow root, or lozenges.
Sore throats can feel sore or painful to swallow. This article will explain the most common causes of sore throats, how to treat them, and when it is best to consult a doctor.
Overview
Sore throats can be caused by:
Viruses such as the ones that cause flu, colds, and COVID-19
Streptococcal Pharyngitis (or strep throat) is a group A strep bacteria infection.
Allergies
acid reflux
Secondhand or smoking exposure
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), sore throats are most often caused by Trusted Source viruses.
Although it is not something to be concerned about, a sore throat can be very uncomfortable.
Sore throat symptoms
A person may feel sore or irritated depending on the reason.
- The throat is burning
- Raw and dry voice
- The throat feels shaky
- Irritation
- Tenderness in the throat
If the sore throat is caused by tonsillitis it may also cause difficulty swallowing, white patches on the throat, or accumulation of pus.
Other than soreness in your throat, there are other symptoms you can experience.
- Cough
- Sneezing and a runny nose
- Fever
- Chills
- Stuffy nose
- The neck is swollen
- Appetite loss
To ease your discomfort, you can try these remedies at home.
1. Use lozenges
Lozenges can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC), and they can ease symptoms such as a sore throat.
They dissolve in your mouth and release ingredients that soothe an irritated, dry throat. They can be medicated or not.
A 2017 studyTrusted Source found that lozenges containing amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzylalcohol (AMC/DCBA) are a safe and effective way to relieve the pain associated with sore throats.
Other ingredients that may be found in lozenges include:
- Antiseptic to Kill Germs
- Local anesthetic to numb your throat
Drugstores carry a variety of lozenges.
2. Honey is a good option
Honey can be used as a home remedy for sore throats. A 2016 study found that honey can be used twice daily to soothe a sore throat.
According to the study, honey is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant. This can help relieve sore throats and speed up recovery.
However, a person should not give honey to infants Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Trusted Source, suggests gargling warm saltwater to soothe sore throats.
To make a cup of boiling water, add 1-2 teaspoons salt.
Then, wait for the mixture to cool down before taking a bite at a time and then spitting it out.
Saltwater should not be swallowed. This treatment is not recommended for people with high sodium diet or with diabetes .
5. Saltwater: Gargle
The 2018 studyTrusted source revealed that four major supplements are important in keeping the immune system healthy and preventing common colds. These include:
These vitamins and supplements were found to reduce symptoms and promote faster recovery.
Orange juice mixed with ice can soothe a sore throat. It acts as a pain reliever and provides vitamin C.
People with acid reflux might want to avoid orange juice as it can make their symptoms worse.
4. Avoid irritating substances
Sometimes, an irritant can cause or worsen sore throats.
These are some examples of common irritants:
- Vaping and smoking
- Being exposed to secondhand smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Consuming acidic foods and drinks
- Spicy food
Sometimes, exposure to chemicals in cleaning products can cause irritation of the throat.
Persons with sore throats should stop smoking, vaping and drink alcohol as they can worsen the condition.
Acid reflux and GERD sufferers should avoid spicy or acidic foods as they can worsen their condition.
Chronic sore throat sufferers should stop smoking, eliminate alcohol, and reduce their exposure to other irritants.
5. Use a humidifier
When the air around them becomes too dry, people often feel sore throats.
Humidifiers convert water into vapor and release it into the atmosphere, increasing humidity.
A humidifier adds moisture to the air and can moisten the throat. Sometimes, this can help relieve symptoms of a sore or dry throat.
6. Hot lemon drink with honey, ginger and marsmallow root
Since the middle of the ages, marshmallow plants have been helping to soothe sore throats and other similar conditions.
The root is made up of a gelatin-like substance, which coats the throat and lubricates it when swallowed.
Marshmallow root lozenges (a gelatin-like substance) have been tested on animals and found to be safe and nontoxic even in very high doses.
7. Sage and echinacea
There are many stories about sage (herb), which is used for cooking and medicinal purposes.
Sage has been used to treat many inflammatory conditions and it has been shown to relieve pain in the throat.
A sage-echinacea oil spray works slightly better at relieving pain in the throat than a chlorhexidine/lidocaine spray.
Echinacea is another herb used in traditional medicine. It has been proven to reduce inflammation and fight bacteria.
8. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries as a natural health rejuvenator. Acetic acid, which helps fight bacteria, is the main ingredient.
Ancient physicians recommended honey and apple cider vinegar to relieve symptoms of the flu, sore throats, and coughs.
Warm water with 1 cup honey and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can be used to relieve your throat pain.
Apple cider vinegar can cause tooth decay and digestive issues. Consuming apple cider vinegar in small quantities with warm water can relieve a sore throat.
9. Gargle saltwater
Salt water can be used to relieve a sore throat. Salt helps reduce swelling by drawing water from your throat tissue.
It can help eliminate any unwanted microbes from your throat. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm water.
Stir until it dissolves. You can then gargle with the mixture for 30 seconds, and then repeat it every hour with warm saltwater.
10. Licorice root
Licorice has been used to treat many conditions in traditional medicine. It has properties similar to aspirin, which can help reduce sore throat pain.
There isn’t much research into its ability to treat illness. Studies have shown that licorice can reduce the pain in the throat after a breathing tube is removed.
A second study found that gargling with licorice water prior to surgery decreased the chance of having a sore or painful throat by half, compared with gargling using sugar water.
Mix ground licorice root and hot water. Let it steep for about a minute, then strain it before drinking. The amazing properties of licorice root soothe sore throats.
11. Lemon water
Lemon water is known to reduce the sore throat pain. It is most common during a flu. Vitamin C and antioxidants in lemon increase saliva production, keeping your mucous membranes moist.
To maximize the benefits, add lemon to warm water with a little honey or saltwater. Lemon water is rich in vitamin C and other compounds that soothe sore throats.
12. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an antioxidant-rich spice. It has antibacterial properties. It can be used to treat colds and flu symptoms, as well as for sore throat pain.
Another delicious option is cinnamon tea. Cinnamon almond milk can be made, which can soothe your throat. The flu and throat pains can be treated with cinnamon.
13. Soup of chicken
Chicken soup is a great sore throat treatment. This comfort food allows you to drink more fluids.
Garlic contains bioactive compounds, which can help you when you are sick. The delicious homemade chicken soup can be made with garlic.
14. Peppermint tea
Anti-inflammatory properties are found in peppermint tea. Peppermint tea may help relieve pain by slightly numbing your throat.
Tea can also be made by boiling fresh peppermint leaves for 3 to 5 minutes. After that, strain the leaves.
Peppermint tea is naturally sweet and caffeine-free. Peppermint tea is a refreshing and tasty beverage that can help to reduce inflammation and discomfort in the throat.
15. Garlic
Allicin, a natural compound that can fight infections, is found in this ingredient. It is also high in antibacterial properties, so it can be used to treat any infection that causes soreness in your throat. To relieve a sore throat, add a clove of garlic to your soup.
16. Steam shower
A steam shower can be used to reduce swelling and relieve pain from a sore throat. Sore throat symptoms can be relieved by moist air.
17. Fenugreek
This one remedy can be used in many ways: fenugreek oil, fenugreek seed, or in tea. This is the best remedy for sore throats.
Evidence is abundant that fenugreek has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal qualities.
18. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea can be a quick way to relieve a sore throat. Chamomile tea is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and astringent qualities that soothe the throat. Chamomile tea is also known to boost the immune system.
19. OTC medicines
Virus infections are the most common cause of sore throats. While antibiotics are not effective in treating the infection, there are medications that can reduce swelling and inflammation.
Naproxen and ibuprofen are two examples of medicines that can be used to relieve scratchiness.
Sore throats in infants and children
There are many ways to treat sore throats in children and infants. Here are some tips and remedies:
- You can add moisture to the air to help your child with a sore throat.
- Make sure your child is hydrated with healthy fluids.
- Ask your child to wash his/her hands often.
- Do not give them acidic or spicy foods.
- Keep them safe from smoke and chemical fumes.
Summary
Sore throats are most often caused by viruses. Other causes of sore throats include allergies, bacterial infections, and irritants.
Lozenges, over-the counter pain medications and sprays can be used to relieve sore throats. Honey, herbal medicines, saltwater gargles and other remedies are also available.
A sore throat usually goes away on its own. If the sore throat persists, it is best to consult a doctor.