Discover the numerous causes and solutions for sore throats, from viral and bacterial infections to allergies and overuse of your voice. Learn how to soothe the irritation and discomfort with these helpful tips.
Courtesy of Blackdoctor.org
Sore throats could be due to several things, like enteroviruses, which spread pretty easily and other bacterial or viral infections, dry air, allergies, mouth ulcers, a burn from very hot food, overuse of your voice, dehydration or even sleeping with your mouth open. Whatever the case may be, having a sore throat is irritable, uncomfortable, and no fun at all.
A sore throat may seem minute but depending on the severity, an individual’s sore throat symptoms may vary.
Sore throat symptoms:
- Scratchy sensation
- Itchiness and/or irritation
- Pain and/or irritation when swallowing
- Pain and/or irritation when talking
- Swollen glands in your neck
- A hoarse or muffled voice
- A painful, burning sensation
As a mama of two, I always say at-home remedies are very important to have on hand because they are useful for managing and treating minor irritations like sore throat and other minor illnesses.
Here are seven at-home remedies, to help relieve you of a sore throat:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties, meaning those properties work to destroy bacteria or suppress their growth or their ability to reproduce. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps to fight off bacteria. There are a few ways to take apple cider vinegar. You can mix 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 8–12 ounces of water in a glass and drink, add to food like soup or stews, and even take it in pill form. However, for a sore throat, I’d recommend liquid form.
2. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea has anti-inflammatory properties and some antibacterial and antiviral qualities. Peppermint tea is exceptional at soothing the throat. You can find peppermint tea bags at any of your local grocery stores.
3. Honey
Honey can reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat. Taken on its own or mixed in warm tea will be sure to relieve you of a sore throat because of honey’s therapeutic properties.
4. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory, astringent properties and antioxidants, which remove potentially harmful agents. You can find chamomile tea at any of your local grocery stores.
5. Salt Water
Gargling warm salt water kills off bacteria, loosens mucus and reduces inflammation. It’s super simple to prepare. Mix 1/4–1/2 teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of warm or cold water. Stir until the salt dissolves.
6. Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root contains a gelatin-like substance that coats and soothes a sore throat. You can prepare marshmallow root tea and drink it.
7. Raw Garlic
Raw garlic has natural antibacterial properties. It contains allicin, an organosulfur compound known for its ability to fight off infections. To prepare, you can crush and chew, chew on a raw garlic clove, or suck on a slice for roughly 15 minutes, also try mincing the garlic and adding it to a spoonful of raw honey or olive oil. You can even blend it with other vegetables to make juice.
Sore throats are actually quite common and will usually subside within a week. If you have a sore throat and the symptoms have not subsided or it seems to be getting worse, that could be a sign of a more serious health condition.
When it’s time to see a trusted healthcare provider:
- You’re experiencing a sore throat that lasts longer than a week
- You’re experiencing difficulty breathing
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Unusual drooling
- Blood in your saliva
- A growing lump in your throat /neck
- Swelling in both your neck and face
If you’re in need of a trusted and culturally competent healthcare provider, search here. It’s an amazing resource to help you find a doctor in your area. Be sure to keep these seven at-home remedies in your back pocket as you will never know just when you might need them.
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