Sore Throat Relief: 20 Effective Home Remedies & When to See a Doctor

A sore throat is never a welcome situation. Accompanied with throat ache and body ache, it leaves you in a completely miserable condition. Many times what starts as a simple sore throat turns into something more uncomfortable, and you need to call your doctor.

While this may not be required each time, a sore throat, if not properly taken care of, could worsen over a period of time. It may lead to other medical conditions like sinusitis and other ENT troubles.

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Rather than buying over the counter treatments, there are various home remedies you could try before you load your body with antibiotics. These are safe to use by everyone and do not cause any side effects.

So here are 20 of the most effective home remedies for sore throat.

1. Warm Salt Water Gargle:

You’ve heard your mother swear by this while you were a kid, and this holds true even now! Salt water is truly miraculous in easing throat ache and sore throat.

• Dissolve half a tablespoon of salt, preferably the crystallized ones, in a cup of warm water and gargle at regular intervals.
• Along with reducing the swelling in the throat, salt will also help to flush out excess mucus.
• Gargle just three times a day.
• Excessive saline gargle could lead to dehydration of the soft tissue in the throat and mouth.

Gargle is the cheapest and the best home remedy for sore throat you will ever find!

2. Sip Some Hot Toddy:

Who knew that toddy could do the trick? If you are suffering from both throat ache and cold, then hot toddy is the perfect answer.

• Make non-alcoholic hot toddy by mixing some honey, lemon juice and hot water.
• Garnish with a slice of lemon and sip this slowly to get relief from the pain.

Remember that though toddy can soothe a sore throat and even clear your nasal passages, it can dehydrate your system, so do not over do it!

3. Guzzle Some Apple Cider Vinegar:

Things that are healthy may not always taste good, and this is true for apple cider vinegar.

• Take equal quantities of apple cider vinegar and honey and dissolve it in a very warm cup of water.
• Drink while warm.

The acidity in the cider vinegar kills the bacteria causing your sore throat and the honey will soothe the pain. This natural nifty healer has germicidal properties that will work on treating your sore throat from the instant it gets in contact with the walls of your throat. Gargle every hour for best results!

4. Suck Garlic Cloves:

Garlic is just what you need to kick your throat ache out! The allicin in garlic can alleviate pain and throat irritation.

• Slice the clove into half and suck on the pieces like candy, occasionally, giving the piece a gentle chew.
• Though the garlic can sting your throat, stay persistent and suck on raw garlic, for this is the best way to treat a sore throat naturally.

5. Drink Marshmallow:

The marshmallow root has been used for centuries in North America as a sore throat home remedy. The root is mucilaginous and helps to soothe the worst cases of sore throat.

• Put a tablespoon of the root into a cup of boiling water.
• Let it steep for an hour before straining and consuming it.

6. Inhale Steam:

This is also one of the most common methods of treating a sore throat and cold.

• Inhale some steam to alleviate the symptoms of a sore throat, especially if it is accompanied by nasal congestion.
• Bend over a bowl filled with boiling hot water, covering your head with a large towel.
• You can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to make the inhalation more soothing.
• Alternatively, you can take a hot shower and breathe in the steam to get relief.

7. Chill Out With Cayenne:

Cayenne pepper has a compound called capsaicin, which can alleviate your throat pain temporarily.

• Eating hot and fiery food can help soothe a sore throat.
• Prepare a mixture by adding ½ tsp cayenne pepper in about 200 ml boiling hot water.
• Add a tablespoon honey to mellow down the spiciness.
• Allow to cool down until warm and sip the concoction for a quick recovery.
• Make sure you keep stirring the cup as you drink, as the pepper settles down at the bottom of the cup.

However, if you are suffering from heart burns or hyperacidity, please be extra careful.

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